Common Name(s): Crocus sativus style extract,crocus sativus (saffron) style extract,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:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
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