Burt's Bees

[gpigluver14]

Attention veg*ns! Some Burt's Bees products contain carmine. Quoting from their website:

Please explain why carmine is used as a coloring in your products.

We are aware that for some people who adhere to strict vegan or vegetarian lifestyles, it is hard to understand why we would choose to use this ingredient in our products. Carmine, as you may already know, is an extract taken from the shells of the cochineal beetle.It is a common ingredient used in the cosmetic and food industry. We choose to use this ingredient because it is natural and the only alternatives to it are compounds such as D&C Red #7, D&C Red #6, which are 100% synthetic, or FD&C No. 40, which is derived from coal tar (a non renewable fossil fuel).
We use carmine also because it is the only bright red pigment that is not from a synthetic source. If you would like to recommend another natural alternative to carmine for product coloring, we welcome your suggestions and input.

Here's a list of vegan products made by the company via the website.

[cavyinhawaii]

I know bug based food dyes are illegal. I didn't know you could still use them in cosmetics. Many Many people have bad allergic reactions. I would think you could get a good red color from concentrated fruits or beets. They do it for food all the time.

[Susan9608]

Or why dye anything red at all?

[gpigluver14]

Or why dye anything red at all?

Exactly my thought. If Burt's Bees is striving to be completely natural with their products, or any other natural company, why not just skip the dyes completely? The original color should be kept. Why do they have to add color, natural or not?

[Sammy and Peanut]

I think that some people that it will look more fancy and more people will want to buy it. NEWSFLASH! If it is in a container, how are people going to see it anyway? Unless you put in big, bold print, "The inside product is red," no one is going to notice. Then, they will look like they are really stupid for putting some random statement on there. Just stating my opinion.

[Luvthempigs]

Burt's Bees isn't just lotions and such. They also carry cosmetics such as lip gloss/lip stick, foundation and coverup.

[Calliso]

Originally Posted by Luvthempigs

Burt's Bees isn't just lotions and such. They also carry cosmetics such as lip gloss/lip stick, foundation and coverup.

Exactly, I imagine that is what the dye is for. I donlt think their lotions and such are dyed though. Personally though I find burt bees to be rather expensive but people seem to really like it.

[Astrantia]

Body Shop for the win!