Carmine SX: A Natural Red Pigment for Food, Cosmetics, and Pharmaceuticals

Technical Introduction

Carmine SX is a specialized form of carmine pigment, derived from cochineal extract (carminic acid). It is widely used as a natural red colorant in food, beverages, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. Compared to standard carmine, Carmine SX offers improved solubility, color stability, and dispersion properties, making it a preferred choice in industries where consistent red hues are required.

• INCI Name: Carmine

• E Number (Food Additive): E120

• Chemical Basis: Calcium-aluminum lake of carminic acid

• Appearance: Fine red to purple-red powder

• Solubility: Dispersible in water; soluble in acidic and neutral conditions (depending on formulation)

• Stability: Excellent heat and light stability compared to many natural colors

Applications

1. Food & Beverages

• Widely used in yogurts, confectionery, baked goods, beverages, sauces, and meat products.

• Provides stable, natural red to purple shades that resist fading under heat and light.

2. Cosmetics & Personal Care

• Used in lipsticks, blushes, eyeshadows, nail polishes, and hair products.

• Offers intense pigmentation with safe dermal compatibility.

3. Pharmaceuticals & Nutraceuticals

• Capsule and tablet coatings.

• Coloring syrups, liquid suspensions, and chewables.

4. Other Applications

• Specialty inks and natural dye-based formulations.

• Premium artistic materials and historical textile restoration.

✅ Advantages

• Natural origin – derived from cochineal extract.

• High stability against heat, light, and pH changes compared to other natural colorants.

• Strong tinctorial strength – produces vivid red and purple hues even at low concentrations.

• Wide regulatory approval in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals (with proper labeling).

• Better solubility & dispersion compared to standard carmine forms.

⚙️ Technical Specifications (Typical Parameters)

⚠️ Safety & Handling

• Regulatory Approval: Authorized in many regions including EU, USA, and Asia for food and cosmetics.

• Allergen Considerations: Rarely, some individuals may show sensitivity to cochineal/carmine (must be declared on labels in some countries).

• Storage: Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture to preserve color stability.

• Handling: Use protective equipment to avoid dust inhalation or skin contact during industrial handling.

❓ FAQ

Q1: What makes Carmine SX different from regular carmine?
Carmine SX is a refined, high-stability version, offering better solubility, uniform dispersion, and more consistent red shades, especially in aqueous and acidic systems.

Q2: Is Carmine SX vegan-friendly?
No. Since it is derived from cochineal insects, it is not suitable for vegan or certain religious dietary requirements (e.g., kosher/halal unless certified).

Q3: Can Carmine SX withstand high-temperature food processing?
Yes. It is heat stable up to standard pasteurization and baking conditions, outperforming many other natural red colorants like beetroot or anthocyanins.

Q4: Is Carmine SX safe for cosmetic use?
Yes, it is widely used in lipsticks, blushes, and eye products, as permitted by FDA and EU regulations.

Q5: Does Carmine SX fade under light exposure?
It has excellent lightfastness compared to most natural pigments, making it suitable for both food packaging and cosmetics.