Top-grade food-grade carminic acid extract made from cochineal insects (Dactylopius coccus Costa), cultivated on nopal (prickly pear cactus) farms in Peru. Today, Peru is the leading producer of cochineal, where an estimated 50,000 people—mostly in rural areas—harvest the insects by hand and dry them in the sun before further processing.

Cochineal is the only natural red colorant approved by the FDA, widely used in textiles, food, and cosmetics. It has been a valued dyestuff since pre-Columbian times in Central and South America, prized for its brilliant reds and magentas.

Active dye components: carminic acid
CI Natural Red 4 
E120 (food & cosmetics)

Shading Tips

• Alum mordant: brilliant pinks to true reds
• Tin Mordant: true reds and crimson
• Cream of tartar: pushes shades warmer, towards crimson
• Iron: shifts to purples and muted violets
• Overdye with indigo: deep plums and burgundy tones
• pH sensitive: acidic baths give redder shades, alkaline baths shift to purple