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What is carmine?

pink and red cosmetics
If you are checking the ingredient list on your makeup, you might find Carmine listed on the labels of your pink and red makeup.

So What is Carmine?

Carmine is a natural cosmetic ingredient that you need to know about, especially if you are a vegan. 

 Carmine is a red pigment used in makeup.  It can be found in any cosmetic product (lipstick, lip liner, blush, eyeshadow, creams, etc.) that is red, pink, berry, purple or even a warm brown. 

This is a natural ingredient because it is derived from a natural source. You may not like the natural source, though. Carmine is derived from a beetle. The dried female cochineal beetle to be exact. Yes, the insect that is a beetle. 

 The red coloring comes from carminic acid that is extracted from the dried crushed beetle.

It is a safe, natural ingredient and is also used as a food colorant. There was a big stink a few years ago when people realized it was use in one of Starbucks strawberry drinks. Not to worry. Starbucks no longer uses carmine their drinks.

 Reading your labels can be confusing when it comes to Carmine. It can be listed with different names so you may not see it right away on the ingredient list. Carmine can be listed as:

 carmine
crimson lake 
cohineal 
natural red 4 
C.I. 75470
E120
natural color 
and added color. 

You have to always carefully read labels if you want to avoid it or you can buy vegan products. You are safe with them. Vegan products won't contain any animal ingredients. Not even honey. 

 Urban Decay is a popular makeup that offers many vegan products.  Tarte also offers a variety of vegan products. And there is Pacifica. Pacifica is 100% vegan and cruelty free. All of these are nice quality brands of makeup. Here are some Amazon Affiliate links so you can do a little vegan cosmetic shopping!

Click here to shop for Tarte Vegan Cosmetics on Amazon


Now some red dyes are associated with health problem such as migraines, allergies and mental health disorders especially in children when consumed. 

Red dye 40 is notorious. Red dye 40 can also be listed as Red 40 Lake, FD&C Red No. 40, FD&C Red 40 Aluminum Lake, Allura Red AC, Cl Food Red 17, ins No.129 and E129.

In that case, carmine is the much safer option!

Thanks for stopping by! I hope this post has given you an interesting tip you can use.


        Have a Beautiful Day! 
xo
Jill
Licensed Cosmetologist, Esthetician, Makeup Artist

PS: Thanks for using my amazon💋
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no cost to you. That keeps my blog running and supports the care of animals in need!😸

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