Beta-carotene is a lipophilic carotenoid (CI 40800) valued in cosmetic formulations for two primary reasons: (i) antioxidant activity — it quenches reactive oxygen species (notably singlet oxygen) generated by UV exposure and pollution; and (ii) color performance — it imparts a natural warm, yellow-orange hue to anhydrous and emulsion systems. Within the skin, carotenoids are measurable in the stratum corneum and act as a first-line defense against photo-oxidative stress; topical delivery is used to supplement this endogenous pool and support barrier integrity. Because beta-carotene is oil-soluble, it integrates best into the lipid phase of emulsions, oils/serums, balms, and sticks. Stabilization strategies (antioxidant co-systems, oxygen-limited processing, light-protective packaging) are critical due to its sensitivity to heat, light, and oxygen, which otherwise accelerates isomerization and oxidative degradation — reducing efficacy and potentially causing discoloration of the finished product.

In hair products, beta-carotene is leveraged as a lipid-phase antioxidant to help protect formula oils and waxes from rancidity and to cosmetically counter oxidative stress on the hair fiber and scalp surface induced by UV radiation and urban pollutants. It is also employed as a colorant to deliver natural tinting in oils, masks, and styling balms (particularly “golden” or “honey” tonalities) without synthetic dyes. Regulatory frameworks in the U.S. explicitly list beta-carotene as an approved color additive for cosmetics (including around the eye), and EU listings recognize it both as CI 40800 (colorant) and as a cosmetic antioxidant, enabling broad use across leave-on and rinse-off formats when properly stabilized.