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E120 cochineal; carminic acid; carmines, and carmines (E120) are natural red colorants derived from insects, mainly the female cochineal insect Dactylopius coccus.
E120 cochineal; carminic acid; carmines are widely used as food and cosmetic colorants.
E120 cochineal; carminic acid; carmines belong to the anthraquinone pigment group.
CAS Number: 1260-17-9
Molecular Formula: C22H20O13
Molecular Weight: 492.39
EINECS Number: 215-023-3
Synonyms:CARMINIC ACID, 1260-17-9, Natural red 4, Cochineal tincture, Sun Red No. 1, Sanred 1, CI Natural Red 4, Sun Red 1, San-Ei Gen San Red 1, C.I. Natural red 4, E 120 (dye), CI 75470, E 120, 2-Anthracenecarboxylic acid, 7-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-9,10-dihydro-3,5,6,8-tetrahydroxy-1-methyl-9,10-dioxo-, CID8Z8N95N, DTXSID9022817, C.I. 75470, E120, DTXCID902817, E-120, CHEBI:78310, INS-120, NSC-6196, NSC-326224, 3,5,6,8-tetrahydroxy-1-methyl-9,10-dioxo-7-[(2S,3R,4R,5S,6R)-3,4,5-trihydroxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)oxan-2-yl]anthracene-2-carboxylic acid, CI-(1975)-NO.75470, 3,5,6,8-tetrahydroxy-1-methyl-9,10-dioxo-7-((2S,3R,4R,5S,6R)-3,4,5-trihydroxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)oxan-2-yl)anthracene-2-carboxylic acid, RefChem:918083, 2-Anthracenecarboxylic Acid, 7-Beta-D-Glucopyranosyl-9,10-Dihydro-, 215-023-3, Coccinellin, 3,5,6,8-Tetrahydroxy-1-methyl-9,10-dioxo-7-((2S,3R,4S,5S,6R)-3,4,5-trihydroxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)-9,10-dihydroanthracene-2-carboxylic acid, MFCD00167028, Carminic acid (E120), carminate, CARMINIC ACID (NATURAL DYE), Carminic Acid, >70%, C22H20O13, DSSTox_CID_2817, DSSTox_RID_81084, DSSTox_GSID_45735, Carmine Red, (1S)-1,5-anhydro-1-(7-carboxy-1,3,4,6-tetrahydroxy-8-methyl-9,10-dioxo-9,10-dihydroanthracen-2-yl)-D-glucitol, CAS-1260-17-9, CAS-1343-78-8, CCRIS 1397, HSDB 912, CARMINE (ALUM LAKE), COCHINEAL RED PWD, NSC 6196, EINECS 215-023-3, UNII-CID8Z8N95N, NSC 326224, AI3-18242, NCGC00091708-04, Cochineal Carmine Powder, Carminic Acid Natural dye, CI-NATURAL RED 4, CARMINIC ACID [MI], 2-Anthroic acid, 7-, Carminic Acid ;3,5,6,8-Tetrahydroxy-1-methyl-9,10-dioxo-7-((2S,3R,4R,5S,6R)-3,4,5-trihydroxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)-9,10-dihydroanthracene-2-carboxylic acid;Carminic acid (C.I. 75470) GR for analysis and for microscopy;ALUMINUM LAKE OF CARMINIC ACID;2-anthracenecarboxylicacid,7-beta-d-glucopyranosyl-9,10-dihydro-3,5,6,8-tetra;7-.beta.-D-glucopyranosyl-9,10-dihydro-3,5,6,8-tetrahydroxy-1-methyl-9,10-dioxo-2-Anthracenecarboxylicacid;7-alpha-d-glucopyranosyl-9,10-dihydro-3,5,6,8-tetrahydroxy-1-methyl-9,10-dioxo;C.I.Naturalred4
E120 cochineal; carminic acid; carmines is carminic acid, a complex anthraquinone glycoside.
E120 cochineal; carminic acid; carmines are aluminium or calcium salts of carminic acid, which improve stability and color intensity.
These structures give strong red coloration.
E120 cochineal; carminic acid; carmines appears as a bright red to dark red powder or liquid extract, depending on processing.
E120 cochineal; carminic acid; carmines is water-soluble in acidic conditions and forms stable complexes with metals.
It has little to no odor.
E120 cochineal; carminic acid; carmines provides strong red to pink coloration, even at very low concentrations.
