Carmine is the aluminum or calcium-aluminum lake, on an aluminum hydroxide substrate, obtained by an aqueous extraction of the dried female insects of Dactylopius coccus Costa, enclosing young larvae. The primary source of the raw material is from the Canary Islands and parts of South America. The coloring principle derived from carmine chiefly consists of carminic acid (C22H20O13).

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Carmine, a premium natural red pigment extracted from the cochineal insect, is one of the most stable and heat-resistant natural colorants available globally. Its primary application is in the food and beverage industry, where it is used to provide a vibrant, long-lasting red hue to products like yogurts, juices, confectionery, and processed meats. In the cosmetic sector, Carmine is a gold-standard ingredient for high-end lipsticks, blushes, and eye shadows due to its exceptional color intensity and safety for topical use. Beyond consumer goods, it plays a vital role in biomedical science as a specialized histological stain (e.g., Best's Carmine) for identifying glycogen and other cellular structures in tissue sections. Additionally, its resistance to fading makes it a preferred choice in the textile and pharmaceutical industries for dyeing luxury fabrics and coating tablets with a natural, recognizable color.