Description

β-Carotene is a naturally occurring, fat-soluble pigment belonging to the carotenoid family, renowned for its potent provitamin A activity and vibrant orange-red color. This compound is essential for its dual role as a critical nutrient and a highly effective, natural colorant in a wide range of consumer products. It is a fundamental ingredient for manufacturers in the global food, dietary supplement, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries seeking natural, functional solutions.

Application

• Food & Beverage Coloring: Used as a natural colorant (E160a) in juices, dairy products, confectionery, sauces, and baked goods to provide appealing yellow to orange hues.
• Dietary Supplements & Nutraceuticals: Formulated into softgels, capsules, and tablets as a source of provitamin A, supporting vision, immune function, and antioxidant defense.
• Pharmaceutical Formulations: Incorporated into multivitamin preparations and specialized therapeutic products for nutritional supplementation.
• Cosmetics & Personal Care: Added to skincare products, sunscreens, and color cosmetics for its antioxidant properties and natural tint.
• Animal Feed & Aquaculture: Utilized in feed premixes for poultry (to enhance egg yolk color) and in aquaculture for salmonid flesh pigmentation.
• Fortified Foods: An essential component in programs for food fortification to combat vitamin A deficiency in staple foods like margarine, cooking oils, and flour.

Basic Information

Product Name	β-Carotene
CAS No.	17161-33-0
Molecular Formula	C₄₀H₅₆
Molecular Weight	536.87 g/mol
Synonyms	Provitamin A; β-Carotene; Food Orange 5; CI 75130; E160a; trans-β-Carotene; 1,1'-(3,7,12,16-Tetramethyl-1,3,5,7,9,11,13,15,17-octadecanonaene-1,18-diyl)bis[2,6,6-trimethylcyclohexene]; Solatene (trade name)
EINECS	241-201-6

Quality Control

Our β-Carotene is produced and tested under strict quality management systems. We offer grades compliant with major international standards including FCC (Food Chemicals Codex) and USP (United States Pharmacopeia) for food, supplement, and pharmaceutical applications. Every batch undergoes rigorous analytical testing to ensure identity, purity, and safety. A comprehensive Certificate of Analysis (COA) documenting all critical parameters is available upon request.

Storage

Preserve in a tightly closed container, protected from light. Store in a cool, dry place at temperatures between 2°C and 8°C (refrigerated) or as specified on the label. Due to its sensitivity to oxidation, it is recommended to store under an inert atmosphere (e.g., nitrogen) after opening. Keep away from heat and incompatible materials.

Specification

Item	Specification
Appearance	Reddish-brown to violet crystals or crystalline powder
Identification (IR)	Conforms
Assay (HPLC)	≥ 96.0% (all-trans-β-Carotene)
Loss on Drying	≤ 1.0%
Residue on Ignition	≤ 0.1%
Heavy Metals (as Pb)	≤ 10 ppm
Arsenic (As)	≤ 3 ppm
Solvent Residues	Complies with ICH guidelines

Note: Specifications can be tailored. Please contact us for the detailed technical data sheet of a specific grade.