Quick Search
Cochineal is a natural red colorant derived from the dried bodies of cochineal insects (Dactylopius coccus), and Cochineal is widely used in food, beverages, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical applications where a stable red to pink color is desired.
Cochineal color is primarily due to carminic acid, and Cochineal is valued for strong color strength, good stability in many systems, and natural-label positioning compared with synthetic red dyes.
Cochineal is commonly supplied as cochineal extract or as carmine lake pigments, and Cochineal performance depends on pH, metal complexation, processing conditions, and the presence of proteins that can influence allergy labeling requirements in some markets.
CAS Number: 1260-17-9 (commonly associated with carmine; grade dependent)
EC Number: 215-724-4 (commonly associated with carmine; grade dependent)
Molecular Formula: C22H20O13 (carminic acid; associated component)
Molecular Weight: 492.39 g/mol (carminic acid; associated component)
Synonyms: Cochineal, Cochineal Extract, Carmine, Carminic Acid Colorant, Natural Red 4 (common naming), E120 (food additive), Carmine Lake, Cochineal Red, Crimson Lake (common naming), Cochineal Colorant, Carmine Pigment, Cochineal Dye, Cochineal, COCHINEAL, Cochineal Extract, Cochineal extract, Cochineal Dye, Cochineal dye, Cochineal Color, Cochineal Colour, Cochineal Colorant, Cochineal Colourant, Cochineal Colouring, Cochineal Coloring, Cochineal Coloring Matter, Cochineal Colouring Matter, Cochineal Pigment, Cochineal pigment, Cochineal Red, Cochineal red, Cochineal Red Colorant, Cochineal Red Colourant, Natural Red Colorant (Cochineal), Natural Red Colourant (Cochineal), Natural Red Dye (Cochineal), Natural Red Pigment (Cochineal), Carmine, CARMINE, Carmine Dye, Carmine dye, Carmine Color, Carmine Colour, Carmine Colorant, Carmine Colourant, Carmine Pigment, Carmine pigment, Carmine Red, Carmine red, Cochineal Carmine, Carmine (Cochineal), Cochineal (Carmine), Carmine Lake, Carmine lake, Carmine Lake Pigment, Carmine Lake Colorant, Carmine Lake Colourant, Cochineal Lake, Cochineal lake, Cochineal Lake Pigment, Cochineal Aluminum Lake, Cochineal Aluminium Lake, Carmine Aluminum Lake, Carmine Aluminium Lake, Carminic Acid Aluminum Lake, Carminic Acid Aluminium Lake, Carminic Acid, Carminic acid, Acid Red 87, Acid Red 87 (carminic acid), Carminic Acid Colorant, Carminic Acid Colourant, Carminic Acid Dye, Carminic Acid Pigment (use context), Dactylopius Coccus Extract, Dactylopius coccus extract, Cochineal Insect Extract, Cochineal insect extract, Natural Cochineal Colorant, Natural Cochineal Colourant, Natural Carmine, Natural Carmine Colorant, Natural Carmine Colourant, Crimson Lake (carmine), Crimson lake (carmine), Natural Red 4, C.I. Natural Red 4, CI Natural Red 4, Colour Index Natural Red 4, Color Index Natural Red 4, Colour Index 75470, Color Index 75470, CI 75470, C.I. 75470, E120, E 120, INS 120, INS-120, Carmine (E120), Cochineal (E120), Carmine (food colorant), Cochineal (food colorant), Carmine (food colour), Cochineal (food colour), Carmine (cosmetic colorant), Cochineal (cosmetic colorant), Carmine (pharmaceutical colorant), Cochineal (pharmaceutical colorant)
APPLICATIONS
Cochineal is used in beverages to produce pink to red shades in fruit drinks and flavored waters when formulation pH supports stability.
Cochineal is incorporated into soft drinks to provide natural red coloration with good light stability.
Cochineal is used in alcoholic beverages such as liqueurs to deliver red hues and consistent color tone.
Cochineal is used in dairy products such as yogurt to provide strawberry and berry-like pink shades.
Cochineal is incorporated into flavored milk and dairy desserts to deliver stable red color during shelf life.
Cochineal is used in ice cream and frozen desserts to provide natural pink coloration in compatible systems.
Cochineal is used in confectionery to color candies, gummies, and jelly products with bright red tones.
Cochineal is incorporated into sugar coatings to produce stable red shades with natural positioning.
Cochineal is used in chewing gum coatings to deliver durable color during storage and handling.
Cochineal is used in bakery fillings and icings to create red and pink shades for decoration and flavor-themed products.
Cochineal is incorporated into cake decorations to provide stable red coloration under typical storage conditions.
Cochineal is used in fruit preparations and glazes to maintain red color in processed systems.
Cochineal is used in processed meat and seafood analog products in some markets to provide a red appearance in compatible formulations.
Cochineal is incorporated into sauces and condiments to deliver red shades with improved stability compared with some plant-based reds.
