There's beetles in my lipstick?

Candace Grenier - Pure Anada Founder & Formulator

Isn't carmine a crushed beetle?  

Why do you use it in some of your products? 

When I first began creating natural makeup in 2005, I solely used mineral pigments as colourants. When creating lip colours, I soon realized there were limitations to the shades I could develop if my only options were minerals such as iron oxides (always warm toned) and mica (always shiny).  The most disappointing absence was a true pink or red pigment option without the sheen of mica.  However, I kept to my purist philosophy for many years.  

In 2018 our lab achieved organic certification with Ecocert - a highly respected certification body.  I noticed they approved Carmine from specific, approved suppliers.  However, they do not approve FD&C pigments as they are derived from petroleum distillates and coal tar.  Some of which have been linked to serious health concerns and cancer.

See my previous post: What makes your lipstick red?  for an in depth look at the various pigments used to tint lip colours.  

What is carmine? 

Carmine is a 100% natural crimson pigment derived from carminic acid, which is produced by the cochineal beetle native to Central and South America.  This natural, renewable and non-toxic pigment has been used as a dye for over 1000 years!  It was prized by the Aztec and Incan cultures and was one of the treasures the Spanish took back to the Old World.  

To this day, it is a rare (yet renewable), luxurious raw material.  The harvesting process is sustainable and helps to support family business in South America.  I just love the concept of my family business purchasing a raw material that helps to support another family!  

Watch the following video to see the production of carmine in Peru.  

Eventually, we made the decision to begin incorporating carmine into some of our products. This enabled us to broaden our colour range to include some of the most beautiful matte pinks in the realm of natural makeup!  

We were conscious to distinctively brand these products so people who wish to avoid carmine (those with vegan or kosher values) can easily do so.  You will find carmine in Pure Anada Lavish Lipstick, Lip & Cheek Rouge, and Exquisite Natural Gloss.  Incidentally, even though it isn't vegan, carmine is cruelty-free since it isn't tested on animals.  

Carmine is considered safe and not linked to any health risks and is even approved for use in food. You may have been consuming beetle juice all this time and not even known it!  However, as with any natural or synthetic ingredient, there is a chance you may be allergic to carmine.  So if you notice any tingling or swelling after using any of our products, discontinue use immediately.  

We aren't pioneers in using carmine in cosmetics. The very first rouge products ever developed in the 1800s used carmine to create the cutting edge hues of pink and red that were so risque at the time.  

Currently, other "clean" makeup brands who use carmine to create a truly natural product would be: Kjaer Weise, Vapour, Jane Iredale, Dr. Haushka, Zuii, Alima Pure, Ritual de Fille, Lily Lolo, Nudus, Ecco Bella, Burt's Bees, etc.  

I hope this article about carmine pigment, as it is used in Pure Anada products, helps you choose a product that aligns with your personal values.