Common Name(s): Crocus sativus stigma oil,crocus sativus (saffron) stigma oil,crocin safranal antioxidant,anti-pigmentation brightening

CAS Number: N/a

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Provides exceptional antioxidant protection from crocin's extended carotenoid conjugation, mild tyrosinase inhibition for skin brightening, and skin conditioning from safranal's anti-inflammatory activity.

Why It's Used: Saffron's crocin provides water-soluble carotenoid antioxidant activity — unique among carotenoids for aqueous formulation compatibility, making saffron the reference for water-phase carotenoid antioxidant in premium serums.

How It Works: Crocin (8,8'-diapo-8,8'-carotenic acid di-(beta-d-gentiobiosyl) ester): the extended polyene chain provides h-atom donation and singlet oxygen quenching with orac ~56 μmol te/mg (vs beta-carotene ~4.9 μmol te/mg oil-soluble). safranal (2,6,6-trimethylcyclohexa-2-en-1-carbaldehyde): aldehyde pharmacophore inhibits cox-2 and nf-kb.

Typically Found In: Premium anti-aging,brightening,luxury beauty

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Active ingredient – antioxidant

Secondary Functions: Free radical scavenging,anti-aging

Application Areas:

Typical Concentration Range: 0.001%–1%

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Yes

Halal Status: Yes

Source Notes: Plant-derived extract or synthetic.

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low

Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic

Sensitivity Concerns: Non-irritating; well-tolerated.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Excellent safety profile. ewg score: 1.

Works Well With: Vitamin c,vitamin e,ferulic acid,spf,other antioxidants

Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Saffron sustainability: crocus sativus requires ~150,000 flowers per kg of dried stigmas, harvested by hand in 2-week autumn window — the extraordinary labour intensity justifies saffron's position as the world's most expensive spice and luxury cosmetic ingredient.

Last Verified: 2026-03-22

Primary Sources: Cosing database,crocus sativus saffron crocin antioxidant brightening review