E120 cochineal; carminic acid; carmines is highly stable compared to many natural dyes.
This makes it valuable as a food colorant.
E120 cochineal; carminic acid; carmines also shows mild antioxidant properties, though its main function is coloring.
E120 cochineal; carminic acid; carmines can interact with proteins and metals.
This affects its stability in formulations.
E120 cochineal; carminic acid; carmines are heat-stable and light-resistant, especially in acidic environments.
They maintain color during processing.
This improves usability in food products.
E120 cochineal; carminic acid; carmines are soluble in water (depending on pH and formulation), but insoluble in oils unless emulsified.
Their behavior depends on chemical conditions.
E120 cochineal; carminic acid; carmines, carmines) is best described as a natural insect-derived red pigment system used primarily for strong, stable coloring in food, beverages, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.
E120 cochineal; carminic acid; carmines works mainly by binding to proteins or metal ions to form stable red complexes.
These complexes are responsible for its intense and durable color.
This improves stability in many formulations.
E120 cochineal; carminic acid; carmines is highly pH-sensitive, meaning its shade can shift depending on acidity.
In acidic conditions it appears bright red; in more neutral conditions it may become darker or purplish.
This allows controlled coloration effects.
E120 cochineal; carminic acid; carmines is generally more stable than free carminic acid, especially under heat and light exposure.
Metal complexes (aluminium or calcium) improve resistance to degradation.
This extends shelf life in products.
E120 shows strong affinity for proteins, which is why it is effective in dairy products like yogurts and ice creams.
It binds to casein and other milk proteins.
This creates stable coloration in dairy systems.
E120 cochineal; carminic acid; carmines is widely used in beverages, especially acidic drinks such as fruit juices and soft drinks.
Acid conditions help maintain its red color.
This improves visual appeal.
Cochineal extract demonstrates good thermal stability, allowing it to withstand pasteurization and cooking processes.
However, extreme pH or prolonged exposure to light can still cause fading.
This affects formulation limits.
E120 cochineal; carminic acid; carmines is water-soluble (especially in acidic or neutral pH systems), but not oil-soluble unless emulsified.
This limits its use in fat-based systems without formulation aids.
This defines its application range.
E120 cochineal; carminic acid; carmines is also used in cosmetics such as lipsticks, blushes, and creams.
It provides a strong natural red pigment.
This enhances cosmetic coloring options.
E120 cochineal; carminic acid; carmines is sometimes used in pharmaceutical coatings and tablets for natural coloration.
It improves product appearance and identification.
E120 cochineal; carminic acid; carmines, carmines) is a natural insect-derived red pigment with strong protein-binding ability, good stability, and pH-dependent color behavior, widely used in food, beverage, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical applications.
Melting point: 136 °C
Boiling point: 506.2°C (rough estimate)
alpha: 15654 +51.6° (water)
Density: 1.4504 (rough estimate)
bulk density: 490 kg/m³
refractive index: 1.6000 (estimate)
Flash point: 12℃
storage temp.: room temp
solubility: 30 g/L
Colour Index: 75470
pKa: 1.62±0.20 (Predicted)
form: Crystalline Powder
color: Red to dark red
pH: 1.6 (10 g/L, H2O, 20℃)
Odor: Odorless
pH Range: 4.8–6.2
optical activity: [α]20/D +3.1°, c = 1 in H2O
Water Solubility: 1.298 g/L (room temperature)
λmax: 495 nm
ε (extinction coefficient): ≥13000 at 222–228 nm in ethanol at 0.03 g/L; ≥18000 at 275–281 nm in ethanol at 0.03 g/L
Merck: 14,1843
BRN: 71651
Major Application: diagnostic assay manufacturing; hematology; histology
InChIKey: DGQLVPJVXFOQEV-JNVSTXMASA-N
SMILES: Cc1c(C(O)=O)c(O)cc2C(=O)c3c(O)c(O)c([C@@H]4OC@HC@@HC@H[C@H]4O)c(O)c3C(=O)c12
LogP: 1.532 (est)
E120 cochineal; carminic acid; carmines is a concentrated solution obtained after removing alcohol from an aqueous–alcoholic extract of cochineal (Dactylopius coccus Costa, also called Coccus cati L.).
This extract is used as a color additive, the primary colorant being carminic acid.
E120 cochineal; carminic acid; carmines also shows excellent color strength, meaning very small amounts are enough to produce intense red shades.
