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.
Topical application
BLimited evidence. One RCT or several controlled studies with limitations.
Functional pigment with no active skin effect. Cosmetic safety is established. Allergic reactions are reported (from contact dermatitis to isolated anaphylaxis reports with oral intake), so iron oxides (CI 77491/77492/77499) are preferred alternatives in sensitive cases.
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.
Irritation potential
LowAllergen risk
ModeratePregnancy
SafeSuitable for
The Evigrade extension adds an evidence panel to Wildberries, Goldapple, Letu, iHerb, Sephora 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.
Carmine is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
Carmine suits: normal, dry, combination, oily. Use with caution in: sensitive.
Red pigment from dried female cochineal insects (Dactylopius coccus).
The INCI name is Carmine. It may also appear as: CI 75470, Cochineal Extract, Carminic Acid.
Published: · updated:
Use with caution