Cosmetics · Plant extracts
Safflower Extract (Benibana)
ベニバナエキス (Benibana ekisu)
Also known as: Carthamus Tinctorius Flower Extract
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| Category | Cosmetics |
|---|---|
| INCI name | Carthamus Tinctorius Flower Extract↗ |
| Japanese labeling name | ベニバナエキス |
| Common Japanese notations | ベニバナエキス, 紅花エキス |
| Origin | Plant-derived (Carthamus tinctorius) |
| Typical functions | Skin conditioning, Natural colorant (red/yellow pigment) |
| Regulatory status in Japan | Cosmetic ingredient listed in the JSCI (Japanese Cosmetic Industry Association) labeling name dictionary. Also a traditional natural dye and food colorant. |
Benibana — safflower (Carthamus tinctorius) — is the source of one of Japan's most historically important natural dyes. Cultivation in Yamagata prefecture has continued for centuries, and the dried flowers were a major Edo-era trade commodity.
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Classification
Tags below link to other ingredients sharing the same attribute, so you can pivot from one ingredient to its peers.
Product applications
Functions
Regulatory tags
Origin
Common OEM product categories
Finished-product categories where Japanese OEM manufacturers commonly formulate with this ingredient.
- Face toners and essences
- Natural color cosmetics
- Traditional dyeing applications
- Lip products (red pigment)
Ingredient profile
Carthamus tinctorius flower extract is produced by water or hydro-alcoholic extraction of safflower flowers. The extract contains carthamin (a red pigment) and carthamidin (a yellow pigment), along with flavonoids and polyphenols.
OEM applications
In cosmetics, safflower extract appears in face toners, essences, and color cosmetic formulations.
Traditional uses include textile dyeing, food coloring, and producing red lip pigment (beni) used in traditional Japanese makeup.
Regulatory classification in Japan
Cosmetic use under JSCI dictionary; food colorant use under Food Sanitation Act.
Regulatory classification in other markets
| EU | Listed in CosIng. Permitted for cosmetic use. |
|---|---|
| USA | INCI recognized. |
| China | Permitted per IECIC listings. |
| Korea | Permitted. |
Market reference formulations
Example finished products will be added after verification.
All brand names and product names referenced anywhere on this site are the property of their respective owners. Example entries are provided for informational purposes only and do not imply endorsement.
Alternative ingredients
Related ingredients commonly evaluated as substitutes.
Quick answers
- What is Safflower Extract (Benibana)?
- Benibana — safflower (Carthamus tinctorius) — is the source of one of Japan's most historically important natural dyes. Cultivation in Yamagata prefecture has continued for centuries, and the dried flowers were a major Edo-era trade commodity.
- What is the regulatory status of Safflower Extract (Benibana) in Japan?
- Cosmetic ingredient listed in the JSCI (Japanese Cosmetic Industry Association) labeling name dictionary. Also a traditional natural dye and food colorant.
- What products typically use Safflower Extract (Benibana)?
- Face toners and essences / Natural color cosmetics / Traditional dyeing applications / Lip products (red pigment)
- Where does Safflower Extract (Benibana) come from?
- Plant-derived (Carthamus tinctorius)
- What is the INCI / JSCI labeling name for Safflower Extract (Benibana)?
- INCI: Carthamus Tinctorius Flower Extract / JSCI: ベニバナエキス
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From the same origin
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Regulatory guidance
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FAQ for OEM buyers
Q. What INCI name applies to benibana / safflower extract?
The INCI listing is 'Carthamus Tinctorius Flower Extract' for the floral extract; safflower seed oil is a separate INCI ('Carthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil'). Specify which is intended on the CoA and pack copy.
Sources · Last reviewed: 2026-04-26
- Personal Care Products Council — INCI Dictionary (Carthamus Tinctorius entries)
Q. Are there geographical-indication or heritage claims available in Japan?
Yamagata Prefecture is historically the major producer of beni dye-grade safflower (紅花), and 'Mogami benibana' carries strong regional heritage. Japan's 農林水産省 (Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries) GI registry should be checked for currently valid GI registrations relevant to a specific product claim.
Sources · Last reviewed: 2026-04-26
Q. Is safflower extract a permitted color additive?
Carthamin (the red pigment from safflower) is an approved natural food colorant in Japan, and is also used as a cosmetic colorant for traditional 'beni' lip products. Cosmetic colorant approval differs by region; confirm the destination market's positive list (e.g., Japan Cosmetic Standards, EU Annex IV).
Sources · Last reviewed: 2026-04-26
- 厚生労働省 (Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare) — Standards for Cosmetics (cosmetic colorant positive list)
Q. Are there allergen concerns for Asteraceae botanical sensitization?
Safflower belongs to the Asteraceae (Compositae) family; sensitization is uncommon but documented for related botanicals. EU/US sensitive-skin lines may exclude Asteraceae extracts as a precaution.
Sources · Last reviewed: 2026-04-26
- Industry knowledge — Asteraceae sensitization caution
Industry-knowledge claim — not yet pinned to a single primary source
Use cases
Traditional Japanese 'beni' lip color
- Positioning
- Heritage / cultural-storytelling premium lip product
- Formulation notes
- Carthamin pigment dispersion in lipstick or balm base; supplier traceability to Yamagata reinforces premium claim.
Sources
- Industry knowledge — Japanese beni heritage cosmetic
Industry-knowledge claim — not yet pinned to a single primary source
Antioxidant face toner
- Positioning
- Regional botanical / wellness daily skincare
- Typical usage level
- 0.1–2%
- Formulation notes
- Water-soluble extract; pair with rice or green-tea extracts.
Sources
- Industry knowledge — Japanese botanical toner category
Industry-knowledge claim — not yet pinned to a single primary source
Brightening essence
- Positioning
- Botanical anti-dullness essence
- Formulation notes
- Combine with vitamin C derivatives for layered brightening narrative.
Sources
- Industry knowledge — botanical brightening segment
Industry-knowledge claim — not yet pinned to a single primary source
Color cosmetics with natural pigment positioning
- Positioning
- Naturally-derived color cosmetic line
- Formulation notes
- Carthamin dispersion in lip and cheek products; check destination-market color additive list.
Sources
- Industry knowledge — natural color cosmetic segment
Industry-knowledge claim — not yet pinned to a single primary source
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Official regulatory databases
External links to public Japanese / international regulatory authorities. We are not affiliated.
References
- JSCI (Japanese Cosmetic Industry Association) labeling name directory — ベニバナエキス
- EU CosIng entry: Carthamus Tinctorius Flower Extract
Last updated: 2026-04-22. Ingredient entries are reviewed at least annually against current regulatory listings.