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Canthaxanthin is a naturally occurring carotenoid pigment belonging to the xanthophyll class, known for its strong red-orange coloration.
Canthaxanthin is widely used as a color additive in food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and animal feed, particularly for poultry and aquaculture.
Canthaxanthin functions as an antioxidant and provitamin with applications in health supplements and skin protection formulations.
CAS Number: 514-78-3
EC Number: 208-187-2
Molecular Formula: C40H52O2
Molecular Weight: 564.83 g/mol
Synonyms: Canthaxanthin, 4,4'-Diketo-β-carotene, β-Carotene-4,4'-dione, Food Orange 8, E161g, Roxanthin Red 10, Canthaxanthine, Carophyll Red, Lucantin Red, Colorant E161g, Canthaxanthin USP, Canthaxanthin Feed Grade, Canthaxanthin Cosmetic Grade
APPLICATIONS
Canthaxanthin is used in poultry feed to enhance the red coloration of chicken skin and egg yolks.
Canthaxanthin is included in aquaculture feed to improve the flesh color of salmon, trout, and ornamental fish.
Canthaxanthin is employed as a food additive to impart a red-orange hue in sausages, sauces, dairy products, and baked goods.
Canthaxanthin is found in cosmetics, such as lipsticks and blushes, for its strong, stable pigmentation.
Canthaxanthin is used in self-tanning supplements and oral skin bronzers to enhance skin tone and appearance.
Canthaxanthin is used in sun protection formulations for its antioxidant and skin-protecting properties.
Canthaxanthin is incorporated into dietary supplements for its antioxidant activity and potential eye health benefits.
Canthaxanthin is studied for its role in macular health due to its similarity to other xanthophylls like lutein and zeaxanthin.
Canthaxanthin is utilized in nutraceuticals targeting oxidative stress and immune function support.
Canthaxanthin is used in pharmaceutical coatings to provide color coding and photoprotection.
Canthaxanthin is employed in research studies involving carotenoid metabolism and antioxidant mechanisms.
Canthaxanthin is used in pet food formulations for aesthetic and health enhancement purposes.
Canthaxanthin is applied in biotechnological processes involving microbial fermentation and pigment extraction.
Canthaxanthin is used in encapsulated forms for use in beverages, jellies, and syrups.
Canthaxanthin is found in gelatin capsules and softgels as a lipid-soluble colorant.
Canthaxanthin is used in poultry feed to enhance the red or orange coloration of egg yolks.
Canthaxanthin is added to broiler chicken feed to improve the pigmentation of skin and fat.
Canthaxanthin is used in aquaculture to intensify the red hue in salmon, trout, and ornamental fish.
Canthaxanthin is applied in cosmetic formulations for its antioxidant and color-enhancing properties.
Canthaxanthin is used in tanning pills to give skin a sun-kissed appearance through systemic pigmentation.
Canthaxanthin is incorporated into food products such as sauces and cheeses as a natural red-orange colorant.
Canthaxanthin is used in pet food for color enhancement and antioxidant supplementation.
Canthaxanthin is included in dietary supplements for its antioxidant support and eye health benefits.
Canthaxanthin is used in soft drink powders and tablet coatings to improve visual appeal.
Canthaxanthin is applied in confectionery products to provide uniform and stable red coloring.
Canthaxanthin is used in processed meat products like sausages to enhance color and consumer appeal.
Canthaxanthin is incorporated in tablet and capsule formulations to improve visual identification.
Canthaxanthin is applied in bakery glazes and fillings for consistent, attractive coloration.
Canthaxanthin is used in cosmetic lip balms and sticks to give a reddish hue.
Canthaxanthin is utilized in dairy products like flavored yogurts for coloring purposes.
Canthaxanthin is used in ice creams and frozen desserts to enhance visual richness.
Canthaxanthin is included in energy drinks and sports beverages for color stability under light.
Canthaxanthin is used in nutrient-enriched bars and snacks for both color and health claims.
Canthaxanthin is applied in pharmaceutical syrups to improve patient compliance through aesthetic appeal.
Canthaxanthin is used in cosmetics as a pigment in eyeshadows, blush, and other colored products.
Canthaxanthin is added to multivitamin preparations for antioxidant synergy and uniform appearance.
Canthaxanthin is used in dry seasoning powders to provide a warm orange-red tint.
Canthaxanthin is incorporated into powdered soup mixes to enhance visual appeal.
Canthaxanthin is used in cosmetic creams to impart a slight tint and boost skin tone appearance.
Canthaxanthin is applied in poultry breeding operations to ensure market-preferred color traits.
Canthaxanthin is used in rice crackers and snack foods to enhance surface coloration.
Canthaxanthin is included in cheese analogs to imitate the color of aged cheese.
Canthaxanthin is added to vegan meat substitutes to simulate cooked meat tones.
Canthaxanthin is used in sauces and marinades for visual enhancement without synthetic additives.
Canthaxanthin is applied in natural lipstick formulations as a plant-based red-orange pigment.
