Natural colorants can add beauty and interest to handmade soaps while providing skin-loving benefits.

Natural colorants for soapmaking

Here are some examples of natural colorants for soapmaking:

1. Madder root powder – produces a red-to-pink color
2. Turmeric powder – produces a bright yellow color
3. Spirulina powder – produces a green color
4. Annatto seed powder – produces an orange color
5. Charcoal – produces a smoky, dark black color
6. Indigo powder – produces a blue to purple color
7. Paprika powder – produces a light orange color
8. French green clay – produces a green color
9. Activated charcoal powder – produces a black-to-gray color
10. Cinnamon powder – produces a brown color
11. Beetroot powder – produces a pink to red color
12. Carrot puree – produces an orange color
13. Hibiscus powder – produces a red-to-pink color
14. Alkanet root powder – produces a blue-to-purple color
15. Calendula petals – produce a yellow to orange color
16. Rose clay – produces a pink color
17. Turmeric oil – produces a yellow-to-orange color
18. Black walnut hull powder – produces a brown color
19. Spinach powder – produces a green color
20. Red sandalwood powder – produces a red-to-brown color
21. Coffee – produces a brown color
22. Cocoa powder – produces a brown color
23. Purple Brazilian clay – produces a purple color
24. Yellow Brazilian clay – produces a yellow color
25. Rhassoul clay – produces a brown color
26. White kaolin clay – produces a white color
27. Milk – produces shades of creamy tan.
28. Red kaolin clay – produces a red color
29. Green tea powder – produces a green color
30. Kelp powder – produces a green color

How to add natural colorants to soap

Adding natural colorants to soap can be done in a few different ways, depending on the type of colorant and the desired effect. Here are some common methods:

1. Mixing into the soap batter: Some natural colorants, such as powders or dried herbs, can be added directly to the soap batter during the mixing process. This method works well for colorants that dissolve easily and don’t clump.
2. Infusing into oils: Other natural colorants, such as annatto or calendula petals, can be infused into oils before adding them to the soap batter. To do this, add the colorant to a carrier oil (such as olive oil or sweet almond oil) and let it sit for several hours or overnight, then strain out the colorant and use the oil in the soap recipe.
3. Dissolve in water: Some colorants can easily be mixed with water before adding the lye.
4. Sprinkling on top: Some soapmakers like to sprinkle dried flowers, herbs, or other botanicals on top of the soap before it sets. This method can add a decorative touch and a pop of color.

When adding natural colorants to soap, it’s important to be mindful of the amount used. Too much colorant can affect the texture and performance of the soap, so it’s best to start with a small amount and add more as needed. It’s also important to choose high-quality, skin-safe colorants that won’t irritate or stain the skin.