Why is Betadine orange? Unveiling the Chemistry of Povidone-Iodine
•
4 min read
First introduced commercially in 1955, Betadine, which contains povidone-iodine, quickly became a preferred antiseptic due to its broad-spectrum efficacy and reduced irritation compared to older iodine formulations. The distinctive brownish-orange color of the solution comes from its active ingredient, a complex of iodine and a polymer, and serves as a visual indicator of its potency.