Amaranthus Caudatus Seed Extract

Amaranthus caudatus seed extract is an extract obtained from the seeds of edible amaranth. Amaranth is native to Mexico and tropical South America and was a staple food for the Aztecs. The seeds are still an important food source in Mexico and recently have established themselves in health food stores all over the western world.

The Amaranthus caudatus seed extract is rich in essential amino acids (namely lysine), proteins, and minerals. The extract also contains antioxidant polyphenols. The amino acids make it a humectant moisturizing ingredient in skincare products.

Some extracts have more of the fatty oil found in the seeds than others, and these would have more emollient and occlusive moisturizing properties. It mostly depends on the method of extraction and the type of solvent used – if you extract the amaranth seeds with water/alcohol, you get an extract with less of the fatty oil; if you use non-polar organic solvents, you get an extract with more.