The object of the present invention is to find a carotenoid compound that is excellent in water solubility. A carotenoid derivative having a formula (I): wherein X represents a carbonyl group or a methylene group, one of R 1 and R 2 represents (a) or (b) and the other represents (a), (b), (c) or a hydrogen atom: (a): -CO-A-B-D wherein A represents an alkylene group an alkenylene group, etc., B represents a formula of -S(O) n - or a formula of -NR 4 CONR 5 - and D represents a hydrogen atom, a carboxy group, etc., (b): -CO-E-F wherein E represents an alkylene group or a formula of -NR 3 - wherein R 3 represents (a1) a hydrogen atom, (b1) an alkyl group etc., and F represents a sulfo group and (c): -CO-G wherein G represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, 1 etc., a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, or a pharmaceutically acceptable ester or amide thereof.
