Abstract: An oral or topical composition having tanning and sun-screening activity, and the cosmetic uses thereof, are disclosed. The composition regulates skin pigmentation and includes carotenoids. Said composition essentially contains a component (a) consisting of at least one natural carotenoid having provitamin A activity, and selected from the group which consists of .beta.-carotene and/or .alpha.-carotene, and a component (b) corresponding to at least one natural carotenoid having no provitamin A activity, and consisting of lycopene, optionally in combination with a further component (b) selected from the group which consists of zeaxanthine, cryptoxanthine and lutein or a mixture thereof. The ratio of components (a) to lycopene is from 0.95:1 to 1:50.