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.

Where is Apocarotenal used?

• Food manufacturing: colors beverages and dairy products
• Margarine and processed foods: warm orange tone within regulatory limits
• Supplements and nutraceuticals: color standardization in softgels and tablets
• Cosmetics: natural-looking orange and peach tones in skin care and color cosmetics without synthetic azo dyes
• Pharmaceutical coatings: tint tablet films and capsule shells to a consistent, recognizable color
• It functions as both a pigment and an antioxidant stabilizer.

Good to know: The compound serves as a provitamin A source in supplement and nutraceutical applications.

Commercial specifications

• Concentrations typically standardized at 10% in oil or emulsion formats
• Formats suited to both fat-soluble and water-dispersible formulations