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Carmine is a water-dispersible powder. It is insoluble in alcohol and oil, sensitive to oxidation, and easily binds to proteins. It is used for coloring dairy products, and also applied in meat products, candies, aperitifs, soft drinks, apple cider vinegar, yogurt, baked goods, jams, jellies, cosmetics, dairy products, and pharmaceuticals.

Cochineal Acid, also known as "Carmic Acid", has a molecular formula of C₂₂H₂₀O₁₃ and a molecular weight of 492.39. It appears as red columnar crystals, has no specific melting point, and turns black when heated to 120°C. Its aqueous solution shows a deep red color: the solution presents yellow at pH 4.8 and purple at pH 6.2. It is soluble in water, ethanol, and concentrated sulfuric acid, slightly soluble in ether, and almost insoluble in petroleum ether, benzene, and chloroform. As a glycoside-type colored substance obtained from cochineal insects, it is the main component of carmine. It can be used for coloring in photography, staining of bacteria, as a pigment for coatings, and occasionally as an indicator in acid-base titration or oxidation titration.

*Carmine Lake refers to the aluminum-calcium colorant of cochineal acid. It is a bright red powder, almost insoluble in cold water and dilute acids, slightly soluble in hot water, and soluble in aqueous solutions of sodium hydroxide and sodium carbonate (showing deep red). It can be prepared by treating dried cochineal insects with sodium carbonate, alum, and tartaric acid. It can be used as a water-based coating, ink (source: Chemicalbook), art drawing pigment, and also as a colorant for food, herbal medicines, and cosmetics.

It is a deep red liquid with a slightly characteristic odor. It is very stable to heat and light, especially under acidic conditions. It is soluble in water, dilute acids, dilute alkalis, ethanol, and propylene glycol, but insoluble in ether and edible oils. It appears orange-red under acidic conditions, deep red under neutral conditions, and purple under alkaline conditions. It turns black when in contact with iron ions (polyphosphates can inhibit this blackening). It is mainly produced in Central and South America, Mexico, and other regions.