Is Alkannin vegan?

Alkannin

Vegan

Alkannin (CI 75530) is a natural naphthoquinone dye obtained from the roots of the plant dyer's alkanet (Alkanna tinctoria), found in the Mediterranean region. It is used as a red-brown food colourant and in cosmetics, and is the (S)-enantiomer of the related compound shikonin; the racemic mixture of the two is known as shikalkin.

Also known as Anchusin, Natural Red 20, Shikalkin
E number E103
CAS number 517-88-4
CI number CI 75530
Last reviewed 3 June 2026

Sources

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