To obtain the subject aqueous formulation suitable for parenteral administration by including a polyoxyethylene-660-hydroxystearate as a dissolution-mediating substance.

This aqueous formulation comprises a 5-carotene aqueous formulation in an aqueous solvent [having preferably 0.1-10 (w/v)%, further preferably 1-5 (w/v)% 5-carotene content] and comprises preferably 10-40 (w/v)%, further preferably 15-20 (w/v)% polyoxyethylene-660-hydroxystearate as a dissolution- mediating substance and preferably further comprises isopropylpalmitate and further comprises an antioxidant (e.g. ascorbylpalmitate and/or DL-α-tocopherol). A method for introducing β-carotene into an aqueous warm solution of polyoxyethylene-660-hydroxystearage which may contain isopropylmyristate while stirring is preferable as a method for preparing the aqueous formulation.