β-Carotene(CAS:7235-40-7)

β-Carotene (CAS 7235‑40‑7) is a natural carotenoid appearing as a red‑purple crystalline powder, soluble in organic solvents but insoluble in water. It is chiefly employed as a food additive in products such as margarine, fruit juices, cakes, candies and beverages, providing a vivid orange‑yellow hue and serving as a provitamin A source, with usage limits set by GB2760‑96. In dietary supplements, it is added to multivitamin tablets, functional drinks and children’s nutrition powders to boost antioxidant capacity, support immunity and aid visual health . In cosmetics, beta‑carotene is used in sunscreens, creams and makeup as a pigment and antioxidant, improving skin radiance and delaying photo‑aging. As a pharmaceutical ingredient, it acts as a provitamin A for treating vitamin A deficiency and as a coloring agent in ophthalmic drugs, offering antioxidant and cellular protective effects. Moreover, beta‑carotene is applied to color dairy products, sauces and baked goods, enhancing sensory quality and extending shelf life; its good thermal stability preserves color during processing, making it suitable for large‑scale industrial production.