SOAP MAKING COLORANTS

Mineral Pigments (oxides and Ultramarines) are recommended in oil-based applications such as cold process soap, m&p soap, liquid soaps, balms, butters, scrubs, etc. Not recommended for use in pH environments lower than 6 (bath bombs or lotion) or their sulphur coating may slowly release a rotten egg smell. Generally used at 1-2 teaspoons per pound of Glycerin Melt & Pour soap. When mixing with M&P soap, blend in a few drops of glycerin or oil to make a smooth paste to avoid clumps in your soap. Colorants will appear truer and brighter in clear M&P soaps and will be more muted and pastel in White M&P due to the Titanium Dioxide whitener. Usage rates vary but typical suggested usage in CP soap is 1/2 – 1 teaspoon per pound of soap. Overuse will result in colored lather and may stain washcloths. Pigments are best for swirling as the colors do not “bleed” into one another and do not “migrate” or spread.

Micas do not “bleed” into one another and do not “migrate” or spread. Recommended percentages will depend upon your desired intensity result. (The FDA only regulates the grade of mica for usage in soap and cosmetics. Cosmetic grade is tested under strict guidelines and is preferred in soap). Recommended for cosmetic products such as make-up, CP soaps, HP soaps, liquid soaps, shampoos, lotions, creams, scrubs, bath salts, bath fizzies, lip balms and solid lotion bars. Individual testing recommended to ensure product stays suspended. Not all micas stay true in CP soap, which is a more alkaline environment, so they “morph”. Where noted, certain colors can be used in CP soap, but will require a higher usage amount. They will stay just as they look in Clear M&P. They will appear muted/more pastel in White M&P due to the Titanium Dioxide whitener. Usage depends upon the desired color result. Use as much or as little as you like to achieve the shade or depth of color you desire. Micas do not stain.

Water-Soluble Liquid colorants: Compatible in Melt & Pour Soap, CP Soap (review individual descriptions) Lotions, Creams, Shampoos, Hair Conditioner, Liquid Soaps, Super Concentrate, Bubble Bath, Bath Salts, Bath Fizzy Base, Moisturizing Body Spray, Clear Suspension Shower Gel, Hand Sanitizer, etc.
Often used as Soap Paints, where the color acts as a stain and sinks into the bar. They should be shaken before use to disperse pigment well.
These colorants only need to be added by the drop. Unless only one color is being used, these typically bleed somewhat over time in all soap types. For example, if layering or using embeds, your colors will feather into one another over time. This can be slowed by adding a bit of mica to hold the color in your soaps. Overuse will lead to staining.
Suggested usage should not exceed a maximum of 1 tsp per pound of product.
Liquid colorants and dyes are also affected by UV light, and can yellow and fade.

Titanium Dioxide Whitener usage rate is approximately 1% to start. Rate is 1 – 2 teaspoons per pound of Glycerin Melt & Pour soap and 1-3 Tbs per pound of CP soap. Results will vary according to the color of your base oils. TD will not whiten soaps that include a discoloring Fragrance oil containing vanillin. It is best if you wet your TD before incorporating into your base to prevent clumping. Our TD is dispersible in both oil or water, so you may use a small amount of water, liquid glycerin, or water to wet your TD, blend well, then add to your base.