Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Flower Extract

Carthamus tinctorius flower extract is a bright orange extract obtained from the flowers of the Carthamus tinctorius, or safflower. These flowers have been used for their bright orange color for centuries, as a textile dye and, in small amounts, as a cheaper substitute for saffron in foods. The isolated yellow pigment is called Carthamus yellow and is used as a food color additive.

The research, however, suggests that there might be more to the Safflower yellow than just its pretty color: it reduced signs of photoaging in a mouse model, showed some anti-tyrosinase activity in a test-tube model (which could make it an anti-pigment ingredient), and promoted hair growth in mice.

Studies on humans are lacking so far, but this is definitely a good, safe, and beneficial way to give a skincare product some color.

You can read more about safflower seed oil here: Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil.