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Bixa Orellana Seed Extract

What Bixa Orellana Seed Extract is & what it does

Annatto, a natural orange-red colorant rich in carotenoids that also offers antioxidant benefits. It adds warm, natural color.

What does Bixa Orellana Seed Extract do in skincare?

Bixa Orellana Seed Extract, from the seeds of the annatto plant, is used as a skin-conditioning agent and as a natural colorant because of its carotenoid pigments. These same carotenoids give it antioxidant character. In formulas it can both condition the skin and contribute a warm tint.

Is Bixa Orellana Seed Extract safe?

Annatto seed extract has a long history of use as a food and cosmetic colorant and is generally considered safe at the levels used. As with any botanical, sensitive individuals can occasionally react, so patch testing a new product is sensible. We are not aware of significant safety concerns at typical cosmetic concentrations.

Is Bixa Orellana Seed Extract natural or synthetic?

It is a naturally derived ingredient, obtained from the seeds of the annatto plant. Its color and activity come from naturally occurring plant pigments, though the extract is processed for cosmetic use.

Sunscreens with Bixa Orellana Seed Extract

We rate 12 sunscreens that contain it, showing the top 10 by overall score:

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