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Safflower Yellow, a natural pigment derived from the petals of the Carthamus tinctorius plant, delivers a bright yellow hue prized in the food, textile, and pharmaceutical industries. The pigment comes in several forms such as solid flakes, crystalline powder, and liquid solutions, and sets itself apart with a distinct deep-yellow appearance and clarity. Most of the safflower plants used for extraction grow in warm climates. Modern extraction separates the active pigment from the flower’s fibrous material, producing a concentrated product that stands out for stability and intensity of color.
This pigment's molecular formula is C21H20O11, with a molecular weight around 448.38 g/mol. Those numbers reflect the pigment’s glycosidic base, responsible for both its solubility and stability. In the lab or industrial setting, Safflower Yellow emerges as a fine yellow-orange powder, but its appearance shifts to a clear, bright yellow once dissolved in water or alcohol-based solvents. Under standard conditions, density registers near 1.4 g/cm³ in powder form. It carries a crystalline texture, and sometimes ships as pressed flakes or as dry powder, catering to businesses that demand easy batch weighing and handling. For larger volume applications, liquid Safflower Yellow provides consistency per liter and speeds up blending for food or beverage coloring.
Producers authorize product lots through chemical identification and precise specification sheets, confirming purity and absence of harmful contaminants. Typical purity hovers above 95%, with residual moisture content maintained below 6% to ensure shelf stability. Safflower Yellow enters international trade under the HS Code 3203.00, grouped as a plant-based dye. Each batch comes with a batch number, lot date, and origin certificate. Most suppliers also provide a detailed certificate of analysis, which covers all property and safety disclosures to comply with both food-grade and industrial regulations.
Natural food processors use Safflower Yellow for its vivid tint in beverages, confectionery, and bakery products. Textile manufacturers appreciate the pigment for its wide compatibility with natural fibers and exceptional wash-fastness, thanks to its strong binding molecules. Given its water solubility, the pigment works seamlessly in liquid and solid formulations, and small tweaks to pH or blending solvents deliver varied tonal results, expanding its use from light yellows to robust golden shades. Its value extends to pigments for cosmetics—lip balms and face powders—where clean-label coloring is crucial. In cultural traditions, Safflower Yellow still colors silk, paper crafts, and festival foods in many Asian countries, drawing a straight line between history and today’s consumer goods.
Widely recognized for its low toxicity, Safflower Yellow sits on the safe side of the spectrum for most applications. Scientific studies show a high level of oral and dermal safety even at relatively high concentrations, though operators must avoid inhaling dust during production or handling. Proper ventilation and personal protective equipment become necessary safety checks in high-volume processing. Though rarely registered as hazardous, users still consult safety data sheets (SDS) for guidelines dealing with accidental spills or allergic sensitivities. Raw safflower flowers serve as the exclusive starting material, which undergoes controlled extraction and filtration to eliminate natural impurities. Regulatory bodies across Europe, Asia, and North America generally accept Safflower Yellow as a food additive under the E106 label, following clear upper usage limits. Each user should audit their sourcing for product provenance, since environmental or agricultural hazards in the country of origin can affect final material purity.
Safflower Yellow consists mainly of two types of flavonoid glycosides—carthamin and safflomin—giving it a robust resistance to both heat and light. Though mild heat during cooking or dyeing doesn’t significantly degrade the pigment, excessive temperature or prolonged UV exposure can cause a slow color fade. In aqueous solutions, the pigment generally retains stability for months if stored in sealed containers, away from direct sunlight and fluctuating humidity. Its chemical backbone ensures compatibility with a wide variety of formulation additives, whether in syrup concentrates for drinks or dispersants in textile dyes. The molecular structure fosters quick dissolution, and filtration at source removes large plant debris, resulting in smooth-flowing powders or uniform flakes ready for packing.
Producers sometimes struggle with sourcing enough raw flowers during poor harvest years, causing disruptions in global supply chains. Limited supply can lead to price spikes or quality inconsistencies, a problem familiar to any business relying on agricultural raw materials. To reduce risk, some companies have invested in contract farming or sustainable growing programs, working directly with growers to lock in quality and volume. Ongoing research into semi-synthetic and bioengineered versions might one day stabilize pricing and availability further. Quality also depends on strict control at extraction, so regular third-party lab audits and consistent batch certification offer peace of mind for buyers in regulated industries.
Across industries, Safflower Yellow brings vivid natural color, reliable safety, and a rich tradition of use. Companies that depend on trustworthy pigment supply value not only certified product performance but also reliable sourcing and clear documentation of every batch. Robust material science combined with ethical supply practices holds the key to stable and safe use, from small-batch chocolates to textiles that last for years.
West Ujimqin Banner, Xilingol League, Inner Mongolia, China
