Learn Glossary colorant

Carminic Acid

Level 3ContestedIn Winter's Dictionary

Carminic Acid is a colorant — Red coloring matter from a scaly insect

Also: Natural Red No. 4

What it does

Red coloring matter from a scaly insect

Where you'll see it

Mascaras, liquid rouge, paste rouge, red eye shadows

What the research says

May cause allergic reactions.

Regulatory status

  • Notes: Not subject to FDA certification

Sources

  • A Consumer's Dictionary of Food Additives (Winter): the coloring matter from a scaly insect. Color is deep red in water and violet to yellow in acids. May cause allergic reactions