Bixa orellana (Annatto)
AKA “Annatto
Ingredient
Ingredient Facts
Bixa orellana (Annatto)
Ingredient · Skin Conditioning · EWG: 1
Plant-Derived Synthetic
Skin Conditioner
Clean
Bixa Orellana (Annatto) is a cosmetic ingredient. Rated low hazard by EWG.
CAS #
89957-43-7
See origin →
Functions
Skin Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Antioxidant Protection
Softens & Smooths
Wound Healing
Fights Bacteria
Smooths and softens skin
Fights free radical damage
Traditional Use
Used for centuries by indigenous Amazonian and Caribbean cultures as both a food coloring and body paint. Traditionally applied to skin for sun protection and insect repellent properties, and later adopted in European cosmetics as a natural colorant.
Skin Types
all-skin-types, gentle
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
EWG
1
CIR
Safe
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
ewg-1
pregnancy-nursing-safe
all-shades-safe
Regulatory Status
USApermitted
EUrestricted
JAPANrestricted
CANADArestricted
Verified Jun 2026
Data: Kew POWO · CosIng · EWG · CIR