- Functions:Pigment
- Ingredient Origin:Plant Origin, Natural Origin
- Labeling Claims:Natural
Amerilure Annatto Oil is the purified extract of the outer layer of the seeds of the Bixa Orellana tree, native to northern South America. The origin of its name comes from the Spanish Conqueror Francisco de Orellana, who observed South American natives using pigment derived from seeds of this tree for body paint. Tribes native to South America used Annatto in preparation for war, using the reddish color to symbolize the blood of their opponents. Francisco de Orellana observed the golden quality the pigment gave the warrior’s skin, and believed there was gold in the region. As a result, he launched an expedition into the jungle in search for precious metals, where he unintentionally discovered the Amazon River.