Wholesome in bulk™ Zeaxanthin Powder
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Bulk Zeaxanthin Powder for Supplement Manufacturing
Zeaxanthin powder is an orange carotenoid ingredient made most often from marigold flowers (Tagetes erecta L.), concentrated and then formulated into beadlets or blended powders. The commercial form is (3R,3'R)-zeaxanthin, sold mainly as 5% or 10% beadlets and 14% or 20% oil suspensions, with content measured by HPLC. We supply it in bulk to supplement brands, contract manufacturers, and formulators. You can request testing documents and samples on the quote form.
A defined carotenoid in forms built for handling
Zeaxanthin is one named molecule with a known stereoisomer and CAS number. Suppliers deliver it diluted, as beadlets or oil suspensions. A few milligrams per serving are easier to weigh and blend that way, and the formulation shields the carotenoid from air and light.
Defined identity
Zeaxanthin is C40H56O2, CAS 144-68-3. The commercial form is the (3R,3'R) stereoisomer, which chiral HPLC can tell apart from meso-zeaxanthin.
Marigold as the usual source
Marigold flowers bred for a higher share of zeaxanthin are the usual source. Paprika, fermentation, and synthesis are other routes, so the source belongs on the COA.
Beadlet strengths
Beadlets of 5% and 10% zeaxanthin are common. The carotenoid sits in a matrix of carriers and stabilizers that keeps the powder free flowing and shields it from air.
Oil suspensions
Oil suspensions of 14% and 20% suit softgel fills. The zeaxanthin is suspended in a vegetable oil, which fits standard softgel lines.
Lutein travels with it
Marigold zeaxanthin usually carries some lutein, a closely related carotenoid. Specs state both, so you know the carotenoid profile of each lot.
Sensitive to light and air
Like other carotenoids, zeaxanthin fades with light, heat, and oxygen. Sealed, opaque packaging and a stabilized form keep the assay on target.
Where formulators use zeaxanthin
Zeaxanthin fits measured formats where the form matches the line and light exposure is controlled, including:
- Softgels, with oil suspension
- Capsules, with beadlets
- Compressed tablets, with beadlets
- Multivitamin and mineral tablets
- Lutein and zeaxanthin blends
- Gummies, after stability trials
- Powdered drink mixes, with water dispersible beadlets
- Private label programs
Plan fill weights from the assay on each COA, and build in an overage from stability data in your format. A 5% beadlet and a 20% oil suspension are not interchangeable gram for gram, so recalculate your serving math whenever you change forms.
What to check before you buy zeaxanthin
Two materials sold as zeaxanthin can differ in source, isomer, carrier, and strength. Review these points together, and ask for lot documents before you approve a supplier.
Source and stereoisomer
Confirm the source and (3R,3'R)-zeaxanthin on both the specification and the certificate of analysis (COA). Ask for a meso-zeaxanthin limit, such as NMT 1.5%.
Assay by HPLC
Ask for zeaxanthin and lutein by HPLC, each reported on its own line. A total carotenoid figure by UV does not tell you how much is zeaxanthin.
Carriers and stabilizers
Beadlets contain carriers and added stabilizers. Ask for the full composition, including any allergen or sugar sources, so your label and allergen statement are complete.
Extraction solvents
Marigold extracts are often made with hexane and ethanol. Ask for residual solvent results by GC, with limits such as hexane NMT 50 ppm.
Stability in your format
Ask for stability data for the beadlet or oil in a format close to yours. Powder blends and softgels age differently, so plan overage from real data.
Contaminant limits
Check lead, arsenic, cadmium, and mercury by ICP-MS, plus pesticide and microbial limits. Compare each limit with your own finished product specification.
Label math: A 5% beadlet holds 50 mg of zeaxanthin per gram. So 2 mg of zeaxanthin per serving needs about 40 mg of beadlet before any overage. Base the final figure on each lot's measured assay and your own finished product testing.