Cochineal is used in jams and fruit spreads to strengthen red coloration and improve batch consistency.
Cochineal is used in cosmetic lipsticks to provide rich red coloration with good pigment performance.
Cochineal is incorporated into lip gloss and lip balms to produce pink to red shades with natural-origin positioning.
Cochineal is used in blush and face makeup to provide warm red tones and stable pigment appearance.
Cochineal is used in eye cosmetics in approved regions when purity and regulatory requirements are met.
Cochineal is incorporated into nail products to deliver red hues in pigment dispersions.
Cochineal is used in soaps and bath products to create pink-red coloration in rinse-off systems.
Cochineal is used in pharmaceutical coatings to color tablets and capsules for identification and branding.
Cochineal is incorporated into syrups and oral liquids in some markets to provide red coloration in compatible pH ranges.
Cochineal is used in lozenges to deliver stable red color and improved consumer appeal.
Cochineal is used in artist and craft pigments as a traditional natural red dye source.
Cochineal is incorporated into inks and specialty coatings to provide red shades when natural dyes are desired.
Cochineal is valued because Cochineal provides strong, stable red color and broad regulatory recognition, though labeling and allergen considerations must be managed.
DESCRIPTION
Cochineal is produced by harvesting and drying cochineal insects, followed by extraction of carminic acid and conversion into standardized extracts or carmine pigments.
Cochineal color shade can range from orange-red to bluish-red depending on pH, metal ions, and formulation conditions, so Cochineal shade tuning is often performed during product development.
Cochineal is available as water-soluble extracts for beverages and foods and as insoluble lake pigments for cosmetics and other applications requiring particulate pigments.
Cochineal generally shows good heat stability in many food processes, and Cochineal often performs better than some anthocyanin-based reds in light and heat exposure conditions.
Cochineal can interact with proteins and can precipitate under certain conditions, so Cochineal compatibility testing is recommended for dairy and protein-containing systems.
Cochineal may be associated with allergy concerns for a small number of consumers, so Cochineal labeling compliance and customer communication are important in food and cosmetic products.
Cochineal should be stored in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry place protected from moisture and strong light.
Cochineal powders can generate airborne dust, so dust control and appropriate PPE are recommended during handling.
Cochineal should be used in compliance with applicable food, cosmetic, or pharmaceutical regulations in the target market.
PROPERTIES
Common Name: Cochineal
Primary Color Component: Carminic acid (extract) or carmine lake (pigment)
Appearance: Red to dark red powder (extract or pigment; grade dependent)
Odor: Mild characteristic odor
Solubility: Cochineal extract is soluble in water; carmine lake pigments are insoluble and used as dispersions
Color Shade: pH and metal-ion dependent; can shift from orange-red to bluish-red
Heat Stability: Generally good in many processing conditions (system dependent)
Light Stability: Often good compared with many plant-based red colorants (system dependent)
Protein Interaction: Can interact with proteins and electrolytes; may require stabilization in dairy systems
Regulatory Identifier: Commonly labeled as E120 in foods (market dependent)
Storage Temperature: 15–25°C, dry, protected from light
Shelf Life: Typically 24–36 months in original sealed packaging (supplier dependent)
FIRST AID
Inhalation:
Move to fresh air if dust is inhaled.
Seek medical attention if respiratory irritation persists.
Avoid breathing dust during handling and powder transfer.
Skin Contact:
Wash with soap and water after contact.
Cochineal may stain skin temporarily, so thorough washing is recommended.
Seek medical advice if irritation develops or persists.
Eye Contact:
Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes.
Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do, then continue rinsing.
Seek medical attention if irritation persists.
Ingestion:
Rinse mouth with water.
Seek medical attention if discomfort occurs or if a significant amount is swallowed.
Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.
Note to Physicians:
Treat symptomatically.
No specific antidote is required.
Provide supportive care based on exposure route and symptoms.
HANDLING AND STORAGE
Handling:
Use appropriate PPE including gloves and safety glasses, and use dust protection as needed.
Avoid generating dust and avoid inhalation of fine powder.
Prevent staining by using protective clothing and good housekeeping during handling.
Ventilation:
Use local exhaust or general ventilation where dust may be generated.
Maintain good airflow during weighing, charging, and blending operations.
Minimize airborne particulate accumulation in enclosed areas.
Storage:
Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry place protected from moisture and strong light.
Keep containers properly labeled and sealed when not in use to preserve color strength and prevent contamination.
Avoid exposure to high humidity that can cause caking in some powder grades.
Spill and Leak Procedures:
Avoid dust generation and sweep or vacuum using suitable equipment.
Collect spilled material into suitable containers for disposal according to local regulations.
Clean residues promptly to prevent staining of floors, tools, and equipment.
Handling Precautions:
Optimize pH and formulation conditions to achieve the desired Cochineal shade and stability in the final product.
Verify allergen and labeling requirements for Cochineal in the target market and product category.
Rotate stock using FIFO practices to maintain consistent color performance and specification compliance.
