Annatto

Annatto is a natural colorant from Bixa orellana seeds containing carotenoid pigments such as bixin and norbixin. It delivers yellow-to-orange hues in cosmetics, soaps, and personal care items as a plant-based color source.
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Ingredient Snapshot

Overview
A plant pigment that gives products a natural yellow-orange color.
Category
Color
Type
Colorant

Ingredient Ratings

Overall Rating

Good

Comedogenic Risk

None

Skin Benefits

Provides vivid yellow-to-orange coloration from a plant source. Used primarily for color; topical benefits beyond pigmentation are not well established.

Uses In Skincare & Cosmetics

Used in lip balms, soaps, and bath bombs for warm hues. Also colors tinted moisturizers and cream blush.

Comedogenic Rating

This ingredient is not typically evaluated for comedogenicity, and no standardized rating is available.

Safety

Generally well tolerated with low irritation risk at cosmetic use levels. Rare contact allergy is possible; discontinue if redness or itching appears. Can stain skin or fabrics in richly colored formulas.

Is Annatto a Good Ingredient?

Good: a plant-derived colorant that reliably imparts yellow–orange hues with generally low irritation potential and good stability in many formats. It offers coloration only; rare allergies or staining can occur.

Products with Annatto

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