Bixa Orellana Seed Extract

Evidence by route

About this ingredient

Bixa Orellana Seed Extract (annatto) is a plant pigment from the seeds of the tropical shrub Bixa orellana, native to Latin America. The main pigments are bixin (oil-soluble) and norbixin (water-soluble), both carotenoids. Mechanism. Gives a product a warm orange-red tint – on its own it does not act as a skin active; it works as a natural colorant. In vitro both bixin and norbixin show antioxidant activity, but at cosmetic concentrations the extract serves primarily as a dye. Where applied. Colour cosmetics (lipsticks, eyeshadows, blushers), tinted and SPF creams, self-tanners, products labelled 'no synthetic dyes'. Concentration 0.001–0.5%. In Spain in Sephora Collection, Mercadona Deliplus, niche natural lines. Food-industry use registered as E160b for butter, cheese, margarine. Safety. CIR confirmed cosmetic safety in 2017. Contact allergy is rare, described as isolated cases in patients with food allergy to annatto (after regular consumption of cheeses and spreads with E160b). Stains skin and packaging – formulas need buffering components and dark packaging. In pregnancy – safe topically. No direct lactation data, but the risk is purely theoretical. Realistic assessment. A natural colorant and a mild antioxidant. No standalone anti-age benefit. A reasonable choice for brands avoiding synthetic azo dyes. For antioxidant action there are stronger options (astaxanthin, ferulic acid, tocopherol).

Tolerability and safety

Skin types

Frequently asked questions