Safflower

Safflower

Carthamus tinctorius

France, Italy, Argentina

Safflower is grown almost everywhere across the world and has always been known for its many uses. Its flowers contain colouring pigments (red carthamin) which were used to dye the robes of Buddhist monks and Chinese silk. The oil from its seeds, rich in polyunsaturated acids, is known in cosmetics for its nourishing benefits. In addition, safflower extract from the oilcake, collected after pressing the seeds to extract the oil, helps to intensify a tan.