Capsanthin is a natural red dye of the xanthophyll class of carotenoids. As a food coloring, it has the E number E160c(i). Capsanthin is the main carotenoid in the Capsicum annuum species of plants including red bell pepper, New Mexico chile, and cayenne peppers (Capsicum annuum) and a component of paprika oleoresin. Capsanthin is also found in some species of lily.

Capsanthin has antioxidant capacity in vitro due to the presence of eleven conjugated double bonds, a conjugated keto group, and a cyclopentane ring.