Government name
Bixa Orellana Seed Powder
Goes by
Annatto
The verdict
Superhero
Superpower
Natural carotenoid pigments called bixin and norbixin, which give a warm yellow-to-orange color.
On the label, annatto signs in as Bixa Orellana Seed Powder. In the kitchen, it's the seed that colors cheddar cheese orange.
Superhero or supervillain?
Superhero. Its superpower is color. Annatto seeds contain natural pigments called bixin and norbixin, both members of the carotenoid family.
What it does in my soap and clay masks
I use annatto as a natural colorant. Depending on how much goes in, it gives soap anything from a soft buttery yellow to a deep orange. Like most natural colors, it may soften over time, especially in bright light.
The color it makes
Here it is in 4 things I make.
In the soaps named for Andrew, Clive and Rebecca.
- AndrewLemongrass, Lemon, Tea Tree
- CliveCedarwood and Sweet Orange
- Lemon Loofah Soap with Ginseng
- RebeccaGrapefruit Patchouli
Usually seen with olive oil, coconut oil, castor oil and olive wax.
Don’t judge an ingredient by its government name. Judge it by the science.
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