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Saffron Oil Extract (Crocus Sativus Stigma Extract): Safranal from the Stigma for Lipophilic Anti-Aging Formulations

Saffron is one of the most labor-intensive botanical raw materials in existence, as only the stigma threads of the Crocus sativus flower are processed. The CONIUNCTA® PRO CPO-12 Saffron Oil Extract (INCI: Crocus Sativus Flower (Saffron) Extract, listed at datasheet level as Crocus Sativus Stigma Extract) transfers the lipophilic constituents of these threads into a purely oil-based, anhydrous system. Available in three carrier variants (sunflower oil, jojoba oil, and squalane), this premium raw material is aimed at formulators who want to integrate a distinctive, carotenoid-bearing active principle into water-free skincare systems. This article classifies markers, carrier profiles, and documented application fields for development practice. The Stigma as a Raw Material Source: Saffron Threads Instead of Flower Mass The botanical basis of the extract is the stigma of Crocus sativus, that is, the saffron flower's stigma. This specificity is decisive for raw material assessment, as only the stigma fraction delivers the marker profile typical of saffron. According to the datasheet, the native drug-extract-ratio (DER) is 1:10. In the finished preparation, the extract fraction across all variants is approximately 30 percent, embedded in roughly 70 percent carrier oil each. 1 kg of CONIUNCTA® Extract therefore contains the lipophilic constituents of about 30 g of dried plant material. The extract is obtained via CONIUNCTA® AVE technology, a vacuum-assisted high-shear mixing process with cell disruption, followed by lipophilic extraction and carrier oil standardization. For formulators, this approach means a reproducibly standardized oil phase without any water addition. Details on the process are described on our AVE technology page. Safranal, Picrocrocin, and Crocin: The Documented Marker Profile As the primary marker, the CDS lists safranal with a calculated content of 63 to 405 µg/g, referenced against ISO 3632-2:2010 and classified as peer-reviewed data. The literature content of the dried plant is stated at 0.3 to 1.5 percent. As a volatile fraction, safranal is additionally documented at 0.5 to 3 percent. Additional characteristic compounds are described: Safranal (volatile): 0.5 to 3 percent Picrocrocin (bitter compound): 2 to 8 percent Crocin (carotenoid glycoside): hydrophilic marker in ISO quality grade, without a quantity specification in the product Crocin is explicitly listed in the dossier as a hydrophilic marker. In a purely lipophilic preparation, this is a relevant point for interpreting the marker profile: the product is an oil extract in which the lipophilic and volatile fractions are at the forefront. As mechanistic background (not a product claim), the CDS names ROS scavenging, MMP inhibition, and NF-κB. Documented Claim Areas for Cosmetics For cosmetic application, the datasheet classifies the extract under "At a Glance" as an antioxidant with capillary strengthening. The supported cosmetic claim areas under Regulation (EC) No 655/2013 (subject to substantiation requirements by the responsible person) include: Anti-ageing Antioxidant protection Elasticity support Pore-refining These claim areas should be understood as guidance for product development. The specific substantiation of the finished product remains the responsibility of the responsible person under Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009. CONIUNCTA® provides the technical documentation for this purpose; concrete claim strategies and their evidence remain the task of the party placing the product on the market. Three Oil Carriers Compared: Sunflower Oil, Jojoba Oil, and Squalane All three variants are anhydrous, oil-based preparations without water addition and are suitable for cosmetic applications. The choice of carrier determines the sensory and formulatory profile: Sunflower oil (EU-INCI: Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Crocus Sativus Stigma Extract): the classic, broadly compatible vegetable oil. This variant is also the only food-grade option. Jojoba oil (EU-INCI: Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Crocus Sativus Stigma Extract): a liquid wax ester with a skin-friendly sensory and stability profile, valued in sophisticated skincare systems. Squalane (INCI: Squalane, Crocus Sativus Stigma Extract): a light, oxidation-stable emollient for formulations with fast absorption. The usage concentration for all variants in cosmetics is 2 to 5 percent. The color ranges from amber to light brown. All variants are suitable for vegan formulations. Further carrier options from our range can be found in the sunflower oil extracts collection. Food Application of the Sunflower Oil Variant Only the sunflower oil variant is food-grade. The CDS states a usage concentration of 0.5 to 2 percent for this purpose (functional food and beverages, literature reference) and classifies the extract as a traditional food ingredient. Use occurs in accordance with traditional use and applicable food regulations. Allergen labeling under (EU) No 1169/2011 is the responsibility of the food business operator. Regulatory Status, Safety, and Technical Documentation According to the SDS, the product is not a hazardous substance and does not require classification under Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008; no hazard pictogram, signal word, or H-/P-statements are required. For storage, storage class 10 (flammable liquids under TRGS 510) is documented, derived from the flash point of the carrier substance. Regarding Fragrance Allergens (Annex III), the content according to the CDS remains below the labeling threshold even at a 5 percent usage concentration (worst case); the highest value (carvone) is stated at a maximum of 0.00156 mg/kg against a threshold of 10 mg/kg. As a botanical extract, the product falls under the REACH Annex V exemption (naturally occurring, non-chemically modified substance); PBT/vPvB or endocrine-active components ≥ 0.1 percent are not contained. Shelf life is 24 months under dry storage between 10 and 30 °C in the original sealed container. Color changes during storage as well as possible turbidity or precipitation are inherent to the product and do not affect quality; filtration can be carried out in such cases if needed. We provide the complete TDS, SDS, and CDS via our technical documentation. Sourcing and Advice for Formulators The CONIUNCTA® PRO CPO-12 Saffron Oil Extract is part of our premium line and accessible via the CONIUNCTA® PRO collection. For sample requests, datasheets, and guidance on selecting the suitable carrier variant, our technical team is available; specific formulation and dosage questions are addressed individually. You can find the complete raw material at CONIUNCTA® PRO CPO-12 Saffron Oil Extract in the CONIUNCTA® shop. CONIUNCTA® – Raw materials, data, and services for future-ready formulations.