Plant Extracts

Bixa Orellana Seed Extract

INCI: BIXA ORELLANA SEED EXTRACT
CAS 89957-43-7 EC 289-561-2
Bixa Orellana Seed Extract is an extract of the seeds of the Annatto, Bixa orellana L., Bixaceae
Limited Data
Insufficient safety data available. Consider enriching this ingredient.
Details

Description

Bixa Orellana Seed Extract is an extract of the seeds of the Annatto, Bixa orellana L., Bixaceae

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
EC Number
289-561-2
INCI
BIXA ORELLANA SEED EXTRACT
Category
Plant Extracts
Updated
Apr 2, 2026