Does beta-carotene increase attractiveness?: The science behind a healthy glow

October 8, 2025 •

3 min read

In a 2017 study published in Behavioral Ecology, researchers found that dietary beta-carotene supplementation increased facial attractiveness and perceived health in human males. This surprising finding suggests that a diet rich in colorful fruits and vegetables can offer more than just internal health benefits, but does beta-carotene increase attractiveness in a meaningful, noticeable way?

Quick Summary

Scientific studies show that consuming beta-carotene can lead to increased skin yellowness and redness due to pigment accumulation. This color change is perceived by observers as more attractive and healthy, though research has not confirmed a link to improved actual health in healthy individuals.

Key Points

A Carotenoid Glow: Dietary beta-carotene accumulates in the skin, giving it a healthy, golden-yellow hue that people find attractive.
Perceived Health, Not Actual Health: While studies show a link between skin color and perceived health, research has not found a corresponding effect on actual health markers like immune function.
More Appealing Than a Suntan: Some research suggests that a carotenoid-induced glow is perceived as healthier and more appealing than a tan from UV exposure.
Food vs. Supplements: Experts recommend getting beta-carotene from a balanced diet of colorful fruits and vegetables rather than high-dose supplements, which can carry risks.
Individual Results Vary: The time it takes to see results from increased beta-carotene intake can vary, with noticeable changes often appearing after several weeks of consistent consumption.
Potential Risks: High-dose beta-carotene supplementation carries risks, including a harmless yellowing of the skin (carotenosis) and, in smokers, an increased risk of lung cancer.

The Science Behind the 'Carotenoid Glow'

Beta-carotene is a vibrant pigment known as a carotenoid, responsible for the warm, vivid hues in many fruits and vegetables, such as carrots and sweet potatoes. When ingested, the body converts some beta-carotene into vitamin A, an essential nutrient for vision, immune function, and skin health. However, when dietary intake is sufficient, the excess beta-carotene accumulates in the skin's outermost layers, imparting a golden or yellowish tint.

This subtle color change, sometimes called a 'carotenoid glow', is distinct from a UV-induced tan. While a tan results from increased melanin production in response to sun damage, the carotenoid glow reflects a healthy diet rich in antioxidant-filled produce. A 2017 study on human males found that supplementation significantly enhanced facial yellowness and redness, which was rated as more attractive by female observers.

Perceived Health vs. Actual Health

Interestingly, the research found that while the beta-carotene treatment increased perceived health and attractiveness, it did not affect measures of actual health, such as oxidative stress, innate immunity, or semen quality, within the study period. This suggests that a carotenoid-based skin color may function as a social signal of a healthy diet and lifestyle, which people find attractive, but it is not necessarily a direct indicator of improved physical health. The preference for this carotenoid-based coloration over a traditional suntan has been demonstrated in some studies, indicating a preference for diet-derived coloration.

Achieving a Carotenoid Glow Through Diet

For most people, the safest and most effective way to obtain the benefits of beta-carotene is through a varied, whole-food diet. Not only does this reduce the risk of consuming excessive amounts, but it also ensures you receive the synergistic effects of other vitamins and phytochemicals present in fruits and vegetables. To maximize absorption of fat-soluble carotenoids, it's helpful to consume them with a source of healthy fat, such as olive oil or avocado.

Foods high in beta-carotene include:

Carrots: A classic source, packed with the pigment.
Sweet Potatoes: Their vibrant orange color is a clear indicator of high beta-carotene content.
Spinach and Kale: Though their green chlorophyll masks the pigment, these leafy greens are excellent sources.
Pumpkin and Butternut Squash: These winter squashes provide a generous dose of beta-carotene.
Cantaloupe and Mangoes: Delicious fruits that can help you achieve a healthy glow.
Bell Peppers: Red and yellow varieties are rich in carotenoids.

Food-Based Beta-Carotene vs. Supplementation

To illustrate the difference between obtaining beta-carotene from food versus supplements, consider the following comparison:


Feature	Food-Based Beta-Carotene	Supplemental Beta-Carotene
Source	Whole fruits and vegetables	Isolated synthetic or natural compounds
Safety	Generally safe, carries very low risk of toxicity	Excessive doses can cause issues, especially in smokers
Skin Coloration	Gradual, natural-looking golden hue	Can lead to harmless but noticeable yellow-orange tint (carotenosis)
Associated Nutrients	Comes with fiber, other vitamins, and antioxidants	Provides a high, isolated dose of a single compound
Risk of Overdose	Very unlikely, as your body naturally regulates absorption	Possible at high doses, leading to side effects

Cautions and Potential Risks

While obtaining beta-carotene from food is safe for most, high-dose supplementation requires caution. Research has shown that heavy smokers who take beta-carotene supplements may face an increased risk of lung cancer. For this reason, supplements are not recommended for individuals who smoke. In rare cases, extremely high supplement intake can interfere with clinical blood tests, mimicking certain conditions like jaundice due to the skin discoloration. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any high-dose supplementation regimen.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the science shows that a diet rich in beta-carotene can indeed increase perceived attractiveness by subtly enhancing skin tone with a warm, golden hue. This effect, derived from the natural pigments in fruits and vegetables, is seen by many as more appealing and healthier than a sun-induced tan. However, it is crucial to remember that this is a signal of a healthy diet, not necessarily a marker of improved physical health, particularly when obtained through supplements. For a natural and healthy glow, focusing on a balanced, colorful diet is the most effective and safest approach. For further reading, see the study here: The carotenoid beta-carotene enhances facial colour, attractiveness and perceived health, but not actual health, in humans.

Frequently Asked Questions

Beta-carotene, a pigment from fruits and vegetables, is absorbed from the diet and deposited in the skin's outer layers. This imparts a warm, golden-yellowish tint that is perceived by observers as healthier and more appealing.

Many experts argue that a carotenoid-induced glow is a healthier alternative to a UV-induced tan. The glow comes without the skin damage, premature aging, and increased cancer risk associated with excessive sun exposure.

Excellent dietary sources of beta-carotene include carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, spinach, kale, cantaloupe, and red and yellow bell peppers. The richer the color, the higher the carotenoid content.

Yes, studies have shown that beta-carotene supplements can alter skin color and increase perceived attractiveness. However, it is generally safer and provides more nutritional balance to obtain beta-carotene from whole foods.

Excessive intake of beta-carotene, particularly from supplements, can lead to a harmless condition called carotenosis, which causes the skin to turn yellow-orange. High-dose supplementation has also been linked to an increased risk of lung cancer in smokers.

The timeframe for noticeable skin changes can vary among individuals. Studies suggest that consistent intake, either through diet or supplementation, for at least several weeks is needed before changes become apparent.

A beta-carotene-induced glow is often perceived as a sign of good health, but studies on healthy individuals have shown no direct correlation between the color change and actual health markers. It is considered a cue of a healthy lifestyle, but not a direct measure of it.

Since carotenoids are fat-soluble, consuming beta-carotene-rich foods with a source of healthy fats, such as olive oil, nuts, or seeds, can significantly enhance absorption.