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Annex IV Entry 115 14/08/2020

Carmines

CI 75470

Carmines appears in Annex IV as a positive-list colorant entry for EU cosmetics.

Permitted colorant— Annex IV, EU Regulation 1223/2009
Entry: 115

Chemical identity and properties

PubChem 2D chemical structure for CAS 1260-17-9
CAS 1260-17-9PubChem CID 10255083

Carminic Acid

Carminic acid is a tetrahydroxyanthraquinone that is that is 1,3,4,6-tetrahydroxy-9,10-anthraquinone substituted by a methyl group at position 8, a carboxy group at position 7 and a 1,5-anhydro-D-glucitol moiety at position 2 via a C-glycosidic linkage. It is a natural dye isolated from several insects such as Dactylopius coccus. It has a role as an animal metabolite and a histological dye. It is a C-glycosyl compound, a monocarboxylic acid and a tetrahydroxyanthraquinone. It is a conjugate acid of a carminate(2-). ChEBI

IUPAC name
3,5,6,8-tetrahydroxy-1-methyl-9,10-dioxo-7-[(2S,3R,4R,5S,6R)-3,4,5-trihydroxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)oxan-2-yl]anthracene-2-carboxylic acid
Molecular formula
C22H20O13
Molecular weight
492.4 g/mol
Exact mass
492.09039069 Da
XLogP3
0.5
Topological polar surface area
243.0 Ų
Hydrogen-bond donors
9
Hydrogen-bond acceptors
13
Covalent units
1
Defined stereocentres
5

Also known as

Natural red 4Cochineal tinctureSun Red No. 1Sanred 1CI Natural Red 4Sun Red 1San-Ei Gen San Red 1C.I. Natural red 4
16 more reported names
E 120 (dye)CI 75470E 120CID8Z8N95N2-Anthracenecarboxylic acid, 7-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-9,10-dihydro-3,5,6,8-tetrahydroxy-1-methyl-9,10-dioxo-C.I. 75470E120E-120CHEBI:78310INS-120NSC-6196NSC-326224CI-(1975)-NO.754703,5,6,8-tetrahydroxy-1-methyl-9,10-dioxo-7-((2S,3R,4R,5S,6R)-3,4,5-trihydroxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)oxan-2-yl)anthracene-2-carboxylic acidRefChem:9180832-Anthracenecarboxylic Acid, 7-Beta-D-Glucopyranosyl-9,10-Dihydro-
External database identifiers

Evidence from additional scientific databases

NIH PubChem PUG-View
Exact identifier match10255083

Attributed physical-property, hazard, environmental and use annotations.