Canthaxanthin is used in beverage emulsions to provide light-stable color.
Canthaxanthin is employed in high-end cosmetic lines for its combined coloring and antioxidant properties.
Canthaxanthin is incorporated in bakery toppings to provide consistent and vibrant color.
Canthaxanthin is used in decorative food items like colored gels and icings.
Canthaxanthin is added to nutritional shakes to improve color consistency and consumer perception.
Canthaxanthin is used in animal nutritional research to study pigmentation and antioxidant effects.
Canthaxanthin is applied in the food industry as a natural alternative to synthetic dyes.
Canthaxanthin is used in hobby aquariums to enhance the coloration of ornamental fish species.
Canthaxanthin is included in customized supplement blends for skin-brightening support.
Canthaxanthin is used in film coatings for vitamins and supplements to improve their aesthetic value.
Canthaxanthin functions as a potent antioxidant by neutralizing free radicals.
Canthaxanthin is structurally related to beta-carotene but differs in the location of double bonds.
Canthaxanthin is used in animal feed primarily to influence pigmentation outcomes.
Canthaxanthin has been extensively evaluated for safety in food and cosmetic applications.
Canthaxanthin is usually synthesized for commercial use but can also be derived from natural sources.
Canthaxanthin is stable under light and heat, making it suitable for industrial processing.
Canthaxanthin contributes to skin tone modulation when consumed orally in regulated doses.
Canthaxanthin is approved for use as a food additive in many countries and listed under E161g.
DESCRIPTION
Canthaxanthin appears as a dark red to reddish-brown crystalline powder.
Canthaxanthin is insoluble in water but soluble in fats, oils, and organic solvents such as chloroform and hexane.
Canthaxanthin is structurally similar to β-carotene but contains two keto groups at the 4 and 4′ positions, enhancing its pigment stability.
Canthaxanthin is a naturally occurring carotenoid pigment found in various plants, fungi, and animals.
Canthaxanthin is a fat-soluble compound with strong red-orange coloring properties.
Canthaxanthin is classified as a xanthophyll, a subgroup of carotenoids containing oxygen in the molecule.
Canthaxanthin exhibits strong antioxidant properties by quenching singlet oxygen and scavenging free radicals.
Canthaxanthin is synthesized both naturally (e.g., in algae and fungi) and industrially via chemical or microbial synthesis.
Canthaxanthin is stable in dry form under low light and oxygen exposure but degrades when exposed to heat, light, and air in solution.
Canthaxanthin is approved for use in many countries, often with concentration limits depending on application.
Canthaxanthin has a high color intensity and is effective at low concentrations.
Canthaxanthin may deposit in adipose tissues and the retina at high doses, and its use in supplements is regulated accordingly.
Canthaxanthin is often delivered in beadlet or microencapsulated forms for stability and controlled release.
Canthaxanthin is a lipophilic pigment used in both oil-based and emulsified systems.
PROPERTIES
Chemical Formula: C40H52O2
Molecular Weight: 564.83 g/mol
Common Name: Canthaxanthin
Appearance: Red to dark red crystalline powder
Odor: Odorless
Solubility: Insoluble in water; soluble in oils and organic solvents
Melting Point: ~210°C (decomposes)
Log P (octanol/water): ~10.2
UV-Vis Absorption Max: ~470–480 nm (in organic solvents)
Stability: Stable in dry, cool, dark conditions; sensitive to light and oxygen
Density: ~1.0–1.2 g/cm³
E Number: E161g (EU-approved food colorant)
Storage Conditions: Store at 5–25°C, protected from light and air
Shelf Life: 24–36 months in original packaging
FIRST AID
Inhalation:
Move to fresh air.
Seek medical attention if respiratory discomfort occurs.
Avoid inhaling dust particles.
Skin Contact:
Wash skin thoroughly with soap and water.
Remove contaminated clothing.
Consult a physician if irritation persists.
Eye Contact:
Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes.
Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do.
Seek medical attention if irritation develops.
Ingestion:
Rinse mouth with water.
Seek medical attention if large quantities are swallowed.
Generally considered non-toxic at typical use levels.
Note to Physicians:
Treat symptomatically.
No specific antidote is known.
Monitor for rare signs of hypersensitivity or gastrointestinal irritation.
HANDLING AND STORAGE
Handling:
Avoid generating dust.
Wear gloves, goggles, and dust mask when handling bulk material.
Wash hands thoroughly after use.
Ventilation:
Ensure adequate ventilation in processing or mixing areas.
Use dust extraction systems for bulk powder handling.
Storage:
Store in tightly closed containers away from light, heat, and moisture.
Maintain storage temperature between 5–25°C.
Keep in original packaging until use.
Spill and Leak Procedures:
Sweep up carefully to avoid dust dispersion.
Clean area with mild detergent and water.
Dispose of waste in accordance with local regulations.
Handling Precautions:
Use in accordance with regulatory usage limits.
Protect from oxidative degradation with appropriate packaging.
Use encapsulated forms for enhanced product stability when applicable.
