Zeaxanthin

Zeaxanthin (CAS 144-68-3) is a naturally occurring xanthophyll carotenoid used in food, nutraceutical, pharmaceutical and personal care manufacturing.

Where is Zeaxanthin used?

• Nutraceutical and supplement: active ingredient standardised to 5%, 10% or 20% by HPLC, commonly with lutein in eye-health and antioxidant formulations
• Food and beverage: natural colourant and antioxidant stabiliser
• Pharmaceutical: incorporated into softgel capsules, hard-shell capsules and oral liquid preparations
• Personal care and cosmetic: skin-care products targeting oxidative stress and photoprotection, suitable for serums, creams and sun-care formulations
• It is derived commercially from marigold flowers (Tagetes erecta) and valued for antioxidant activity and yellow-orange pigmentation.

Good to know: Permitted under EU food additive regulations, referenced under the carotenoid category (E 160a group and related provisions), depending on application and jurisdiction. Buyers should confirm USP specification compliance where applicable.

Commercial specifications

• Standardised to defined potencies of 5%, 10% or 20% by HPLC
• Pharmaceutical-grade: tighter purity thresholds, low residual solvents and heavy metals, GMP documentation
• Forms: crystalline extract, standardised powder (free-flow, micronised), oil suspensions, cold-water-soluble dispersions
• Packaging: 1 kg and 5 kg units, scaling to 25 kg drums or cartons