  • Physical Description: Carminic acid appears as dark purplish-brown mass or bright red or dark red powder. Darkens at 248 °F. Deep red color in water. Yellow to violet in acidic aqueous solutions. (NTP, 1992) Source: CAMEO Chemicals
  • Physical Description: Red to dark red, friable, solid or powder. Cochineal extract is generally a dark red liquid but can also be dried as a powder. Source: EU Food Improvement Agents
  • Physical Description: Dark purplish-brown or bright red solid; [Hawley] Deep violet fine crystals; [MSDSonline] Source: Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
  • First Aid: EYES: First check the victim for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush victim's eyes with water or normal saline solution for 20 to 30 minutes while simultaneously calling a hospital or poison control center. Do not put any ointments, oils, or medication in the victim's eyes without specific instructions from a physician. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim after flushing eyes to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop.; SKIN: IMMEDIATELY flood affected skin with water while removing and isolating all contaminated clothing. Gently wash all affected skin areas thoroughly with soap and water. If symptoms such as redness or irritation develop, IMMEDIATELY call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital for treatment.; INHALATION: IMMEDIATELY leave the contaminated area; take deep breaths of fresh air. If symptoms (such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, or burning in the mouth, throat, or chest) develop, call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital. Provide proper respiratory protection to rescuers entering an unknown atmosphere. Whenever possible, Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) shou Source: CAMEO Chemicals
  • Note: This chemical does not meet GHS hazard criteria for 98.9% (89 of 90) of all reports. Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • GHS Hazard Statements: Not Classified; Reported as not meeting GHS hazard criteria by 89 of 90 companies (only 1.1% companies provided GHS information). For more detailed information, please visit ECHA C&L website. Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • ECHA C&L Notifications Summary: Aggregated GHS information provided per 90 reports by companies from 2 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory.; Reported as not meeting GHS hazard criteria per 89 of 90 reports by companies.; There is 1 notification provided by 1 of 90 reports by companies with hazard statement code(s).; Information may vary between notifications depending on impurities, additives, and other factors. The percentage value in parenthesis indicates the notified classification ratio from companies that provide hazard codes. Only hazard codes with percentage values above 10% are shown. For more detailed information, please visit ECHA C&L website. Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • Environmental Bioconcentration: An estimated BCF of 3.2 was calculated in fish for carminic acid(SRC), using an estimated log Kow of 0.97(1) and a regression-derived equation(2). According to a classification scheme(3), this BCF suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low(SRC). Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Environmental Fate: TERRESTRIAL FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 440(SRC), determined from a structure estimation method(2), indicates that carminic acid is expected to have moderate mobility in soil(SRC). The pKa values of carminic acid are 2.81, 5.43 and 8.10(3), indicate that this compound will almost entirely exist in anion form in the environment and anions generally do not adsorb more strongly to soils containing organic carbon and clay than their neutral counterparts(4). Volatilization from moist soil is not expected because the acid exists as an anion and anions do not volatilize(SRC). Carminic acid is not expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon an estimated vapor pressure of 5.07X10-27 mm Hg at 25 °C(SRC), determined from a fragment constant method(5). Biodegradation data in soil were not available(SRC, 2010). Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Environmental Fate: AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 440(SRC), determined from a structure estimation method(2), indicates that carminic acid is expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment(SRC). The pKa values of 2.81, 5.43 and 8.10(3) indicate carminic acid will exist almost entirely in the anion form at pH values of 5 to 9 and therefore volatilization from water surfaces is not expected to be an important fate process(SRC). According to a classification scheme(4), an estimated BCF of 3.2(SRC), from an estimated log Kow of 0.97(5) and a regression-derived equation(2), suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low(SRC). Biodegradation data in water were not available(SRC, 2010). Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Environmental Fate: ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds in the atmosphere(1), carminic acid, which has an estimated vapor pressure of 5.07X10-27 mm Hg at 25 °C(SRC), determined from a fragment constant method(2), is expected to exist solely in the particulate phase in the ambient atmosphere. Particulate-phase carminic acid may be removed from the air by wet or dry deposition(SRC). Carminic acid contains chromophores that absorb at wavelengths >290 nm(3), and therefore may be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight(SRC); its UV absorption maxima is approximately 500 nm in water(4) and primary aliphatic alcohols(5). Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Mapped by: Existing checksum-valid CAS to unique PubChem CID match. Retrieved: 2026-08-31. Open source record

Scientific classifications and hazard annotations provide context and do not replace the market-specific regulatory decision shown above.

Additional source coverage and match status
SourceResultChecked
NIH PubChem PUG-ViewExact match2026-08-31

A recorded no-match is useful evidence that the source was checked; it is not a claim that the substance does not exist elsewhere.

Retrieved from NIH PubChem on 2026-09-02 by checksum-valid CAS matching. Chemical properties do not replace the regulatory decision on this page.

PubChem 2D chemical structure for CAS 1343-78-8
CAS 1343-78-8PubChem CID 14950

7-Hexopyranosyl-9,10-dihydro-3,5,6,8-tetrahydroxy-1-methyl-9,10-dioxo-2-anthracenecarboxylic acid

IUPAC name
3,5,6,8-tetrahydroxy-1-methyl-9,10-dioxo-7-[3,4,5-trihydroxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)oxan-2-yl]anthracene-2-carboxylic acid
Molecular formula
C22H20O13
Molecular weight
492.4 g/mol
Exact mass
492.09039069 Da
XLogP3
0.5
Topological polar surface area
243.0 Ų
Hydrogen-bond donors
9
Hydrogen-bond acceptors
13
Covalent units
1
Defined stereocentres
0

Also known as

RefChem:1074432Cochineal (dye)Carmine RedC22H20O13CARMINE (ALUM LAKE)C ochinealFEMA 2330MSK2469
9 more reported names
DGQLVPJVXFOQEV-UHFFFAOYSA-NHMS3346I223,5,6,8-tetrahydroxy-1-methyl-9,10-dioxo-7-[(2S,3R,4R,5S,6R)-3,4,5-trihydroxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)oxan-2-yl]-9,10-dihydroanthracene-2-carboxylic acid3,5,6,8-tetrahydroxy-1-methyl-9,10-dioxo-7-[3,4,5-trihydroxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)tetrahydropyran-2-yl]anthracene-2-carboxylic acidDA-620712-Anthracenecarboxylic acid,10-dihydro-3,5,6,8-tetrahydroxy-1-methyl-9,10-dioxo-7-Glucopyranosyl-3,4,5,8-tetrahydroxy-1-methylanthraquinone-2-carboxylic acid1,5-anhydro-1-(7-carboxy-1,3,4,6-tetrahydroxy-8-methyl-9,10-dioxo-9,10-dihydroanthracen-2-yl)hexitol1-Anthroic acid,10-dihydro-2,5,7,8-tetrahydroxy-4-methyl-9,10-dioxo-6-(2,3,4,5-tetrahydroxyhexanoyl)-
External database identifiers

Retrieved from NIH PubChem on 2026-09-02 by checksum-valid CAS matching. Chemical properties do not replace the regulatory decision on this page.

