Bêta-cryptoxanthin ([bêta]-CX), belonging to the xanthophyll sub-class of carotenoids, is mainly found in citrus fruit in both free and ester forms. Due to the lack of knowledge on the intestinal uptake of [bêta]-CX, especially the ester forms, our purpose was to study the bioaccessibility of carotenoids from citrus juice. Carotenoid uptake was evaluated by incorporating carotenoid-rich micelles (from the in vitro digestion) or synthetic micelles (made from synthetic lipids and carotenoids purified from citrus juice) to human intestinal cells (Caco-2 TC7 clone). The uptake efficiency of [bêta]-CX esters was compared to free [bêta]-CX. Our results suggested that esters were partially hydrolyzed during the in vitro digestion. The bioaccessibility of free [bêta]-CX exceeded that of [bêta]-carotene and [bêta]-CX esters. These results showed a preferential uptake by Caco-2 cells of [bêta]-carotene and free [bêta]-CX compared to the two 'esters for all types of micelles tested. In the case of micelles from in vitro digestion, the uptake of [bêta]-carotene, free [bêta]-CX and [bêta]-CX esters by Caco-2 cells was 14.3 ± 1.8; 3.9 ± 0.9; 0.7 ± 0.08 The present study provides the first report on assessment of [bêta]-CX (free and esters) uptake by differentiated Caco-2 cells.