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Carmine (E120): what it is and where it’s used

Carmine is a red colour made from cochineal insects. On food it appears as E120, cochineal or carminic acid, and on cosmetics as CI 75470. US rules require it to be named on food and cosmetic labels. It colours red yoghurts, sweets and lipsticks. Bravoora recognises carmine by name, E-number and colour index, and flags it for a vegan profile.

By Bravoora teamUpdated Sources checked 2 sourcesHow we check

Dried cochineal insects, the source of carmine, in a clay bowl.

What is carmine?

Carmine is a red colour made from cochineal, a small insect. In the US it must be named on food and cosmetic labels as “cochineal extract” or “carmine”. In the EU it appears as E120 on food, and as CI 75470 on cosmetics.

Where is carmine found?

  • Red yoghurts, drinks and sweets are often coloured with carmine.
  • Some processed meats and sauces use it for colour.
  • Lipsticks, blushes and eye shadows list it as CI 75470.

Label code: E120 · CI 75470

E-number pageE120 · Carmine (cochineal)

What are the other names for carmine on a label?

On a label, carmine can also appear as “E120”, “Cochineal”, “Cochineal extract”, “Carminic acid” or “Natural red 4”.

E120CochinealCochineal extractCarminic acidNatural red 4CI 75470

Which diets and allergies does carmine fit?

For carmine: vegan and vegetarian profiles get Not for you; dairy-free, gluten-free, peanut-allergy, sesame-allergy, egg-allergy, soy-allergy and caffeine-free profiles get Fits you.

VeganNot for youIt is made from insects.
VegetarianNot for youIt is made from insects.

A packed product can still carry a “may contain” warning, so check the pack.

Does carmine fit you?

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How does Bravoora check for carmine?

Bravoora recognises carmine by its E-number and colour-index code, not just by its name.

How Bravoora decides, in full

More questions about carmine

Who looks out for carmine?

Carmine matters most to people following a vegetarian or vegan profile, and anyone who has reacted to it before.

Is carmine vegan?

No. It is made from insects.

Is carmine vegetarian?

No. It is made from insects.

Sources and how to cite this guide

  1. US FDA: Color additives permitted for use
  2. EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009

To cite this guide: Bravoora, “Carmine (E120): what it is and where it’s used”, bravoora.app/ingredients/carmine/, updated 22 September 2026.

Spotted something wrong or missing? Tell us.

General information, not medical advice. Rules differ by country and products change, so always check the pack.

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