Product Overview

Beta-Carotene (β-Carotene, INCI: Beta-Carotene, Provitamin A, CAS 7235-40-7, C₄₀H₅₆, MW 536.87 g/mol, EINECS 230-636-6, CI 75130 / Food Orange 5) is the most potent provitamin A carotenoid in the human diet — one molecule of β-carotene is symmetrically cleaved by BCO1 (β-carotene-15,15′-oxygenase) into two molecules of all-trans-retinal, making it the most efficient dietary precursor of vitamin A without the hepatotoxicity risk associated with preformed retinol. β-Carotene operates through a dual antioxidant mechanism not shared by all carotenoids: (1) Physical singlet oxygen (¹O₂) quenching — β-carotene’s 11 conjugated C=C double bond polyene chain absorbs ¹O₂ excitation energy (94.3 kJ/mol) and dissipates it as heat through vibrational relaxation, returning β-carotene to ground state for repeated quenching cycles. (2) Peroxyl radical (ROO•) chain-breaking — at low oxygen tension characteristic of most tissues, β-carotene donates an electron from its conjugated system to form a resonance-stabilized carotenoid radical (Car•), which is regenerated by vitamin C (ascorbate) back to β-carotene, preventing lipid peroxidation propagation. This second mechanism is oxygen-tension-dependent — at high O₂ partial pressures (e.g., lung tissue at elevated supplemental O₂), the carotenoid peroxyl radical (Car-OO•) can itself propagate lipid peroxidation, explaining the pro-oxidant effect observed at high doses in the CARET and ATBC trials in smokers. This is why natural-source β-carotene, with its physiological cis/trans isomer distribution and companion carotenoids (α-carotene, lutein, cryptoxanthin), is preferred over 100% all-trans synthetic β-carotene for supplementation. UPOR Biotech provides beta-carotene from two natural sources: Dunaliella salina (halophilic green microalgae cultivated in salt lakes — produces up to 14% of dry weight as β-carotene under high-salinity/light stress, yielding a natural isomer profile of ~60-80% all-trans + 9-cis, 13-cis, and 15-cis isomers) and Blakeslea trispora (fungal fermentation — yields predominantly all-trans β-carotene with high specific activity for provitamin A conversion). Both sources are Non-GMO, sustainable, and meet USP/EP/FCC monographs.

As a leading beta-carotene manufacturer and bulk supplier, UPOR Biotech provides multiple delivery forms for B2B nutraceutical, cosmetic, food & beverage, and animal nutrition customers worldwide: Crystalline (≥96% HPLC) for maximum purity pharmaceutical and research applications; Powder (1%/5%/10%/20%/30% on carrier) for tablets, capsules, and dry blends; Oil Suspension (30% in sunflower/medium-chain triglyceride oil) for softgel encapsulation with enhanced bioavailability; and Cold-Water-Soluble (CWS) Beadlets (1-10%) for functional beverages, gummies, instant powders, and clear liquid applications. Natural E160a food colorant compliance (EU) and 21 CFR 73.95 (US FDA) — suitable for clean-label food and beverage coloring from yellow to orange. OEM and private label formulations available with flexible MOQ starting at 1 kg. Free sample available for qualified B2B buyers. Every shipment includes full documentation: COA with isomer profile, MSDS, UV-Vis spectrum, and stability data.

Beta-Carotene vs Astaxanthin vs Lycopene — The Carotenoid Hierarchy: Why β-Carotene Is the Only Provitamin A Carotenoid with Dual Antioxidant + Nutritional Function

The three major carotenoids serve complementary — not competitive — roles across provitamin A activity, antioxidant potency, and tissue targeting. Beta-Carotene is the only provitamin A carotenoid in this comparison — one BCO1 enzymatic cleavage yields two molecules of retinal, making it the sole dietary precursor that addresses vitamin A deficiency alongside antioxidant protection. It has 11 conjugated double bonds, singlet oxygen quenching at 1.0× reference, and accumulates in skin (stratum corneum photoprotection), eyes (macula with lutein/zeaxanthin), and adipose tissue. Caution: at high doses in smokers/ex-smokers, β-carotene exhibits pro-oxidant behavior at high O₂ tension (CARET/ATBC trial evidence). Astaxanthin (13 conjugated double bonds + polar keto/hydroxyl end groups) is the superior membrane antioxidant (6000× vitamin C ORAC) with unique blood-brain and blood-retinal barrier penetration — zero provitamin A activity, zero pro-oxidant risk at any dose. Lycopene (11 conjugated double bonds, acyclic) is the superior singlet oxygen quencher (2.2× β-carotene) with strong prostate tissue accumulation and clinical evidence for prostate health — zero provitamin A activity, zero pro-oxidant risk. The optimal carotenoid strategy for formulators: β-Carotene (provitamin A + skin/eye photoprotection) + Astaxanthin (membrane/brain/retinal antioxidant) + Lycopene (prostate/singlet oxygen quenching) = comprehensive, non-overlapping carotenoid coverage.

