Annato Extract

Annato Extract at a Glance

• Seed-derived natural colorant
• A good source of carotenoid-based antioxidants
• Used in cosmetics, foods, paints and textiles (clothing)
• Deemed safe for all intended uses

Annato Extract Description

, which comes from a tropical tree native to Central and South America. It’s also known as urucum, which translates to “red”.

The intensely-hued orange-red powder derived from the seeds isn’t just used as a natural colorant in cosmetics—it’s also used in foods (it’s how paprika gets its bright color and what makes butter yellow), paints, and textiles throughout the world. Fun fact: 70% of the natural colorants used in foods are derived from annatto! It’s considered safe, non-toxic and isn’t known to irritate skin. Research has shown annatto’s use in food may play a protective role in the prevention of food-borne illness.

The color of annatto comes from a carotenoid compound known as bixin. Along with this antioxidant compound are others that can benefit skin, including isobixin, beta-carotene, cryptoxanthin, lutein, zeaxanthin, ellagic acid, and the amino acids threonine, tryptophan, and phenylalanine.

The United States Food & Drug Administration has deemed annatto safe as used in cosmetics, including in products meant for use on lips and around the eyes. Concentrations vary based on desired color outcome and it’s been observed that the pH of a given water-based formula plays a role in the color’s outcome.

Annato Extract References