Good Cosmetic Ingredient

Cochineal (CI 75470 / Carmine)

INCI: CI 75470

CAS Number
1390-65-4 (cochineal extract); 1260-17-9 (carminic acid); 1343-78-8 / 1328-60-5 (carmine lake variants)
Function
Colorant, masking agent
Safety Rating
GOOD

Regulatory Status

🇪🇺 EU Status permitted
🇺🇸 US Status permitted
US Notes FDA-approved color additive exempt from certification (21 CFR 73.100 for food; 21 CFR 73.1100 for drugs; 21 CFR 73.2087 for cosmetics). Must be declared as carmine or cochineal extract on labeling per FDA 2009 rule.

For full compliance data across 55 jurisdictions, use the Substance Compliance tool.

Safety Data

Margin of Safety (MoS)
adequate
Dermal Absorption
negligible
Sensitization
moderate

Calculate MoS for your specific formulation with the MoS Calculator.

Expert Verdict

Known allergen for sensitized individuals through IgE-mediated response; mandatory declaration on US labels required. Animal-derived from Dactylopius coccus; protein contaminants in crude extracts may trigger allergic responses.

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Concern Level: Moderate

Regulatory Flags

potential-allergen colorant

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cochineal (CI 75470 / Carmine) safe in cosmetics?

Known allergen for sensitized individuals through IgE-mediated response; mandatory declaration on US labels required. Animal-derived from Dactylopius coccus; protein contaminants in crude extracts may trigger allergic responses. The EU classifies Cochineal (CI 75470 / Carmine) as "permitted". Safety rating: GOOD.

Is Cochineal (CI 75470 / Carmine) allowed in the EU?

Cochineal (CI 75470 / Carmine) EU regulatory status: permitted. This is based on EU Regulation 1223/2009 and its amendments.

What does Cochineal (CI 75470 / Carmine) do in cosmetics?

Cochineal (CI 75470 / Carmine) functions as: Colorant, masking agent. It is classified as a cosmetic ingredient in our database. CAS number: 1390-65-4 (cochineal extract); 1260-17-9 (carminic acid); 1343-78-8 / 1328-60-5 (carmine lake variants).

What is the Margin of Safety for Cochineal (CI 75470 / Carmine)?

adequate The Margin of Safety (MoS) is calculated using SCCS methodology. A MoS above 100 is generally considered safe. Use the MoS Calculator tool to calculate MoS for your specific formulation and product category.

Compliance Tools

Check Cochineal (CI 75470 / Carmine) compliance across multiple jurisdictions:

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Ingredient Decoder
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82 Allergen Checker
Check for EU declarable fragrance allergens
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Substance Compliance
Check compliance across 55 jurisdictions
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MoS Calculator
Calculate Margin of Safety using SCCS methodology
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Heavy Metal Limits
Compare limits across jurisdictions

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