Technical Specifications

PropertySpecification
Product NameBeta-Carotene — Natural (Dunaliella salina) / Fermentation-Derived (Blakeslea trispora) / Synthetic
INCI NameBeta-Carotene
Common Name / Synonymsβ-Carotene; Provitamin A; trans-β-Carotene; Food Orange 5; CI 75130; CI Natural Yellow 26; Solatene; beta,beta-Carotene; E160a
CAS Number7235-40-7
EINECS230-636-6
Molecular FormulaC₄₀H₅₆
Molecular Weight536.87 g/mol
Source (Natural)Dunaliella salina (halophilic microalgae — salt lake cultivation) / Blakeslea trispora (fungal fermentation)
Key AdvantageMost potent provitamin A carotenoid: 1 molecule → 2 molecules retinal via BCO1. Dual antioxidant: ¹O₂ quenching + ROO• chain-breaking. Natural cis/trans isomer diversity + companion carotenoids.
AppearanceRed, reddish-brown, or orange-red crystalline powder (color varies with concentration and carrier)
Assay — Crystalline≥96.0% total carotenoids (HPLC, as β-Carotene, anhydrous basis) — USP/EP/FCC monograph compliant
Assay — Powder (1-30%)Label claim ±10%; β-Carotene content verified by UV-Vis at λmax 453-456 nm (cyclohexane) or 450-454 nm (ethanol)
Identification — UV-VisAbsorption maxima at 453-456 nm (cyclohexane); E1% 1cm ≥2500 (crystalline); A₄₅₅/A₄₈₃ ratio 1.14-1.19 (all-trans identity)
Identification — HPLCRetention time matches USP Beta-Carotene RS; isomer profile: all-trans 60-80% (natural), 9-cis 5-15%, 13-cis 2-10%, 15-cis <5%
Carotenoid Profile (Natural)β-Carotene ≥90% total carotenoids; companion carotenoids (α-carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin, cryptoxanthin) ≤10% combined
Loss on Drying≤1.0% (crystalline); ≤8.0% (powder/beadlet — carrier-dependent)
Residue on Ignition≤0.2% (crystalline); carrier-dependent for powder formulations
Melting Point176-184°C (crystalline, decomposition)
SolubilityPractically insoluble in water; soluble in chloroform, cyclohexane, dichloromethane; slightly soluble in ethanol, vegetable oils; freely soluble in hexane (crystalline)
Heavy Metals (Total)≤10 ppm (as Pb)
Elemental ImpuritiesPb ≤2 ppm; As ≤1 ppm; Hg ≤1 ppm; Cd ≤1 ppm (USP <232> / ICH Q3D compliant)
Microbial LimitsTAMC ≤1000 CFU/g; TYMC ≤100 CFU/g (USP <61> / EP <2.6.12>); Pathogens (E. coli, Salmonella, S. aureus, P. aeruginosa) — Absent in 10 g (USP <62> / EP <2.6.13>)
Residual SolventsUSP <467> / EP <5.4> / ICH Q3C Class 3 compliant; hexane, acetone, ethanol ≤5000 ppm each (if used in extraction)
Provitamin A Activity1 mg all-trans β-Carotene = 1,667 IU Vitamin A (USP conversion); 1 mg dietary β-Carotene = 0.167 mg Retinol Activity Equivalent (RAE)
Recommended Dosage (Nutraceutical)10-50 mg/day (16,700-83,300 IU) for skin photoprotection and immune support; 2-7 mg/day for general antioxidant/provitamin A maintenance
Recommended Usage (Cosmetic)0.01-0.1% in creams, lotions, and serums for pro-retinol antioxidant benefits and natural color
Available FormsCrystalline ≥96%; Powder 1%/5%/10%/20%/30%; Oil Suspension 30%; CWS Beadlets 1-10%; Microencapsulated
Grade / StandardsNutraceutical Grade, Cosmetic Grade, Food Grade (E160a), Pharma Grade — USP/EP/FCC monograph compliant
CertificationsISO 9001:2015, ISO 22000, HACCP, FDA Facility Registration, HALAL, KOSHER, Non-GMO, BSE/TSE-Free, EU E160a / US 21 CFR 73.95 food colorant
Packaging1 kg / 5 kg / 10 kg aluminum foil bags (nitrogen-flushed) with PE liner; 25 kg fiber drums with double PE liner and nitrogen headspace
Storage−5 to +8°C recommended; tightly sealed in original nitrogen-flushed container; protect from light, heat, and oxygen
Shelf Life2 years from date of manufacture under recommended storage (nitrogen, refrigerated, protected from light)

