Capsanthin

Capsanthin (CAS 465-42-9), also marketed under the colorant designation E160c, is a natural red-orange carotenoid pigment extracted primarily from red peppers. It delivers stable, vivid coloration and antioxidant stabilization across food and cosmetic applications.

In food manufacturing, it is used to color processed meats, sauces, soups, and snack seasonings where a consistent red-to-orange hue is required without synthetic dyes. Dairy and confectionery producers incorporate it into cheese coatings and butter.

It is also used in hard candies to achieve natural-label color compliance. In beverages, it provides heat- and light-stable pigmentation in emulsified drink formulations, ensuring long-term visual appeal for consumers.

Cosmetic formulators use it as a colorant in lip products, blushes, and skin-toning preparations. It is highly valued in these applications where a natural-origin pigment is preferred over synthetic alternatives.

The product is supplied as an oily liquid extract, oleoresin, or standardized powder. Concentration levels are typically expressed as ASTA color units or percentage carotenoid content depending on the specific grade.

Food-grade oleoresin grades conforming to E160c specifications are the most commercially prevalent form. Standardized extracts meeting FCC or EU food additive purity criteria are available for regulated food and cosmetic applications.