Carmine and cochineal extract are red and derived from dried female cochineal insects, Dactylopius coccus Costa, which are parasites of the prickly pear cactus. Carmine is a dark red color additive obtained via aqueous extraction of cochineal. Carmine is the aluminum or calcium-aluminum lake of the coloring principals, primarily carminic acid, obtained by aqueous cochineal extraction. A bright red dye and the stain carmine used in microbiology is often made from the carmine extract. 

Carmine is used in the manufacture of artificial flowers, paints, crimson ink, rouge and other cosmetics, and some medications. It is routinely added to food products such as yogurt, candy and certain brands of juice, the most notable ones being those of the ruby-red variety.