Key Benefits — Beta-Carotene

Most Potent Provitamin A Carotenoid — 1 Molecule → 2 Retinal

β-Carotene is the only carotenoid that yields two molecules of vitamin A per molecule: BCO1 (β-carotene-15,15′-oxygenase) symmetrically cleaves β-carotene at the central C15=C15′ double bond, producing two molecules of all-trans-retinal. This on-demand conversion prevents vitamin A toxicity — the body only converts what it needs. Unlike preformed retinol, β-carotene cannot cause hypervitaminosis A.

Provitamin A

Dual Antioxidant — ¹O₂ Physical Quenching + ROO• Radical Chain-Breaking

β-Carotene’s 11 conjugated double bonds enable two distinct antioxidant mechanisms: (1) physical singlet oxygen quenching (¹O₂ → ³O₂ via energy transfer, no chemical change to β-carotene) and (2) peroxyl radical (ROO•) chain-breaking at low oxygen tension. The carotenoid radical (Car•) is regenerated by vitamin C, creating a synergistic antioxidant network — formulation tip: always pair with ascorbate or vitamin E.

Dual Antioxidant

Natural Isomer Diversity — Dunaliella salina cis/trans Physiological Mix

Natural β-carotene from Dunaliella salina contains all-trans (60-80%) + 9-cis (5-15%) + 13-cis (2-10%) + 15-cis isomers — plus companion carotenoids (α-carotene, lutein, cryptoxanthin) with synergistic antioxidant and absorption benefits. Natural isomer mix provides broader-spectrum photoprotection and lower pro-oxidant risk vs 100% all-trans synthetic β-carotene.

Natural Isomers

Multi-Form Delivery — Crystalline, Powder, Oil, Beadlets for Every Application

Available in five delivery forms to match any formulation: Crystalline ≥96% (max purity), Powder 1-30% (tablets/capsules/dry blends), Oil Suspension 30% (softgels — enhanced bioavailability with dietary fat), CWS Beadlets 1-10% (beverages/gummies/functional foods), and Microencapsulated (oxygen/light-protected). Natural E160a food colorant compliant — yellow to orange shades.

Multi-Form

Applications

Nutraceutical Vitamin A & Antioxidant Supplements

β-Carotene at 10-50 mg/day in multivitamins, standalone provitamin A supplements, and antioxidant blends. Natural source preferred for clean-label and Non-GMO positioning. OEM and private label available with flexible MOQ.

Skin Photoprotection & Anti-Aging Cosmeceuticals

β-Carotene at 0.01-0.1% in creams, serums, and sun care products. Accumulates in stratum corneum for UV/blue light absorption. Pro-retinol activity stimulates epidermal renewal without retinol-associated irritation — ideal for sensitive skin daily care.

Natural Food & Beverage Coloring (E160a / CI 75130)

β-Carotene CWS beadlets (1-10%) for water-based beverages, gummies, dairy, and bakery products. Clean-label natural yellow-to-orange colorant replacing synthetic FD&C dyes. EU E160a(i) and US 21 CFR 73.95 compliant for global markets.

Eye Health — Macular Carotenoid & AMD Prevention

β-Carotene as part of the AREDS2 carotenoid matrix — combined with lutein, zeaxanthin, vitamin C, vitamin E, and zinc for age-related macular degeneration (AMD) prevention. BCO1 and BCO2 enzymes are expressed in the retinal pigment epithelium for local conversion.

