Carmine red, also known as Cochineal, Crimson Lake, and Natural Red 4, was used by the ancient Aztecs and is thought to be the oldest true red dye. It’s no less popular today than it was in the court of Moctezuma I, and is used in everything from Cherry Coke to makeup like lip glosses and eye shadows.But do you know where it comes from?

Carmine is made from the boiled, dried, and finally powdered female cochineal beetles.

This causes problems for vegetarians and people who oppose the use of animal products in cosmetics. This January, in the states, the FDA passed a regulation requiring that cochineal and carmine be listed by name on labels.