Beta-carotene is an intensely colored, orange-red plant pigment that gives color to apricots, sweet potatoes, carrots, pumpkins, and many others, and is also commonly found in various animals and fungi.
It was the inspiration behind the name of the whole group of similar compounds called carotenoids. They have many similar properties: they are soluble in oils and not in water, are intensely colored (yellow, orange, and red), and are powerful antioxidants.
Beta-carotene, when applied to the skin, acts as an antioxidant (catching free radicals and harmful reactive oxygen species) and can help the skin to heal after prolonged sun exposure and sunburn.
It also acts as a colorant due to its orange-red color. Beta-carotene in skincare products is most likely derived from plant sources or from biotechnologically farmed microorganisms.
Beta-carotene is often added to products aimed at improved tanning. There is a common misconception that beta-carotene can help you to tan more quickly.
In reality, however, creams and lotions with high amounts of beta-carotene will give your skin a golden tone, but that is literally just the plant pigment latching itself to the surface of your skin. It will only remain there until the top layer of your skin cells sheds off.
Science
1
Barreiro, C., & Barredo, J.-L. (2018). Carotenoids Production: A Healthy and Profitable Industry. Microbial Carotenoids, 45–55.
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