The allure of French pharmacies is well-known among American travelers, who often return with treasures like A313 Vitamin A Pomade, Bioderma Micellar Water, and Biafine. However, what do American pharmacies offer to international visitors? Surprisingly, it’s not beauty products that draw tourists to CVS and Walgreens, but a supplement: melatonin, which is in high demand.
Scott, visiting from Edinburgh, Scotland for this year’s World Cup, describes melatonin as “the best supplement for sleep help.” He regularly purchases melatonin pills during his U.S. visits, buying around 120 pills from Walgreens to last until his next visit.
He notes, “I buy just enough to have stock if needed, but my mom relies on it a lot more,” as 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
Melatonin is one of the most sought-after supplements, promising relaxation and improved sleep. However, its availability is limited in other parts of the world. In countries like the United Kingdom and Australia, melatonin requires a prescription, making its easy access in the U.S. particularly attractive.
Annika Wang, a London-based publicist and former New York City resident, expresses astonishment that melatonin can be purchased in gummy bear form in the U.S. but is restricted in the UK. After moving to London, Wang shares with Vogue that melatonin gummies are now her top priority when stocking up on U.S. items.
Celebrity stylist Holly White ensures she has melatonin on hand after long trips to help her body recover. “For me, it’s the only thing that works and helps get through the jet lag quickly,” says White. “It’s a game changer when you travel a lot and have a baby at home.”
Despite the ease of access to melatonin in the U.S., concerns about its regulation in other countries should not raise alarms. Amanda Kahn, MD, a primary care doctor and longevity expert, states that melatonin is generally safe for most adults and is internationally recognized for its role in circadian health. The disparity in accessibility is more about regulatory differences than safety issues. “The difference is less about its safety and whether it works, and more about who should oversee access to it,” explains Dr. Kahn.
Dr. Kahn advises being informed about any supplements you take, whether you reside in the U.S. or are visiting. “Patients shouldn’t take doses that are too high, or think more is better,” she notes. “And they should make sure that the supplement they’re getting is third-party tested.”
She recommends reading labels carefully, selecting products with reputable third-party testing such as USP or NSF, and consulting a doctor for any questions or concerns.
Other American pharmacy treasures to buy
Travelers often find more than one must-have item during their trips. Another favorite is the Tide To Go Stain Remover Pens. Diego Portillo, Vogue’s visual editor, discovered the pen through his American partner and was impressed by its ability to remove salsa stains. After running out, the search for replacements in Mexico City began. “We looked for replacements everywhere,” Portillo recalls. “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).”
