Description

Bixa Orellana Seed, also known as annatto seed, is obtained from the Bixa orellana plant. These seeds are highly valued in the cosmetic and personal care industry for their antioxidant, coloring, and skin conditioning properties, making them beneficial components in various skincare, hair care, and makeup products.

Chemical Composition and Structure
Bixa Orellana Seeds contain a variety of bioactive compounds, including carotenoids (such as bixin and norbixin), tocopherols, and essential fatty acids. These compounds contribute to the seeds' beneficial effects on the skin and hair, such as providing protection against oxidative stress, enhancing color, and improving overall skin health. The specific composition includes:

Carotenoids: Natural pigments with strong antioxidant properties.
Tocopherols: Vitamin E compounds that provide antioxidant benefits.
Essential Fatty Acids: Include oleic and linoleic acids, known for their moisturizing and skin conditioning properties.
Physical Properties
Bixa Orellana Seeds are typically small, reddish-brown seeds with a hard texture. They are commonly processed into powder or oil for use in various formulations.

Cosmetic and Personal Care Applications
Antioxidant: The high carotenoid and tocopherol content provide strong antioxidant benefits, protecting the skin from free radical damage and environmental stressors.

Skin Conditioning: These seeds help to condition the skin, enhancing its texture and overall appearance. They are suitable for all skin types, especially dry and mature skin.

Moisturizing: The presence of essential fatty acids helps to lock in moisture, maintaining the skin's hydration and preventing dryness.

Natural Coloring: The seeds’ vibrant color can be used to impart a natural tint to cosmetic products, adding an appealing hue without synthetic dyes.

Anti-Inflammatory: The carotenoids and tocopherols provide anti-inflammatory benefits, helping to soothe and calm irritated skin.

Hair Care: In hair care products, Bixa Orellana Seeds help to nourish the scalp, strengthen hair fibers, and enhance the shine and smoothness of the hair.

Environmental and Safety Considerations

Bixa Orellana Seeds are generally considered safe for use in cosmetic and personal care products. They are non-irritating and suitable for all skin types. As a naturally derived ingredient, they pose minimal risk to the environment when disposed of properly. Utilizing Bixa Orellana Seeds also supports sustainable practices by promoting the use of plant-based ingredients.

Cosmetics - INCI Functions


Antioxidant agent. Ingredient that counteracts oxidative stress and prevents cell damage. Free radicals, pathological inflammatory processes, reactive nitrogen species and reactive oxygen species are responsible for the ageing process and many diseases caused by oxidation.

Skin conditioning agent - Emollient. Emollients have the characteristic of enhancing the skin barrier through a source of exogenous lipids that adhere to the skin, improving barrier properties by filling gaps in intercorneocyte clusters to improve hydration while protecting against inflammation. In practice, they have the ability to create a barrier that prevents transepidermal water loss. Emollients are described as degreasing or refreshing additives that improve the lipid content of the upper layers of the skin by preventing degreasing and drying of the skin. The problem with emollients is that many have a strong lipophilic character and are identified as occlusive ingredients; they are oily and fatty materials that remain on the skin surface and reduce transepidermal water loss. In cosmetics, emollients and moisturisers are often considered synonymous with humectants and occlusives.
Synonyms:

CAS: 89957-43-7 EC number 289-561-2