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Beta-Carotene

What Beta-Carotene is & what it does

A provitamin-A carotenoid antioxidant that protects against free radicals and conditions skin. Its orange pigment can lend color to formulas.

What is Beta-Carotene and what does it do in sunscreen?

Beta-Carotene is a provitamin-A carotenoid that acts as an antioxidant, meaning it helps mop up free radicals generated by UV and pollution. In a sunscreen it conditions skin and supports the formula's antioxidant defenses. Its naturally orange pigment can also lend a warm tint to the product.

Is Beta-Carotene safe?

Yes. Beta-Carotene is a well-known, widely used cosmetic and food ingredient with a long history of safe topical use. It is the same pigment that gives carrots their color and is also used as a food coloring. At the small amounts used in skincare it is non-irritating for most people.

Does Beta-Carotene clog pores?

Generally no. Beta-Carotene is used in tiny amounts as an antioxidant and pigment, not as a heavy oil or wax, so it is not a typical pore-clogging ingredient. If a formula is breaking you out, the richer emollients and oils elsewhere on the list are far more likely the cause.

Is Beta-Carotene vegan?

It can be. Most cosmetic Beta-Carotene is derived from plants like carrots or algae, or made synthetically, both of which are vegan. A small amount on the market is fermentation-derived. Since it does not have to come from animals, the ingredient itself is not inherently non-vegan, though only the brand can confirm sourcing.

Why does Beta-Carotene give sunscreen an orange tint?

Beta-Carotene is naturally a strong orange-red pigment, the same one that colors carrots and pumpkins. Even at low concentrations it can lend a warm hue to a cream or oil. That color is cosmetic and comes from the antioxidant itself, not from an added dye.

Sunscreens with Beta-Carotene

We rate 106 sunscreens that contain it, showing the top 10 by overall score:

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