Record details

Warnings

Purity criteria as set out in Commission Directive 95/45/EC (E 120)

Colour index or glossary

CI 75470

Chemical name

Carmines

Chemical / IUPAC name

Carmines

Color

Red

Regulatory information

Regulation

(EC) 2009/1223

See every entry this act set

Identified ingredients

Key data

CAS
1260-17-9; 1343-78-8; -
EC
215-724-4; 215-680-6; 215-023-3
Annex
Entry number
115

Inventory links for Carmines

Inventory Restriction reference
Ref 32809

CI 75470

CAS: 1390-65-4
EC: 215-724-4
Inventory Restriction reference
Ref 55405

COCHINEAL

CAS: 1343-78-8
EC: 215-680-6

Direct matches are limited for this record, so nearby entries from Annex IV are shown as well.

Annex IV 114
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CI 75300

CAS: 458-37-7; 94875-80-6
EC: 207-280-5; -
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CI 75810

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EC: 234-242-5; 232-471-5 ; 215-800-7 / 207-536-6 / 208-272-4 / 287-483-3 / 239-830-5 / 246-020-5
Annex IV 113
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CI 75170

CAS: 73-40-5
EC: 200-799-8
Annex IV 117
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CI 77000

CAS: 7429-90-5
EC: 231-072-3
Annex IV 112
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CI 75135

CAS: 3763-55-1
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CI 77002

CAS: 1332-73-6; 21645-51-2; 8011-94-7
EC: 215-573-4; 244-492-7; -
Annex IV 111
Nearby record in the same annex

CI 75130

CAS: 116-32-5; 31797-85-0; 7235-40-7; -
EC: -; -; 230-636-6; 214-171-6
Annex IV 119
Nearby record in the same annex

CI 77004

CAS: 1302-78-9
EC: 215-108-5
Annex IV 110
Nearby record in the same annex

CI 75125

CAS: 502-65-8
Annex IV 120
Nearby record in the same annex

CI 77007

CAS: 12769-96-9; 1317-97-1; 57455-37-5
EC: 235-811-0; -; -;
Annex IV 109
Nearby record in the same annex

CI 75120

CAS: 1393-63-1; 542-40-5; 6983-79-5
EC: 215-735-4; 208-810-8; 230-248-7
Annex IV 121
Nearby record in the same annex

CI 77015

CAS: 1309-37-1/1332-25-8
EC: - / 310-127-6

What Annex IV means for Carmines

Carmines is an approved colorant listed in Annex IV of EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009. Only colorants on this positive list may be used to colour cosmetic products on the EU market.

Some colorants in Annex IV are restricted by product type — for example, prohibited from use around the eyes or in products applied to mucous membranes. Check the product type and conditions fields above before use.

This record is linked to 2 CosIng inventory ingredients for name and identifier cross-reference. The page also surfaces 12 related annex records with overlapping identifiers, annex logic or naming patterns.

Compliance checklist

  • Confirm colorant is used only in permitted product types listed above.
  • Record the Colour Index number and CAS identifier in the ingredient declaration.

Frequently asked questions

Yes. Carmines is included in Annex IV of EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009 as a permitted colorant. Only colorants on this positive list may be used to colour cosmetic products in the EU. Check the product type conditions above for any use restrictions.

CAS 1260-17-9; 1343-78-8; - is the unique numerical identifier assigned to Carmines by the Chemical Abstracts Service. In cosmetic compliance work, the CAS number is used to cross-reference the substance across regulatory databases, raw material specifications and safety assessment reports. Multiple EU annex entries may share the same CAS number if the same substance appears under different conditions or in different annexes.

Use the INCI Checker tool on this site to paste your full ingredient list (INCI) and scan it against all Annex II–VI entries. The tool highlights any ingredients that match restricted, prohibited or allergen-flagged records. This is useful for rapid compliance screening of finished product formulas or raw material declarations.

Source note for Annex IV record Carmines

This page summarizes one Annex IV record for Carmines from public European Commission cosmetic materials and adds linked inventory or identifier matches when available.

Use this record page to review Annex IV conditions for Carmines, but confirm any final regulatory decision against the current official annex wording and source files.

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