Immune Support — Elderly & Clinical Nutrition

β-Carotene at 25-50 mg/day enhances CD4+ T-cell counts, NK cell activity, and lymphocyte mitogen response — particularly effective in reversing age-related immune decline. Used in medical nutrition, enteral formulas, and geriatric supplements.

Animal Nutrition & Aquafeed Pigmentation

β-Carotene in feed-grade powder (1-10%) for poultry yolk pigmentation, dairy cattle (fertility + milk β-carotene enrichment), and aquafeed (salmonid flesh coloration in combination with astaxanthin and canthaxanthin). Natural source preferred for organic certification.

Frequently Asked Questions

Beta-Carotene (CAS 7235-40-7) is the most potent provitamin A carotenoid — one molecule is symmetrically cleaved by the BCO1 enzyme (β-carotene-15,15′-oxygenase) at the central C15=C15′ double bond to yield two molecules of all-trans-retinal, which are then reduced to retinol (vitamin A). This on-demand conversion, regulated by the body’s vitamin A status via retinoic acid receptor (RAR)-mediated feedback on BCO1 expression, prevents hypervitaminosis A — unlike preformed retinol, β-carotene cannot cause toxicity. As an antioxidant, β-carotene operates via two mechanisms: (1) physical singlet oxygen (¹O₂) quenching — the 11-conjugated double-bond polyene chain absorbs ¹O₂ excitation energy and dissipates it as heat, returning β-carotene to ground state unchanged for repeated cycles; (2) peroxyl radical (ROO•) chain-breaking at low oxygen tension — β-carotene donates an electron to form a resonance-stabilized carotenoid radical (Car•), which is regenerated by vitamin C. Natural β-carotene from Dunaliella salina contains a physiological isomer mixture (~60-80% all-trans + 9-cis/13-cis/15-cis) plus companion carotenoids (α-carotene, lutein, cryptoxanthin) — providing broader protection than 100% all-trans synthetic β-carotene.

Natural beta-carotene provides three clinically validated, non-overlapping benefits across skin, eye, and immune systems: (1) Skin photoprotection — β-carotene selectively accumulates in the stratum corneum and viable epidermis (confirmed by Raman spectroscopy in vivo), absorbs UV (280-400 nm) and blue light (400-500 nm), and reduces sunburn erythema by 20-40% after 8-10 weeks of oral supplementation at 25-50 mg/day (Stahl 2000 RCT, Heinrich 2003 RCT). Topical β-carotene at 0.01-0.1% provides pro-retinol epidermal renewal without retinol-associated irritation — ideal for sensitive skin. (2) Eye health (AREDS2 carotenoid) — β-carotene works synergistically with lutein and zeaxanthin as macular carotenoids; BCO1/BCO2 enzymes are expressed in retinal pigment epithelium for local on-demand retinal conversion. The AREDS formulation (β-carotene + vitamin C + vitamin E + zinc) reduced AMD progression risk by 25% in the original trial. (3) Immune modulation — β-carotene at 25-50 mg/day enhances CD4+ T-helper cell counts, natural killer (NK) cell cytotoxic activity, and lymphocyte proliferative response to mitogens — effects most pronounced in the elderly (>65 years), reversing age-related immunosenescence (Santos 1996 RCT, Hughes 1997 review). Additional benefit: natural food colorant (E160a) for clean-label replacement of synthetic azo dyes in F&B — yellow to orange, pH-stable, light-stable when microencapsulated.

UPOR Biotech provides beta-carotene in five delivery forms, each optimized for specific applications: Crystalline ≥96% HPLC — maximum purity for pharmaceutical, research, and reference standard use. Powder (1%/5%/10%/20%/30% on carrier — starch, maltodextrin, or gum acacia) — for tablets, hard capsules, dry powder blends, and premixes; higher loadings reduce carrier volume. Oil Suspension (30% β-carotene in sunflower oil or MCT oil) — for softgel encapsulation; lipid co-ingestion enhances β-carotene bioavailability 3-5× vs dry powder via bile salt micellarization (Brown 2004 bioavailability study). Cold-Water-Soluble (CWS) Beadlets (1-10%) — starch/sucrose/gelatin matrix with emulsified β-carotene for instant dispersion in water-based beverages, gummies, functional foods, and clear liquid applications. Microencapsulated (1-20%) — spray-dried with modified starch and tocopherol antioxidant protection for extended shelf life in challenging matrices. Recommended daily dosage: 10-50 mg/day (16,700-83,300 IU) for skin photoprotection and immune support; 2-7 mg/day for general provitamin A maintenance; 25-50 mg/day for AMD prevention in AREDS-type formulations (note: smokers/ex-smokers should avoid β-carotene supplementation >20 mg/day per CARET/ATBC trial evidence). Always pair with vitamin C (ascorbic acid 200-500 mg) and vitamin E (mixed tocopherols 200-400 IU) for synergistic antioxidant network regeneration — vitamin C converts the carotenoid radical (Car•) back to β-carotene, preventing the pro-oxidant shift at high O₂ tension. Cosmetic usage: 0.01-0.1% in creams/lotions/serums.

