It is often present in two forms: all-trans and 9-cis isomers.

It is produced from violaxanthin, but a suspected neoxanthin synthase[1] is still to be confirmed.

Two different genes were confirmed to be implied in violaxanthin conversion to neoxanthin in Arabidopsis and tomato.

[2][3] It has a specific role in protection against photooxidative stress.

[4] It is a major xanthophyll found in green leafy vegetables such as spinach.