Plant Extracts

Bixa Orellana (Achiote) Seed Extract

INCI: BIXA ORELLANA SEED EXTRACT
CAS 89957-43-7
Skin conditioning, masking, antioxidant, natural colorant (bixin/norbixin)
Limited Data
Insufficient safety data available. Consider enriching this ingredient.
Details

Description

Skin conditioning, masking, antioxidant, natural colorant (bixin/norbixin)

Purpose

Function

Skin conditioning, masking, antioxidant, natural colorant (bixin/norbixin)
Profile

Properties

Silicone
Silicone free
Compliance

Regulatory Status

EU
Permitted
Safety
GOOD
US
Permitted
Absorptionlow
Sensitizationlow
MoSadequate
NOAEL76 mg/kg
ConcernLow
Flags
natural-colorantplant-derivedcarotenoidbixinnorbixinannattoantioxidantrare-sensitization-potentialfda-exempt-color-additiveeu-annex-iv-colorantcir-deferredeu_children_restricted
Verdict

Well-established natural colorant and skin conditioner with long history of safe cosmetic use. Permitted in EU (Annex IV, CI 75120) and FDA-exempt color additive in the US. Good tolerability confirmed in animal and human studies. Rare sensitization potential (bixin fraction); anaphylaxis documented via oral route but not established for topical cosmetic use. NOAEL robust at ≥1000 mg/kg/day. Overall safety profile is good for a plant-derived colorant at typical concentrations.

US Note

FDA-exempt color additive (annatto extract); permitted in foods, drugs, and cosmetics including eye-area products per 21 CFR 73.30; CIR deferred evaluation as FDA has assessed safety

Assessment

Ratings

Comedogenic0/5
LowHigh
Irritancy0/5
LowHigh
Reference

Identifiers

CAS Number
89957-43-7
INCI
BIXA ORELLANA SEED EXTRACT
Category
Plant Extracts
Updated
Apr 23, 2026