Cosmetics · Plant extracts
Safflower Extract (Benibana)
ベニバナエキス (Benibana ekisu)
Also known as: Carthamus Tinctorius Flower Extract
At a glance
| 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 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.
Classification
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Product applications
Functions
Regulatory tags
Origin
Used in (typical product categories)
Finished-product categories that commonly include this ingredient in Japanese-market formulations.
- Face toners and essences
- Natural color cosmetics
- Traditional dyeing applications
- Lip products (red pigment)
What it is
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.
Typical uses in Japanese products
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. |
Example products
Example finished products will be added after verification.
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Related ingredients
References
- JSCI 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.