OIL-SOLUBLE ORANGE COLOR - VegCOLOR® Orange L

INTRODUCTION

Annatto seed extract (Bixa Orellana Seed Extract) is obtained from the seeds of the annatto plant (Bixa orellana L.), a species belonging to the Bixaceae family and native to tropical regions of Central and South America. Today, the plant is widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical countries such as Brazil, Peru, Mexico, India, the Philippines, and Vietnam. Its seeds are used as raw materials in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries.

The annatto fruit is an ovoid capsule covered with numerous soft spines. When mature, it turns brown and contains multiple seeds ranging in color from yellow-orange to red-orange. The coating surrounding the seeds is a rich source of characteristic natural pigments and has long been used to produce annatto, a plant-derived colorant valued for its favorable safety profile and versatility.

Owing to its natural origin and stable coloring properties, annatto seed extract is gaining increasing attention in cosmetics as an alternative to synthetic colorants. In addition to its coloring function, studies have shown that the ingredient contains biologically active compounds that provide antioxidant activity and help protect the skin against environmentally induced oxidative stress.

Annatto seed extract can be incorporated into lipsticks, lip balms, moisturizing creams, facial oils, masks, soaps, makeup, and naturally derived skincare products. It is particularly suitable for formulations developed with a focus on safety, sustainability, and consumer-friendly ingredients.

KEY BENEFITS

Antioxidant Activity

Antioxidant activity is one of the most prominent and well-documented benefits of annatto seed extract. Its primary compounds, bixin and norbixin, can neutralize reactive oxygen species (ROS), inhibit lipid peroxidation, and reduce oxidative damage to cellular membranes.

Through these activities, the extract helps protect skin cells against environmental oxidative stress while supporting the health and stability of the skin [1].

Support for Protection Against UV-Induced Damage

Bixin can strengthen the natural defense mechanisms of skin cells against UV-induced oxidative stress by activating the Nrf2 signaling pathway. This activation promotes the expression of endogenous antioxidant enzymes such as HO-1 and NQO1.

This mechanism helps reduce UV-induced cellular damage and limit premature skin photoaging. However, this is an adjunctive skin-protective effect and does not replace the function of approved UV filters [2].

Natural Colorant

Annatto seed extract is a natural source of annatto pigments. Bixin provides shades ranging from yellow-orange to red-orange and is readily soluble in oils. Owing to its botanical origin, favorable safety profile, and good dispersibility in the oil phase, the ingredient is used as a colorant in lipsticks, lip balms, creams, facial oils, masks, soaps, and makeup products [3].

VegCOLOR™ Orange L uses annatto seed extract to provide natural color while also utilizing the antioxidant properties of its carotenoids.

COSMETIC APPLICATIONS

In cosmetic formulations, annatto seed extract can be used as a natural colorant in products such as:

• Facial masks
• Creams
• Body massage products

REFERENCES

[1] Rivera-Madrid, R., Aguilar-Espinosa, M., Cárdenas-Conejo, Y., & Garza-Caligaris, L. E. (2016). Carotenoid derivatives in achiote (Bixa orellana) seeds: Synthesis and health-promoting properties. Frontiers in Plant Science, 7, 1406.

[2] Tao, S., Park, S. L., & Lambert, J. D. (2015). Bixin protects against UV-induced skin photodamage through activation of the NRF2 pathway. Free Radical Biology and Medicine.

[3] Chambaud, M., Fournier, A., De Saint Jores, C., Caux, B., Colas, C., & Destandau, E. (2024). Oil/water biphasic solvent system for the eco-extraction and cosmetic formulation of Bixa orellana L. Plants, 13(14), 1940.