Beta-Carotene is an orange pigment that gives certain fruits and vegetables their vivid color. For example, carrots, pumpkin and sweet potatoes are some of the best sources of natural Beta-Carotene. Other natural food sources of Beta-Carotene are papayas, mangoes, cantaloupe, yams, apricots, tomatoes, spinach, kale and collard greens. Spinach and other greens don’t have an orange color like most Beta-Carotene fruits and vegetables because they also have a high concentration of chlorophyll.

Beta-Carotene belongs to a class of compounds called carotenoids. Carotenoids are known for their antioxidant properties. A certain portion of Beta-Carotene is converted by the body to vitamin A, a vitamin important for tissue growth and repair and for healthy vision. The portion of Beta-Carotene that isn’t converted to vitamin A functions as an antioxidant, a compound that helps to protect cells against oxidative damage.

Because of Beta-Carotene’s distinct orange color, it’s used in some cosmetic and skin products as a coloring agent. In sun tanning products, the orange pigment gives a sun-kissed glow to the skin without tanning. It has the added benefit of offering additional sun protection when combined with other sunscreen ingredients. Beta-Carotene is also used to add color to some cosmetics like eye shadow, lipstick and blush. Manufacturers of “natural” cosmetics often use Beta-Carotene to replace synthetic coloring agents. This orange coloration can pose a challenge to cosmetic makers that want the benefits of Beta-Carotene but don’t want their skin care products to have an orange hue.