Natural vs Synthetic β-Carotene: Natural β-carotene from Dunaliella salina or Blakeslea trispora contains a physiological mixture of all-trans (60-80%) + 9-cis (5-15%) + 13-cis (2-10%) + 15-cis isomers plus companion carotenoids (α-carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin, cryptoxanthin). Synthetic β-carotene (BASF/DSM process, β-ionone → C₁₄/C₁₀ Wittig condensation) is 100% all-trans — higher provitamin A conversion on paper (100% of molecules → 2 retinal each) but lacks isomer diversity and companion synergists. Clinical evidence: natural-source carotenoid complexes consistently show superior safety profiles — the ATBC (29,133 smokers) and CARET (18,314 smokers/asbestos workers) trials using synthetic all-trans β-carotene (20-30 mg/day) showed increased lung cancer incidence at high O₂ tension (pro-oxidant Car-OO• propagation), an effect not observed with natural mixed-carotenoid sources. vs Astaxanthin: Astaxanthin (xanthophyll, C₄₀H₅₂O₄, 13 conjugated double bonds + polar keto/hydroxyl end groups) is the superior membrane antioxidant (6000× vitamin C ORAC value vs β-carotene’s ~500×). Unique advantages: crosses blood-brain barrier AND blood-retinal barrier (β-carotene does not), anchors in phospholipid bilayer membrane (polar end groups span the bilayer), zero provitamin A activity, zero pro-oxidant risk at any dose. vs Lycopene: Lycopene (acyclic carotene, C₄₀H₅₆, 11 conjugated double bonds — same as β-carotene) is the superior singlet oxygen quencher (2.2× β-carotene on relative ORAC). Unique advantage: strongly accumulates in prostate tissue (the only carotenoid to do so at clinically significant concentrations), strong clinical evidence for prostate health and BPH. Optimal comprehensive carotenoid strategy: β-Carotene (provitamin A + skin/eye) + Astaxanthin (membrane/brain/retinal) + Lycopene (prostate/singlet oxygen).

Every shipment includes: COA (HPLC purity ≥96% crystalline; UV-Vis assay at λmax 453-456 nm, E1% 1cm ≥2500; full carotenoid isomer profile — all-trans/9-cis/13-cis/15-cis area %; companion carotenoid content — α-carotene, lutein, cryptoxanthin; heavy metals Pb ≤2 ppm/As ≤1 ppm/Hg ≤1 ppm/Cd ≤1 ppm; residual solvents per USP <467>/EP <5.4>/ICH Q3C; microbial panel per USP <61>/<62> and EP <2.6.12>/<2.6.13>), MSDS, HPLC Chromatogram with full carotenoid profile (signed and dated), UV-Vis Absorption Spectrum (200-600 nm, λmax verification and A₄₅₅/A₄₈₃ identity ratio), Source Certificate (Dunaliella salina natural or Blakeslea trispora fermentation — full traceability to cultivation site), Non-GMO Statement, BSE/TSE-Free Statement, Allergen Statement (soy-free, gluten-free, dairy-free), HALAL Certificate, KOSHER Certificate, ISO 22000 + HACCP, ISO 9001:2015, FDA Facility Registration, Food Colorant Compliance (EU Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 — E160a(i) mixed carotenes, E160a(ii) β-carotene; US 21 CFR 73.95 — β-carotene exempt from certification), Stability Data (25°C/60%RH 24-month real-time nitrogen-flushed; 40°C/75%RH 6-month accelerated nitrogen-flushed; oxygen exposure stress test — t₉₀ at ambient O₂), and Complete Lot Traceability from algal cultivation/fermentation batch to finished product. Free sample available for qualified B2B buyers — specify form (crystalline/powder/oil/beadlet) and concentration. MOQ: 1 kg. All documents in English.