What it is
Carmine is a deep red pigment produced from carminic acid extracted from the cochineal insect. It is widely used in color cosmetics to impart red, pink, and rosy tones, and appears in tinted or tone-up sunscreens that aim to add a subtle flush to the skin. It is valued for its rich, stable color.
Safety & warnings
Carmine is generally well tolerated as a topical colorant, though rare allergic reactions to cochineal-derived carmine have been reported. Because it is sourced from insects, it is not suitable for vegan products.
Origin & sourcing
It is an animal-derived colorant obtained from the dried bodies of cochineal insects, making it non-vegan.
History
Carmine has been used as a prized red dye for centuries, valued historically by cultures in the Americas and later traded widely as a source of brilliant red color for textiles, food, and cosmetics.
Questions everyone asks
What is carmine made from?
It is a red colorant made from carminic acid extracted from cochineal insects, which is why it is considered animal-derived and not vegan.
Why is carmine in a sunscreen?
It is used as a colorant in tinted or tone-up sunscreens to add red or pink tones that give the skin a subtle flush or even appearance.