How do you choose the right colorants?

[Madelyn Cole]

Just getting back into CP soap making after many years and trying to learn about all the different colorants appropriate for CP soap. Of all the choices - micas, oxides, FD&C, D&C, pigments, liquid lab colors - I don't know how to choose. Many sites that sell these products just don't provide enough information on how to choose. They all seem to say they're appropriate for CP, but I guess I'm looking for some tutorials or advice from more experienced soap makers. Any and all suggestions would be appreciated!

 

[shunt2011]

I use micas, oxides and ultramarines as well as charcoal. They perform well and are consistent. I get mine from Nurture Soap Supplies, TKB Trading and Micas and More. Nurture has free shipping on micas if you spend 30-35.00.

 

[Madelyn Cole]

Thank you! I will check out those websites. I just found a website that does a good job explaining the difference between the types of colorants for CP soap if anyone is interested: https://www.diynatural.com/soap-colorants-pigments-oxides-micas/

Ooh, just found another great site with colorant information! https://www.soapqueen.com/bath-and-body-tutorials/tips-and-tricks/how-to-get-vibrant-colors-in-soap/

 

[jcandleattic]

Ooh, just found another great site with colorant information! https://www.soapqueen.com/bath-and-body-tutorials/tips-and-tricks/how-to-get-vibrant-colors-in-soap/

Soap Queen is part of Bramble Berry.

Wherever you end up buying, try and make sure the colorants are pH stable. Most reputable places will say if they are or not. If not, they may end up morphing to a completely different color, or disappear altogether.

 

[Zing]

I've tried various colorants and like to use micas (Bramble Berry) and naturals. I like micas because I can just dump it into the batter instead of first dispersing in oil. And I like the colors using baking cocoa, paprika, and charcoal -- and again, I just dump it into the batter. Have fun coloring!