How To Colour Soap

There are many ways to colour soap, including pigments, micas and colour blocks.


Pigments

Pigments are created in a laboratory, and yet they are considered natural because they domino contain synthetics, and they are seen as identical to the natural form. Pigments have the same chemical structure as the natural minerals. In the lab, impurities such as lead and arsenic are removed. 

To add pigments to soap, try the following:

For Cold process soap making: mix 1-3 teaspoon of pigment with 1 tablespoon of sweet almond or avocado oil.The amount used depends on how large the batch you are making and the colour you hope to achieve. Add the pigment and oil mix at trace, adding until you are happy with the colour. 

For Melt and pour soap making: Mix 1 teaspoon of pigment with 1 tablespoon of glycerin or 99 percent isopropyl alcohol. Add the pigment and oil mixture slowly to the melted soap until you're happy with the colour.

 

Micas

Some micas are are natural, and others are not. It is seen on a case by case basis depending on ingredients. Spirulina, rose clay and activated charcoal are all natural soap colourants.

For Cold process soap making: It's important to test in small batches at first. This is because some micas fade. