Carmine is not vegan. Carmine is a natural red pigment derived from the crushed bodies of female cochineal insects. To create carmine, these insects are harvested, dried, and then crushed to extract the vibrant red color.
But what exactly is carmine, and how is it used in the makeup industry? In this article, we’ll explore the origins and uses of carmine and its multiple names.
What Is Carmine? What Is Carmine Made Of?
Carmine is a vivid red pigment that has been used for centuries in various industries, including cosmetics and food. Carmine is made from the crushed bodies of female cochineal insects, specifically the Dactylopius coccus species.
To create carmine dye, the insects are harvested, dried, and then crushed to extract the vibrant red color from their bodies. This natural dye has been prized for its ability to produce a range of red and pink hues, making it a sought-after ingredient in cosmetics, including lipsticks, blushes, and eyeshadows.
Different Names For Carmine
Carmine is known by various names and synonyms in the cosmetics and food industry. These various names can sometimes make it challenging for consumers to identify carmine on ingredient lists, so it’s essential to be vigilant when looking for vegan-friendly or carmine-free products if desired.
- Cochineal Extract;
- Natural Red 4;
- Crimson Lake — an older term for carmine used historically in the context of pigments and dyes;
- Cochineal Dye;
- CI 75470 — the International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients lists pigments with a color index number;
- E120 — in the European Union, carmine is labeled as E120 when used as a food or cosmetic coloring.
Why Is Carmine Used In Makeup And Skincare?
Carmine is used in makeup and skincare primarily for its vibrant red and pink coloration properties. It provides a natural and long-lasting color that has been difficult to replicate with synthetic alternatives in the past. Nowadays, it is no longer an issue.
In the beauty world, carmine may be found in various products, such as tinted lip balms, cream blushes, and lip tints, to add a touch of color and vibrancy. Carmine is also often used in foods.
Regarding its impact on health, carmine has the potential to trigger allergic reactions and, in some cases, even lead to anaphylactic shock among individuals who are particularly sensitive to it. However, it is important to note that for the overall population, carmine does not pose a significant risk.
However, carmine has no cosmetic benefits — it just gives makeup its color. A vegan alternative to carmine in cosmetics and food coloring is a plant-based red pigment or synthetic coloring. Plant-based alternatives are typically derived from plant sources and do not involve the use of insects.
Some common plant-based red pigments and alternatives to carmine include beet juice or its extract, Annatoo (a natural dye derived from the seeds of the achiote tree), red radish extract aka Anthocyanin, pomegranate juice, or alkanet root.
FAQ About Carmine
Carmine in makeup is a red pigment. Carmine is a vivid red pigment that has been used for centuries in various industries, including cosmetics and food. Carmine is made from the crushed bodies of female cochineal insects, specifically the Dactylopius coccus species.
Carmine is used for product coloring. Carmine is a vivid red pigment that has been used for centuries in various industries, including cosmetics and food. Carmine is made from the crushed bodies of female cochineal insects, specifically the Dactylopius coccus species.
Carmine is generally considered safe for use. It has the potential to trigger allergic reactions among individuals who are particularly sensitive to it. However, for the overall population, carmine does not pose a significant risk. Still, we would recommend using products with plant-based colorants as Carmine is not a vegan ingredient and is made out of crushed red insects.
No. Carmine is not vegan. Carmine is made from the crushed bodies of female cochineal insects, specifically the Dactylopius coccus species.
Carmine is made from the crushed bodies of female cochineal insects. To create carmine dye, the insects are harvested, dried, and then crushed to extract the vibrant red color from their bodies. This natural dye has been prized for its ability to produce a range of red and pink hues, making it a sought-after ingredient in cosmetics, including lipsticks, blushes, and eyeshadows.
Different names for Carmine include Cochineal Extract, Natural Red 4, Crimson Lake, Cochineal Dye, CI 75470, and E120.
Summary
Carmine, derived from crushed cochineal insects, serves as a natural red pigment in makeup and skincare. While it offers vivid coloration, it is not a vegan ingredient due to its insect-derived origin.
Nowadays, carmine has a lot of vegan alternatives — red pigments sourced from plants or a synthetic dye. Plant-based substitutes are typically derived from botanical sources like beetroot, pomegranate, or red radish.
See also: Best Vegan Makeup Products, Best Vegan Skincare Products
