Carmine
Red pigment from dried female cochineal insects (Dactylopius coccus). Used in lipsticks, eyeshadows, and blushes for a deep red shade. Not vegan – absence of carmine is often used as a marker of vegan cosmetics. Allergenic potential ranges from low to moderate.
Supporting ingredient
It gives a product its texture, stability or shelf life. It has no claimed effect on the skin, so an efficacy tier does not apply. What is known about its safety is below
Tolerability and safety
- Irritation potential
- Low
- Allergen risk
- Moderate
- Pregnancy
- Safe
- Suitable for
- Normal, Dry, Combination, Oily
- Use with caution
- Sensitive
About this ingredient
Carmine (CI 75470, E120) is a red pigment of animal origin. Obtained from dried female cochineal insects (Dactylopius coccus) that parasitize prickly-pear cacti in Peru, Mexico, and the Canary Islands. The active compound is carminic acid, an anthraquinone derivative. Where applied. Lipsticks, glosses, eyeshadows, blushes, cheek and lip products with rich cool-red or crimson shades. An alternative to synthetic dyes such as CI 15850. In Spain it appears in decorative cosmetics from Sensilis, Isdin Photo Skincare, Babaria, Mádara. Evidence base. No biological skin activity – a pure colorant. SCCS classifies carmine as a pigment, not a functional ingredient. Safety. SCCS confirms safety in decorative cosmetics. CIR rated carmine safe for its intended use. IgE-mediated allergy is reported: contact dermatitis, urticaria, and rare anaphylaxis when topical use combines with oral ingestion (lipsticks). Cross-reactivity is possible in patients allergic to other insects or to dietary E120 in drinks and yogurts. Vegan status. Carmine comes from insects, so it is neither vegan nor vegetarian. Its absence is often used as a marker of vegan cosmetics; alternatives include CI 15850 (D&C Red 7), iron oxides, and plant pigments (betanin from beetroot). Pregnancy and lactation – safe. Topical use is allowed at any stage. Infants may lick lipstick during breastfeeding; no infant harm is documented, but those prone to allergy should pick an alternative. Suitable for. Most patients without a history of allergy to carmine or insects. With a history of allergy, avoid all decorative cosmetics containing CI 75470.
Frequently asked questions
Is Carmine safe during pregnancy?
Carmine is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
What skin types is Carmine for?
Carmine suits: normal, dry, combination, oily. Use with caution in: sensitive.
What is Carmine and what does it do in cosmetics?
Red pigment from dried female cochineal insects (Dactylopius coccus).
What's the INCI name for Carmine?
The INCI name is Carmine. It may also appear as: CI 75470, Cochineal Extract, Carminic Acid.
See Carmine in a product composition right on the store page
The Evigrade extension adds an evidence panel to iHerb, Sephora, Druni and 12 more stores. This ingredient and every other one in the product show evidence-tier, allergen risk and pregnancy/lactation flags at a glance.
Similar role in the formula
Published: · updated: