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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!