Apocarotenal

Apocarotenal (CAS 1107-26-2), also known as β-apo-8′-carotenal and listed as E160e in the EU, is a carotenoid-derived colorant used to deliver orange-to-red hues in food, supplement, and cosmetic formulations.

It functions as both a pigment and an antioxidant stabilizer, offering formulators a natural-origin coloring option with dual functional value. In food manufacturing, E160e is used to color beverages and dairy products.

It is also applied to margarine and processed foods where a warm orange tone is required within regulatory limits. Supplement and nutraceutical producers incorporate it into softgels and tablets for color standardization.

The compound serves as a provitamin A source in these applications. In cosmetics, it is used to achieve natural-looking orange and peach tones in skin care and color cosmetics without synthetic azo dyes.

Pharmaceutical coating applications also use it to tint tablet films and capsule shells to a consistent, recognizable color. Apocarotenal is supplied as a crystalline powder and in oil suspension or emulsified liquid forms.

These formats are suited to both fat-soluble and water-dispersible formulations. Standard grades include food-grade and FCC-compliant specifications, with concentrations typically standardized at 10% in oil or emulsion formats.

Bulk supply is available for industrial use, with smaller quantities offered for formulation development. This ensures versatility across various manufacturing scales and specific technical requirements for global distribution.