Carmine

ingredientAnimal-derivedSource: Cochineal insect

A red pigment made from crushed cochineal insects, used in cosmetics, food and drinks.

Roughly 70,000 cochineal insects are killed to produce 1 kg of dye. Carmine appears in lipsticks, blushes, yogurts and juices under many aliases.

Also known as

Common aliases you may spot on a label. Add these to your ingredient blocklist.

CochinealCI 75470E120Natural Red 4

Lower-impact substitutes that formulators reach for when replacing carmine.

Beetroot extractLycopeneSynthetic red 40

A waxy secretion extracted from sheep wool, used in lip balms, creams and industrial products.

Rendered animal fat, common in soap bars, moisturizers and candles.

A protein obtained by boiling animal skin, bones and connective tissue.

Wax produced by honey bees, used in balms, mascaras and polishes.

A structural protein extracted from animal hair, feathers, horns or hooves.

A resin secreted by the lac bug, used in nail polishes, hair sprays and food glazes.