Crocetin
What is Crocetin?
Crocetin (CAS 27876-94-4) is a natural carotenoid dicarboxylic acid derived primarily from saffron and gardenia fruit, where it occurs as the aglycone core of crocin pigments.
Where is Crocetin used?
- Food and beverage: natural yellow-to-orange colorant where synthetic dye replacement is a priority
- Nutraceutical and dietary supplement manufacturing: incorporated into capsules and softgels for cognitive support and sleep quality positioning
- Cosmetics: antioxidant activity in premium skincare serums and creams
- Pharmaceutical research: active botanical extract for investigational oral and topical preparations
- It also functions as a natural colorant and antioxidant active.
Commercial specifications
- Standardized extract form with purity levels ranging from around 90% to 98%+ by HPLC
- Synthetic and natural grades
- Specification documentation commonly includes heavy metal testing and residual solvent data
Other Names (Synonyms)
trans-crocetin|8,8'-diapocarotenedioic acid|8,8'-diapo-psi,psi-carotenedioic acid|8,8'-diapo-8,8'-carotenedioic acid|Transcrocetinic acid|2,4,6,8,10,12,14-Hexadecaheptaenedioic acid, 2,6,11,15-tetramethyl-, (all-E)-