Cochineal Extract – 50% (Carminic Acid)

Wooden bowl filled with dark red powder on a white background

Cochineal Extract – 50% (Carminic Acid)

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$88.00

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Top-Grade Natural Red Dye – CI Natural Red 4 / E120

Our 50% cochineal extract is a concentrated natural dye made from the dried insects of Dactylopius coccus Costa, cultivated on nopal (prickly pear cactus) farms in Peru.

Peru is today the world’s leading producer of cochineal. An estimated 50,000 farmers harvest the insects by hand, drying them in the sun before further processing into dye extracts.

This extract contains ~50% carminic acid, the active dye molecule responsible for cochineal’s extraordinary reds.

Cochineal has been prized since pre-Columbian times in Central and South America, later becoming one of the most valuable dye commodities in the global textile trade.

Today it remains the only natural red colorant approved by the FDA and is widely used in:

• Textile dyeing
• Food coloring
• Cosmetics

Active dye components

Carminic Acid
CI Natural Red 4
E120 (food & cosmetics)

Dye Results

Cochineal produces a stunning range of pinks, reds, crimson and purple tones, depending on mordant and pH.

Alum mordant brilliant pinks to clear reds

Tin mordant bright scarlet to crimson

Cream of tartar warmer crimson tones

Iron purples and muted violets

Overdye with indigo deep plum and burgundy shades

pH sensitive
Acidic baths push reds
Alkaline baths shift toward purple

Why Extract?

Cochineal extract offers several advantages over raw insects:

• High concentration (50%)
• Consistent results
• Faster dissolution in dye baths
• Lower dosage required

A little goes a long way.

Perfect for Dye Sets

Cochineal forms part of the classical natural dye palette, pairing beautifully with:

• Madder
• Weld
• Indigo
• Logwood

Together these dyes create an extraordinary range of historic reds, purples, oranges and browns.

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Reseal tightly after use.

Naturally farmed and processed by small producers.

This product complies with the General Product Safety Regulation (EU) 2023/988 (GPSR).

Packed and distributed by The Natural Dye Store, Derech Hamaccabim 58, Rishon LeZion, Israel,Contact person Suzanne Tamar Dekel, +972525410033

Instructions for Use

This 50% cochineal extract is highly concentrated and dissolves easily in warm water.

Recommended dosage (WOF – weight of fiber):

Light pink: 0.25–0.5% WOF
Rose / pink: 0.5–1% WOF
Classic cochineal red: 1–2% WOF
Deep crimson: 2–4% WOF

Example:
For 100 g of fiber, use approximately 0.5–4 g extract depending on the desired shade.

Basic Dye Method

Mordant fiber with alum before dyeing.
Dissolve the extract in a small amount of warm water.
Add to dye bath and dilute with water to allow fiber to move freely.
Add pre-wetted fiber.
Slowly heat to 70–80°C (160–175°F) and maintain for 45–60 minutes.
Allow fiber to cool in the bath for deeper color.
Rinse gently.

Suitable for wool, silk, cotton, linen and other natural fibers.

Tips for Best Results

• Add cream of tartar (6% WOF) with alum for brighter reds on wool
• For purples, add a small iron modifier after dyeing
• Keep baths slightly acidic for the clearest reds
• Alkaline conditions shift shades toward purple

Approved for food (E120) and cosmetics
Labeled as “carmine,” “cochineal extract,” or “natural red 4”
Commonly used in juices, candies, yogurts, ice creams, and lipsticks
Brilliant, stable red tones with excellent safety record in regulated use