Typical specification for zeaxanthin powder
These values reflect a published zeaxanthin COA and spec limits that ingredient makers filed with FDA. Final figures come from the specification sheet and COA for your lot, and they differ between beadlet and oil forms. NLT means not less than, and NMT means not more than.
| Parameter | Specification | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Identity | (3R,3'R)-zeaxanthin, C40H56O2, CAS 144-68-3 | HPLC retention time and UV-Vis spectrum |
| Source | Tagetes erecta L. flowers | Supplier declaration |
| Form and carriers | Beadlet; every carrier and stabilizer named on the specification sheet | Supplier declaration |
| Appearance | Orange to red orange free flowing powder | Visual |
| Zeaxanthin | NLT 5.0% | HPLC |
| Lutein | Reported on the COA | HPLC |
| Meso-zeaxanthin | NMT 1.5% | Chiral HPLC |
| Loss on drying | NMT 5.0% | USP <731> |
| Particle size | NLT 95% through 80 mesh | USP <786> |
| Bulk density | 0.40 to 0.70 g/mL | USP <616> |
| Residual solvents | Hexane NMT 50 ppm, ethanol NMT 500 ppm | GC, USP <467> |
| Lead | NMT 1.0 ppm | ICP-MS |
| Arsenic | NMT 2.0 ppm | ICP-MS |
| Cadmium | NMT 1.0 ppm | ICP-MS |
| Mercury | NMT 0.1 ppm | ICP-MS |
| Total aerobic count | NMT 1,000 cfu/g | USP <2021> |
| Yeast and mold | NMT 100 cfu/g | USP <2021> |
| E. coli and Salmonella | Negative | USP <2022> |
| Shelf life | 24 months, unopened, in sealed opaque packaging | Stability data |
Storage and handling for bulk zeaxanthin
Carotenoids stay in spec longest when they are cool, dark, and away from air. Supplier specs ask for a cool, dry store away from strong light and heat.
Keep it cool
Store within the temperature range on the spec sheet. Keep bags away from heaters, roof spaces, and sunny loading docks.
Keep away from light
Leave the beadlets in their original opaque or foil packaging. Light fades both the color and the assay over time.
Limit air exposure
Oxygen breaks carotenoids down, so open bags only when you need them. Press out the air and reseal the liner promptly.
Rotate and retest
Record the lot number and retest date for each bag. Send older lots to production first, and retest the assay on stock held near its retest date.
Zeaxanthin buyer FAQ
Quick answers to the questions procurement and quality teams ask most.
What is the difference between zeaxanthin and meso-zeaxanthin?
They are stereoisomers, the same atoms in a different three dimensional arrangement. Commercial zeaxanthin is the (3R,3'R) form, while meso-zeaxanthin is (3R,3'S). Chiral HPLC separates them, so ask for both values when they matter to your label.
Where does commercial zeaxanthin come from?
Most comes from marigold flowers (Tagetes erecta), from varieties bred for more zeaxanthin. Paprika, fermentation, and chemical synthesis are other routes. Ask the supplier to state the source on the COA.
Should I use beadlets or an oil suspension?
Use an oil suspension for softgels and beadlets for capsules, tablets, and powders. Both forms dilute the zeaxanthin and shield it from air. Ask for stability data in the format you plan to make.
What strengths does zeaxanthin come in?
Beadlets of 5% and 10% and oil suspensions of 14% and 20% are common. Concentrated powders up to 50% are also offered. Choose the strength that gives a practical fill weight for your serving.
How is zeaxanthin content measured?
Zeaxanthin is measured by HPLC, which separates it from lutein and other carotenoids. Chiral HPLC goes one step further and separates the zeaxanthin stereoisomers. A UV total carotenoid result is a broader measure.
What documents can I get with an order?
A certificate of analysis (COA) and a specification sheet ship with every order. An allergen statement and a safety data sheet may also be available, depending on the lot in inventory. Contact us to request them.
Can I get a sample before a bulk order?
You can request one by choosing sample options on the quote form. We will confirm availability, size, and timing.
How should I store an opened bag?
Close the liner, press out the air, and keep the bag cool, dry, and away from light. Use the material within the retest date or shelf life on the COA.
Request a quote for bulk zeaxanthin
Tell us the form, strength, quantity, and timing you need. We will reply with current pricing. Select testing documents and sample options on the quote form.
Order ZeaxanthinBulk orders: Choose a pack size above, or request a quote for larger volumes, samples, and lot documents. We serve supplement brands, contract manufacturers, product developers, and formulators.
This bulk ingredient is sold for further manufacturing and formulation. The information on this page describes the ingredient and how commercial buyers evaluate it. It is not medical advice. Each finished product brand is responsible for its own labeling and product claims.
