How to Naturally Color Handmade Soap

A cool thing I learned from soap making is that there are natural colorants. And not just dull browns, but all colors.

What I love the most about natural colorants is that you can kill two birds with one stone. Make beautiful soaps while also treating the skin like exfoliation, antioxidants, and so much more.

I've made a list of ingredients and benefits where applicable.

Pinks & Reds

-Rose Koalin Clay

Light to Medium Pink

Very mild clay. Can help to reduce inflammation, remove dead skin cells, tighten pores, fade hyperpigmentation, and also remove harmful toxins.

-Red Sandalwood Powder

Red

Helps treat skin blemishes, rashes and acne

-Moroccan Red Clay

Red

Clays are known for their detoxifying effects. Reduces excess oil from skin to prevent pimples and blackheads from forming. Soothes skin irritations.

Orange

-Paprika

Orange

Filled with vitamin A, antioxidants and a natural antibacterial. Can help prevent and treat age and sun spots

-Safflower Petals

Orange

Full of antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory effects. Can help unclog pores, treat pimples and acne spots. Also a good moisturizer to help reduce signs of aging

-Turmeric Powder

Orange-Yellow

Contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory components. It may provide glow and lust to the skin. Can help heal acne, hyperpigmentation, reduce dark circles, prevent premature aging and help psoriasis and eczema.

Yellow

-Calendula Petals

Light Yellow

Very moisturizing and soothing for any skin type. May also help calm redness and inflammation and ease skin discomfort.

-Curry Powder

Yellow

Rich in Vitamin A and Vitamin C to help keep skin healthy. It may brighten the skin and also treat acne.

-Saffron

Yellow

Made from the flower’s dried stigmas. Can help protect against UV radiation, fight skin inflammation, reduce hyperpigmentation, and scarring.

Green

-Spirulina

Green

Its anti-inflammatory properties can help reduce swelling, acne and prevent further breakouts. Can also help reduce dark circles, acne, and redness

-Sage

Green

Sage has an astringent property. Exfoliates and deeply cleanses the skin to prevent bacterial growth. Also an anti-inflammatory to help heal wounds, calm acne and eczema flare ups

-Matcha

Green

Can help boost blood circulation which makes skin glow.

-Indigo Root Powder

Deep Forest Green

Caution: stains easily

Blue

-Spirulina

Blue

Also in the green section. Adding a bigger amount to your soap will give it a blue-ish green color

-Blue Cornmeal

Deep Blue

If used sparingly can give a slight purple color

-Indigo Root Powder

Deep Blue

Also in the green section. Adding a bigger amount to your soap will give it a deep blue instead of green.

Purple

-Madder Root

Purple

-Alkanet Root

Deep Purple

Needs to be steeped in oil before adding it to your soap

Brown

-Cocoa or Cacao Powder

Rich Brown

Slight chocolate scent

-Ground Cloves

Light to Dark Brown

-Coffee Grounds

Earthy Brown

Great exfoliator, removes odors

Black

-Activated Charcoal

Black

Grey

-Bentonite Clay

Grey

You can see that many of the natural items used in soap making are similar to coloring fabrics and naturally coloring hair.

Have fun and experiment!