This makes it highly efficient as a dye.
E120 cochineal; carminic acid; carmines reduces required dosage.
E120 cochineal; carminic acid; carmines has good resistance to microbial degradation, especially in properly processed and purified forms.
This helps maintain stability during storage.
E120 cochineal; carminic acid; carmines improves product shelf life.
The pigment can form different metal complexes (especially with aluminium and calcium), which alter shade from bright red to deep crimson or purple tones.
This allows controlled color variation.
E120 cochineal; carminic acid; carmines increases formulation flexibility.
E120 cochineal; carminic acid; carmines is commonly used in acidic dairy products like yogurt, flavored milk, and desserts, where it binds to proteins and remains stable.
This prevents color separation.
It improves visual consistency.
In meat products and seafood analogues, it is sometimes used for red-pink coloration.
E120 cochineal; carminic acid; carmines helps mimic natural meat tones.
This improves product appearance.
E120 cochineal; carminic acid; carmines is also used in confectionery products such as candies, gummies, and icings.
It provides vibrant and stable red coloring.
This enhances visual appeal.
E120 cochineal; carminic acid; carmines can be used in cosmetic formulations that require strong red pigmentation, such as lipsticks and blush products.
It provides natural-origin coloration.
This supports clean-label cosmetics.
E120 cochineal; carminic acid; carmines is sensitive to alkaline conditions, where it can degrade and lose color intensity.
Acidic environments are required for stability.
This limits formulation conditions.
E120 cochineal; carminic acid; carmines is also affected by oxidizing agents and prolonged light exposure, which can cause gradual fading.
Protective packaging helps reduce degradation.
E120 cochineal; carminic acid; carmines is a highly potent natural red pigment with strong protein-binding ability, excellent color strength, and pH-dependent stability, widely used in food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical color applications.
E120 cochineal; carminic acid; carmines that is that is 1,3,4,6-tetrahydroxy-9,10-anthraquinone substituted by a methyl group at position 8, a carboxy group at position 7 and a 1,5-anhydro-D-glucitol moiety at position 2 via a C-gly osidic linkage.
E120 cochineal; carminic acid; carmines is a natural dye isolated from several insects such as Dactylopius coccus.
E120 cochineal; carminic acid; carmines also has strong emulsifying compatibility when properly formulated, allowing it to be used in complex systems such as creams, dairy emulsions, and beverages.
It distributes evenly when stabilized with suitable carriers.
This improves color uniformity.
It can show different particle or solution states depending on processing, including dissolved carminic acid, precipitated carmine lakes, or spray-dried powders.
Each form has different stability and solubility.
This increases industrial flexibility.
The pigment has high affinity for aluminum and calcium ions, which is why “carmine lakes” are widely used in food and cosmetics.
These complexes improve light and heat stability.
This enhances durability.
E120 cochineal; carminic acid; carmines demonstrates excellent performance in acidic beverages, such as fruit juices, energy drinks, and flavored waters.
Low pH stabilizes its red coloration.
This makes it ideal for drinks.
E120 cochineal; carminic acid; carmines is widely used in fermented dairy products, where protein binding helps lock the pigment into the matrix.
This prevents color separation over time.
This improves product appearance.
Cochineal extract is also used in meat analogues and plant-based foods, where it helps mimic natural red meat tones.
It enhances visual realism.
This improves consumer acceptance.
E120 cochineal; carminic acid; carmines can be used in pharmaceutical coatings, especially for capsules and tablets requiring natural red coloring.
It provides stable identification coloring.
This supports product differentiation.
E120 cochineal; carminic acid; carmines is also used in hair and cosmetic dyes, particularly in natural or semi-natural formulations.
It provides strong red shades.
This expands cosmetic applications.
E120 cochineal; carminic acid; carmines is sometimes applied in traditional and artisanal food products, especially in regions where natural coloring is preferred.
It is valued for its historical use and natural origin.
E120 cochineal; carminic acid; carmines is a highly stable, protein-binding natural red pigment system with strong color intensity and versatile formulation forms, widely used across food, beverage, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries.
Uses Of E120 cochineal; carminic acid; carmines:
A red glucosidal hydroxyanthrapurin, it is produced naturally within some insects as a defense mechanism.
E120 cochineal; carminic acid; carmines is widely used in the food industry as a natural red colorant.
