Are Bugs in Your Makeup? The Hidden Insect Ingredients In Your Beauty Routine
You open your favorite red lipstick, swipe it across your lips, and head out the door, unaware that you might have just applied crushed insects to your face.
From luxury lipsticks to drugstore mascaras, many cosmetic products contain ingredients derived from bugs, either for their vibrant color, glossy shine, or moisturizing properties.
While some brands proudly market cruelty-free formulas, others quietly rely on insect-derived components that few consumers realize are there.
Are bugs in your makeup? How can you tell? Walk with us now!
Carmine
Carmine is a bright red pigment made from crushing dried female cochineal insects (Dactylopius coccus), tiny scale insects that live on prickly pear cacti in Peru, Mexico, and the Canary Islands.
It is used because it produces rich crimson, pink, and coral shades unmatched by synthetic alternatives in stability and vibrancy. One pound of carmine requires about 70,000 insects.
Carmine can be found in the following:
- Lipsticks, lip glosses, lip liners
- Blushes and bronzers
- Eyeshadows (especially red/pink tones)
- Some tinted moisturizers and nail polishes
Shellac
Shellac is a glossy resin secreted by the female lac bug (Kerria lacca) in India and Thailand. The bugs are harvested, and the resin is scraped from branches.
It is used to create high-shine finishes and helps products adhere.
Shellac can be found in the following products:
- Mascara
- Hair spray and styling products
- Nail polishes
- Some eyeliners and brow gels
Read also: The Scariest Bugs In The United States: A Spine-Chilling Guide
Beeswax, Honey, and Propolis
- Beeswax: This is wax produced by honeybees to build honeycomb
- Honey: The food made by bees from nectar
- Propolis: The resin bees collect from trees to seal hives
These can be found in the following products:
- Lip balms
- Cream blushes and highlighters
- Some foundations and concealers for emollient properties
- Waterproof mascaras
What are the Lesser-Known Insect Ingredients?
| Ingredient | Bug Source | Found In | Vegan? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lanolin (sometimes contaminated) | Can contain crushed insects from sheep wool | Lip balms, creams | No |
| Keratin | Occasionally insect-derived | Hair mascaras, lash serums | Rarely |
| Guanine | Historically, from fish scales, sometimes insect scales | Shimmery eyeshadows (pearl essence) | No |
How to Spot Bug-Derived Ingredients on Labels
| Common Names to Watch For | What It Really Is |
|---|---|
| Carmine, Cochineal Extract, Carminic Acid, Natural Red 4, CI 75470 | Crushed cochineal beetles |
| Shellac, Confectioner’s Glaze, Resin Glaze | Lac bug secretion |
| Beeswax, Cera Alba, Apis Mellifera | Honeybee wax |
| Honey, Mel | Bee-produced honey |
| Propolis, Bee Glue | Bee-collected resin |
| Royal Jelly | Bee secretion for queen larvae |
Brands That Still Use Carmine in 2025
Despite pressure, these major brands confirmed carmine in select red/pink products:
- Chanel (Rouge Coco, some blushes)
- Dior (Rouge Dior, Dior Addict)
- MAC (Ruby Woo, some eyeshadows)
- NARS (some blushes and lipsticks)
- Too Faced (some Melted Matte shades)
What are Some Bug-Free Beauty Brands (Vegan-Free)?
- elf Cosmetics
- Hourglass
- Rare Beauty
- Milk Makeup
- Fenty Beauty
- Cover FX
- Pacifica
Health and Ethical Concerns Related to Bugs in Makeups
- Allergies: Carmine is one of the top causes of cosmetic allergic reactions
- Ethics: Approximately 70 billion cochineal insects are killed annually for carmine
Conclusion
Are bugs in your makeup? Well, not all, but the few that contain these bugs have their negative effects. To avoid falling victim to these makeup types, simply do the following:
- Check ingredient lists for the names above
- Use apps like Think Dirty or Cruelty-Cutter to scan barcodes
- Contact brands directly, as policies change fast
- Switch to certified vegan cosmetics if insects bother you
Thank you for reading!
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