Get to Know Bixa

The power-packed active poised to take over in acne care.

Balanced oil production? Check. Purified, refined pores? Also, check. Plant-powered? You bet. You’ve probably never heard of Bixa Orellana seed extract, but once you’ve seen the impact it will have on your skin, you’ll never forget it.

Just one of our Superstar Six actives, Bixa (as we like to call her) is a powerhouse. With the rare ability to both fight breakouts and improve skin’s appearance and texture, Bixa offers a one-two punch for acne-prone skin without ever being harsh or stripping.

We sat down with Balm’s Chief Dermatologist, Dr. Robin Schaffran, to give you a proper introduction to your skin’s new best friend.

What exactly is Bixa Orellana?

Bixa Orellana is a shrub typically found in South America. Its seeds, also sometimes called Annatto seeds, are rich in carotenoids (a powerful antioxidant).

What are the benefits of using Bixa Orellana seed extract as an active in skincare products?

Bixa has been shown to decrease oil gland activity, reduce the appearance of pores and be a potent purifying and pore-refining agent. For acne-prone skin, Bixa can work to both disrupt the cycle of breakouts and reveal smoother skin. It can also improve the efficacy of other actives it is combined with—like our hemp-derived CBD and niacinamide, accelerating their ability to calm and restore acne-ravaged skin.

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Is Bixa suitable for all skin tones?

Yes! In fact, Bixa Orellana has been crucial in helping Balm fill a gap in the acne-fighting needs of melanin-rich skin. Melanin-rich skin tends to produce more sebum, which can lead to increased clogging of the pores and skin shininess. Therefore, personal care products need to be customized to its unique requirements.

When we were researching actives for ClearBalm, I noticed a 2017 study on the benefits of Bixa on melanin-rich skin tones. It showed that the ingredient decreased sebum excretion by 44 percent and reduced shininess by 11 percent when compared to the first day of the study. When I saw these results, I knew that Bixa could be a key active for helping to specifically fill the gap in plant-based skincare solutions for acne-prone melanin-rich skin.

Which BalmLabs products feature Bixa Orellana as an ingredient?

Honestly, we can’t get enough of this ingredient - the Gentle Foam Cleanser, Power Elixir, and Serum Hydrator all feature Bixa Orellana!

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The Bundle

3-Step System

$149.00 ($176.00 value)

Free Shipping | 30-Day Visible Results Guarantee

A groundbreaking 3-step acne system that smooths, revitalizes and improves the look of adult acne-prone skin without the use of harsh ingredients.

Learn more

GENTLE FOAM CLEANSER
Water (Aqua), Pentylene Glycol, Butylene Glycol, Lauryl Glucoside, Sodium Cocoamphodiacetate, Glycerin, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Sodium Lauryl Glucose Carboxylate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Phytate, Vaccinium Myrtillus (Bilberry) Fruit Extract, Saccharum Officinarum (Sugar Cane) Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Fruit Extract, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Fruit Extract, Acer Saccharum (Sugar Maple) Extract, Maltodextrin, Bixa Orellana Seed Extract.

POWER ELIXIR
Water (Aqua), Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Pentylene Glycol, Polysorbate 20, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Hyaluronic Acid, 1,2-Hexanediol, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Caprylyl Glycol, Cannabidiol, Xanthan Gum, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Hydroxide, Vaccinium Myrtillus (Bilberry) Fruit Extract, Saccharum Officinarum (Sugar Cane) Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Fruit Extract, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Fruit Exract, Acer Saccharum (Sugar Maple) Extract, Maltodextrin, Bixa Orellana Seed Extract, Panthenol, Citric Acid.

SERUM HYDRATOR
Water (Aqua), Squalane, Glycerin, Propanediol, Niacinamide, Lecithin, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Isohexadecane, Polysorbate 80, Phenoxyethanol, Yeast Extract, Soy Amino Acids, Cannabidiol, Caprylyl Glycol, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Maltodextrin, Bixa Orellana Seed Extract, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Hyaluronic Acid.

Formulated by Dr. Robin Schaffran, chief dermatologist at BalmLabs, using naturally derived extracts and plant-based ingredients.

Non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores).

Cleanses and clarifies acne-prone skin without the use of harsh ingredients that can be irritating and overly drying for adult skin.

Gentle enough for all skin types.

Use the system as directed for at least 30 days for optimal results.

Each bottle is designed to last 45 days on average, but may vary with usage.

For external use only. Avoid contact with eyes and keep out of children’s reach. For Elixir and Serum: If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, consult your doctor before use. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. These statements have not been evaluated by the US Food and Drug Administration.

Step 1
Apply 1 or 2 pumps of our Gentle Foam Cleanser to damp skin in the morning and gently massage in an upward, circular motion. Rinse with lukewarm water.

Step 2
Apply 1 or 2 pumps of our Power Elixir to the face and neck with fingertips or cotton round, avoiding the eye area. Allow to absorb completely.

Step 3
Apply 1 or 2 pumps of our Serum Hydrator to the face and neck, using fingertips. Allow to absorb completely before applying sunscreen or makeup.

Repeat all three steps in the evening.