Crocin

Crocin (CAS 42553-65-1), also recognized commercially as Natural Yellow 6 and Natural Yellow 19, is the principal water-soluble carotenoid pigment derived from saffron and gardenia fruit. It delivers an intense golden-yellow hue across food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic formulations where synthetic dye alternatives are being phased out. In food and beverage manufacturing, it functions as a natural colorant.

This ingredient is used in dairy products, confectionery, beverages, and rice dishes, providing stable yellow coloration without the regulatory burden of synthetic azo dyes. It ensures clean label compliance for global brands. Pharmaceutical formulators incorporate it into nutraceutical capsules, tablets, and functional food matrices as an antioxidant active. Its documented stability in aqueous systems supports consistent dosing in various delivery formats.

In premium personal care products, it is used to impart natural color and antioxidant stabilization in serums, creams, and color cosmetics. The ingredient also serves as a reference standard in standardized saffron extracts. The product is commercially available as a fine powder or standardized extract, with purity grades typically ranging from 20% to 98% content by HPLC. It meets rigorous industrial requirements for high-purity applications.

Food-grade and pharmaceutical-grade specifications are offered, with sourcing predominantly from saffron-producing regions and gardenia-based extraction facilities. Quality control ensures adherence to global safety protocols.