The Clean Sheet
Ingredient Directory
Low ConcernVegan

Bixa Orellana Seed Extract

Annatto (Sindoor tree) seed extract; source of bixin/norbixin

Safety Flags
Allergen: Botanical sensitivity possible; patch test recommended for sensitive skin
Safety Notes

Annatto seed yields carotenoid pigments (bixin, norbixin) giving warm orange-red colour; carotenoid antioxidant activity. Used as a natural colourant. Well tolerated topically at cosmetic levels

Function & Common Use

Function

Colorant, antioxidant, skin conditioning

Category

Colorant

Common In

Natural-colour cosmetics, lip and cheek tints, self-tan/bronzing products, sunscreens

Origin

Plant derived

Concentration Limits

India (CDSCO)

Not verified in source checked

EU Cosmetics Reg.

No limit specified

US FDA (21 CFR)

No limit established

Korea (MFDS)

Not verified in source checked

Pregnancy: No specific restriction identified for topical cosmetic use

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Bixa Orellana Seed Extract safe to use in skincare?

Bixa Orellana Seed Extract has a Low concern rating from The Clean Sheet. Annatto seed yields carotenoid pigments (bixin, norbixin) giving warm orange-red colour; carotenoid antioxidant activity. Used as a natural colourant. Well tolerated topically at cosmetic levels

Is Bixa Orellana Seed Extract allowed in India?

Bixa Orellana Seed Extract is currently classified as "Not specifically restricted in source checked; traditional cosmetic/Ayurvedic botanical with long history of use; no known CDSCO restriction" under Indian cosmetics regulations. The maximum permitted concentration is Not verified in source checked.

What is Bixa Orellana Seed Extract used for in cosmetics?

Bixa Orellana Seed Extract functions as: Colorant, antioxidant, skin conditioning. It is commonly found in: Natural-colour cosmetics, lip and cheek tints, self-tan/bronzing products, sunscreens.

Can Bixa Orellana Seed Extract cause an allergic reaction?

Yes. Bixa Orellana Seed Extract has an allergen flag (Botanical sensitivity possible; patch test recommended for sensitive skin). If you have sensitive skin or known fragrance/contact allergies, patch-test products containing this ingredient before full use.

TCS Assessment
Low Concern
Data Confidence
Medium
Based on peer-reviewed safety data, regulatory status, and expert review by The Clean Sheet panel.

Regulatory Status

India (CDSCO)
Not specifically restricted in source checked; traditional cosmetic/Ayurvedic botanical with long history of use; no known CDSCO restriction
EU
Permitted - listed in EU CosIng; not in Annex II or Annex III
US FDA
Permitted for cosmetic use; no restriction identified
Korea (MFDS)
Not specifically restricted in source checked; general cosmetic ingredient under MFDS negative list system
Australia (TGA)
Permitted as cosmetic ingredient under AICIS; no specific restriction found
Canada (NHPID)
Not verified in source checked

EU Annex: None

Identifiers

CAS89957-43-7
EC289-561-2

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