Common Name(s): Provitamin a,all-trans-beta-carotene
CAS Number: 7235-40-7
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Neutralizes free radicals, provides photoprotection support, conditions skin, and imparts healthy skin tone.
Why It's Used: Natural antioxidant, skin conditioning, and natural colorant with additional provitamin a activity.
How It Works: Quenches singlet oxygen and free radicals. enzymatic cleavage yields retinal. accumulates in stratum corneum for photoprotective antioxidant defense.
Typically Found In: Self-tanners,sunscreens,natural colorants,anti-aging formulations
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Active ingredient โ vitamin a derivative
Secondary Functions: Uv protection support,natural colorant,vitamin a precursor
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: 0.01%โ1%
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: Conditional - supplier confirmation required
Halal Status: Unverified - supplier confirmation required
Source Notes: Derived from dunaliella salina algae, carrot oil, or synthesized. algae-derived most sustainable. [audit 2026-07-29 rev2: the record's own source_notes does not assert a non-animal origin, or instructs the reader to verify with the supplier; "yes" asserts knowledge the record does not hold. determination requires shariah-panel sign-off.]
SKIN COMPATIBILITY
Irritancy Rating: 1/5 โ very low
Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 โ non-comedogenic
Sensitivity Concerns: Very well-tolerated; high concentrations may impart orange tint.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Safe at cosmetic concentrations. use spf. avoid during pregnancy. ewg score: 2.
Works Well With: Niacinamide,ceramides,hyaluronic acid,spf,tocopherol
Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
Beta-carotene accumulates in the stratum corneum and provides measurable photoprotection against uv-induced oxidative stress when applied topically. not a replacement for uv filters.
Last Verified: 2026-03-12
Primary Sources: Cosing database,cir safety assessment,stahl & sies carotenoid review