Is Natural Red 4 vegan?
Natural Red 4
Carmine, also known as carminic acid or Natural Red 4, is a red colorant derived from the dried bodies of the cochineal insect (Dactylopius coccus). It is widely used as a food and cosmetic colorant. It is exclusively of insect origin and is not suitable for vegan or vegetarian products.
| Also known as | 1343-78-8, 2-Anthracenecarboxylic Acid, 7-\b-D-glucopyranosyl-9, 10-dihydro-3,5,6,8-tetrahydroxy-1-methyl-9,10-dioxo-,Carmine 5297,Carmine (Coccus cacti L.) (RIFM),Carmine Ultra-Fine,Carminic Acid,Carminic Acid Lake,CI 75470,Natural Red 4, 2-Carboxy-3,5,6,8-tetrahydroxy-1-methyl-9,10-dioxoanthracen-7-yl-beta-D-glucopyranoside, 215-023-3, 215-680-6, Carmine, Carmine lake, Carminic acid, Cochineal, Cochineal extract, Crimson Lake |
|---|---|
| Vegan alternatives | Food Red 17, Beetroot Red, Anthocyanins |
| INCI name | Natural Red 4 |
| E number | E120 |
| INS number | 120 |
| CAS number | 1260-17-9 |
| EC number | 215-023-5 |
| CI number | CI 75470 |
| CosIng ID | 32809 |
| Last reviewed | 14 July 2026 |
An ingredient is considered vegan if it contains no animal-derived components at any point in its production.
Classifications are made to the best of our knowledge based on available scientific and regulatory sources. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of every entry, errors in the sources we draw from can always occur. This tool also cannot account for cross-contamination, which depends entirely on individual suppliers and producers. If you believe a classification is incorrect, you can report an issue.
