Description

Carmine is a vibrant, natural red colorant derived from cochineal insects, primarily composed of carminic acid. This pigment is highly valued for its exceptional stability, lightfastness, and safety profile in sensitive applications. It is an essential ingredient for manufacturers in the food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industries seeking a natural, reliable red hue.

Application

• Food & Beverage Coloring: Used in dairy products (yogurt, ice cream), confectionery, beverages, meat substitutes, and processed foods to provide a stable red to pink color.
• Cosmetics & Personal Care: A key pigment in lipsticks, blushes, eyeshadows, soaps, and nail polishes, valued for its natural origin and color intensity.
• Pharmaceuticals: Employed as a colorant in tablet coatings, capsules, and syrups where a natural coloring agent is preferred.
• Artists' Materials: Used in the production of high-quality watercolors, oil paints, and inks for its historical significance and rich hue.
• Biological Staining: Utilized in microscopy and histology as a stain for cell structures and tissues.

Basic Information

Product Name	Carmine
CAS No.	1390-65-4
Molecular Formula	C22H20O13 (for Carminic Acid, the core component)
Molecular Weight	492.39 g/mol (for Carminic Acid)
Synonyms	Cochineal; Cochineal Extract; Carmine Lake; Natural Red 4; CI 75470; E120; Crimson Lake; Carminic Acid Lake
EINECS	215-724-4

Quality Control

Our Carmine is produced and tested to meet stringent quality standards for its intended applications. We offer grades compliant with major international specifications, including FCC (Food Chemicals Codex) and EU Directive (E120) for food use, as well as cosmetic-grade purity. Each batch undergoes rigorous analysis for identity, purity, heavy metals, and microbiological safety. A Certificate of Analysis (COA) is provided with every shipment to ensure full traceability and compliance.

Storage

Preserve in a tightly closed container, protected from light. Store in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area at room temperature (15-25°C). Keep away from incompatible materials and excessive heat. Under these conditions, the product has excellent shelf stability.

Specification

Item	Specification
Description	Bright red to dark red powder or lumps
Identification (IR)	Conforms to standard
Assay (Carminic Acid)	≥ 50.0% (Typical for commercial carmine)
Loss on Drying	≤ 20.0 %
Ash Content	≤ 12.0 %
Lead (Pb)	≤ 5 mg/kg
Arsenic (As)	≤ 3 mg/kg
Total Plate Count	≤ 1000 CFU/g
Yeast & Mold	≤ 100 CFU/g
E. coli	Negative
Salmonella spp.	Negative

Note: Specifications can be tailored. Please contact us for the detailed technical data sheet of a specific grade.