Carmine is a red powder.

Other names for it are: crimson lake or carmine lake, cochineal, natural red 4,C.I. 75470,or E120

 The most common exposure to carmine is in make-up, especially:

• eye shadow
• blush
• mascara
• lipstick

Other less common exposures include:

• Artificial flowers
• Paints
• Red Foods, including:

  • Yougurt

  • Candy

  •  Juice

  • Ice Cream

Allergic reactions from carmine in food are much less common that contact dermatitis from carmine in cosmetics and very few people who are allergic to carmine in cosmetics have problems from it in food, as these are different kinds of allergies.

It is often listed in the part of the ingredient list that says “May Contain:….” You should avoid these products.