Annatto Seed
A Vibrant Botanical Colorant with Gentle Skin Benefits
Annatto, Bixa orellana, comes from the bright, heart-shaped pods of the Bixa orellana shrub, a plant native to the Caribbean and Central America and affectionately known as the lipstick tree.
When the pods split open, they reveal dozens of ruby-red seeds coated in a vivid, natural pigment—one of the few botanicals recognized worldwide as a permitted natural food dye. For centuries, Indigenous cultures used annatto to color skin, textiles, food, and healing balms. It is one of the few internationally permitted natural food dyes.
Annatto in Skincare & Natural Soapmaking
Although best known for its gorgeous golden-orange color, annatto also offers gentle skin-loving properties. The seeds contain beta-carotene and vitamins A and D, along with natural antioxidants that help soothe inflammation, support skin repair, and protect against environmental stress. Traditionally, annatto has been used to condition both skin and hair, ease irritation, and nurture dry or sensitive areas.
In topical products, annatto acts as a mild emollient with antibacterial, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory qualities. These properties can help calm irritated skin, support wound healing, and provide antioxidant protection. Its natural pigments—bixin and norbixin—also contribute gentle antioxidant effects.
At Chagrin Valley, we use annatto primarily as a natural, plant-based colorant in natural soap bars. We steep the whole or crushed seeds in a carrier oil using a slow, warm infusion until the oil turns a deep, sunset orange.
When added to our natural soap formulations, this richly infused oil imparts beautiful yellow, honey-gold, or warm orange hues—all created without synthetic dyes or artificial colorants.
Annatto’s rich history, vibrant color, and gentle botanical benefits make it a perfect fit for natural skincare—and a beautiful way to bring warmth and earth-derived color to handmade natural soap.
