carmine

Carmine is a vivid red pigment and dye derived from the crushed bodies of female cochineal insects, particularly Dactylopius coccus, native to the Americas. The coloring principle is carminic acid, and the pigment is commonly sold as carmine or as lakes formed by reacting carminic acid with aluminum or calcium salts to yield water-insoluble pigments used in foods, cosmetics, and textiles. Production involves harvesting, drying, and grinding them to extract carminic acid, which is then purified or precipitated as lake pigments.

Carmine provides a bright red with a range that can lean toward crimson or scarlet, often with a cool, bluish undertone. In foods, it colors candies, yogurts, ice cream, beverages, and prepared desserts; in cosmetics, it is used in lipsticks, blushes, and eye shadows. Carmine lakes are also employed on fabrics and other materials to impart colorfast red tones.

Safety and regulation: carmine is generally recognized as safe in many jurisdictions, but some individuals experience allergic reactions to cochineal or carminic acid. Because it is insect-derived, vegan or vegetarian products may avoid it, and labeling may specify its presence. In the European Union and other regions, carmine (E120) is an approved color additive for foods and cosmetics, with labeling requirements. In the United States, it is an approved FDA color additive under a separate monograph.