Phytofluene is a colorless carotenoid found naturally in tomatoes and other vegetables.

[2] It is formed from phytoene in a desaturation reaction leading to the formation of five conjugated double bonds.

In the following step, addition of carbon-carbon conjugated double bonds leads to the formation of z-carotene and appearance of visible color.

Dietary phytoene and phytofluene are accumulated in human skin.

[citation needed] The accumulation of these carotenoids may protect the skin by several mechanisms: acting as UV absorbers, as antioxidants, as anti-inflammatory agents.