It provides strong red, pink, and purple shades in products.
In dairy products such as yogurt, flavored milk, and desserts, it binds to proteins and remains stable.
E120 cochineal; carminic acid; carmines prevents color separation in milk systems.
This maintains uniform appearance.
E120 cochineal; carminic acid; carmines is used in beverages, especially fruit juices, soft drinks, and energy drinks.
It gives stable red coloration in acidic environments.
This improves product attractiveness.
E120 cochineal; carminic acid; carmines is applied in confectionery products, including candies, gummies, and icing.
It provides bright and stable red tones.
This enhances visual quality.
In meat and fish analogues, it is used to create realistic red or pink coloration.
E120 cochineal; carminic acid; carmines mimics natural meat appearance.
This improves consumer acceptance.
E120 cochineal; carminic acid; carmines is widely used in cosmetics and personal care products, such as lipsticks, blushes, and creams.
It provides strong natural red pigmentation.
This supports clean-label formulations.
E120 cochineal; carminic acid; carmines is applied in pharmaceutical products, including capsule shells and coatings.
It is used for natural coloring and identification.
This improves product differentiation.
In traditional and specialty foods, it is used as a natural coloring agent where synthetic dyes are avoided.
It is valued for its natural origin.
This supports clean-label demand.
It is also used in artisanal and regional food products, especially in traditional recipes.
E120 cochineal; carminic acid; carmines provides stable and recognizable red tones.
E120 cochineal; carminic acid; carmines is used wherever strong, stable natural red coloration and clean-label ingredient sourcing are required across food, beverage, cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and specialty applications.
E120 cochineal; carminic acid; carmines is also used in processed meat products and cured meats, where it helps enhance or standardize red-pink coloration.
It improves visual consistency between batches.
This supports product uniformity.
In seafood products and surimi-based items, it is used to restore or enhance natural-looking pink tones.
E120 cochineal; carminic acid; carmines compensates for color loss during processing.
This improves appearance quality.
E120 cochineal; carminic acid; carmines is applied in bakery fillings, icings, and glazes, especially in decorated cakes and pastries.
It provides stable red and pink shades.
This improves decorative appeal.
E120 cochineal; carminic acid; carmines is used in frozen desserts and ice creams, where it maintains color stability under low temperatures.
It resists fading during storage.
This ensures consistent appearance after freezing.
In fruit preparations and jams, it can be used to enhance or standardize red fruit tones.
E120 cochineal; carminic acid; carmines supports uniform coloration in processed fruit systems.
This improves visual quality.
It is sometimes used in nutritional and functional beverages, especially those positioned as natural or premium products.
It supports clean-label coloring claims.
This increases market appeal.
E120 cochineal; carminic acid; carmines is used in capsule coatings and pharmaceutical syrups, where natural red coloring is required.
It improves identification and aesthetics.
This supports formulation clarity.
In cosmetic powders and pressed products, it is used to create natural red and pink shades.
E120 cochineal; carminic acid; carmines provides strong pigmentation with small amounts.
This enhances cosmetic design.
E120 cochineal; carminic acid; carmines is also used in specialty traditional foods and ceremonial products, where natural dyes are preferred over synthetic ones.
It maintains cultural and traditional authenticity.
E120 cochineal; carminic acid; carmines is used wherever strong, stable natural red coloration and premium clean-label positioning are required across food, cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and specialty product systems.
Safety Profile Of E120 cochineal; carminic acid; carmines:
E120 cochineal; carminic acid; carmines has low toxicological hazard overall, as it is widely approved for use in foods and cosmetics within regulated limits.
However, it is one of the better-known natural colorants associated with allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Its safety depends on individual sensitivity and exposure level.
The main hazard is allergic sensitization, especially with carmine (E120).
Some people may experience reactions ranging from mild skin irritation to more serious responses such as hives or respiratory symptoms.
This is relatively rare but well documented.
In sensitive individuals, ingestion or contact may trigger pseudo-allergic or true allergic reactions, including itching, swelling, or gastrointestinal discomfort.
Severe cases may involve asthma-like symptoms.
People with known dye allergies should avoid it.
Eye contact may cause mild irritation, mainly due to the pigment’s staining nature rather than chemical toxicity.
E120 cochineal; carminic acid; carmines can strongly stain tissues and surfaces.
Skin contact is generally low risk, but can occasionally cause irritation or staining, especially in concentrated forms.
