Capsanthin/Capsorubin is a chemical compound, an INCI synthetic orange dye, obtained from the oleoresin of paprika or similar (Capsicum annuum). These compounds are part of a larger group of pigments called carotenoids, which are responsible for many of the orange, red and yellow hues in fruits and vegetables. They are also antioxidants and have been studied for their potential health benefits.

The name describes the structure of the molecule:

• Capsanthin. Capsanthin is composed of three elements: carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. In capsanthin, carbon constitutes 82.14% by mass, hydrogen 9.651% by mass and oxygen 8.206% by mass.
• Capsorubin. Capsorubin is also composed of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. In capsorubin, carbon makes up 79.96% of the mass, hydrogen 9.394% of the mass and oxygen 10.65% of the mass.

The synthesis process takes place in different steps:

• Pigment extraction from red peppers. The first step involves the extraction of pigments from paprika. Typically, a solvent such as hexane, acetone or ethanol is used to dissolve the pigments.
• Separation of the pigments. The solvent containing the pigments is then separated from the solid material of the paprika. This can be done by filtration or centrifugation.
• Evaporation of the solvent. The solvent is evaporated, usually under reduced pressure, to leave the pigments behind.
• Pigment purification. The pigments are purified, often by a process called chromatography, which separates the pigments according to their different properties.

What it is used for and where

Cosmetics

It is a restricted ingredient as IV/147 a Relevant Item in the Annexes of the European Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009.

Colorant. This ingredient has the primary function of colouring the solution in which it is inserted in a temporary, semi-permanent or permanent manner, either alone or in the presence of the complementary components added for colouring.

Capsanthin

• Molecular Formula   C₄₀H₅₆O₃
• Molecular Weight  584.9 g/mol
• CAS  465-42-9
• UNII    420NY1J57N
• EC Number  207-364-1

Capsorubin

• Molecular Formula   C₄₀H₅₆O₄ 
• Molecular Weight  600.9 g/mol
• CAS  470-38-2
• UNII    805VAB3L0H
• EC Number  207-425-2

Safety

Capsorubin is generally recognized as safe, though some individuals may have sensitivities or allergies to pepper-derived ingredients.

Environmental Impact.

Considerations include the environmental impact of pepper farming, extraction processes, and waste management in production.