The A313 Vitamin A Pomade. The Bioderma Micellar Water. Biafine. The obsession with French pharmacies has introduced American travelers to some of the best beauty finds. But what do the States have to offer visitors in return? Well, it’s not a skincare, hair, or makeup product that tourists stock up on while perusing the aisles of CVS and Walgreens. The hottest U.S. item flying off of pharmacy shelves (even giving ranch a run for its money) is actually a supplement: melatonin, to be exact.
“It’s the best supplement for sleep help,” says Scott, who is currently visiting the States from Edinburgh, Scotland this year’s World Cup. Scott usually stocks up on melatonin pills for both him and his mom during his visits to the U.S: about 120 pills from Walgreens will usually suffice until his next trip back.
“I tend to buy just enough to have stock if I need it, but my mom relies on it a lot more,” he tells Vogue. “[She] now swears by it, saying she gets the best sleep she’s had in decades from it.”
The allure of melatonin
With promises of relaxation and better sleep, melatonin is one of the most popular supplements. It’s also heavily regulated and restricted by the government in other parts of the world. In places such as the United Kingdom and Australia, for example, one cannot get melatonin without a prescription, making its accessibility in the U.S. beyond appealing.
“It’s pretty crazy to me that something that can be bought in gummy bear form in the States is essentially contraband here,” says Annika Wang, a London-based publicist and former New York City resident. Since making the move across the Atlantic, Wang tells Vogue she found herself stocking up on many U.S. items, with melatonin gummies topping the list.
Celebrity stylist Holly White also makes sure to bring this supplement home to help restore her body after long travel days. “For me, it’s the only thing that works and helps get through the jet lag quickly,” says White. “Which is a game changer when you travel a lot and have a baby at home.”
But such easy access to a supplement that is heavily regulated elsewhere should not cause any concern. Amanda Kahn, MD, primary care doctor and longevity expert, explains that melatonin has an excellent safety profile for most adults and is broadly recognized internationally for its role in our circadian health. The difference in accessibility has more to do with regulatory beliefs than with the dangers of taking the supplements. “The difference is less about its safety and whether it works, and more about who should oversee access to it,” says Dr. Kahn.
To be safe, whether you’re from the States or visiting, she says it’s always a good idea to be informed about any supplement you take. “Patients shouldn’t take doses that are too high, or think more is better,” she advises. “And they should make sure that the supplement they’re getting is third-party tested.”
Read labels carefully, choose products with reputable third-party testing (she lists USP or NSF as good ones to look out for), and be sure to consult with a doctor for any questions and concerns.
Other American pharmacy treasures to buy
Like any true haul, one must buy more than just one specific item. Another popular item people like to hoard during their travels is the trusty Tide To Go Stain Remover Pens. Diego Portillo, Vogue’s visual editor, was first introduced to it by his American partner. After experiencing first-hand its salsa-removing powers, the hunt was on to find more in Mexico City once the pen ran out. “We looked for replacements everywhere,” Portillo says. “They’ve become a must-buy item every trip we take to the U.S. now; we don’t fly back without a mandatory CVS trip to stock up on To Go Pens (and a bag or two of Gardetto’s).”
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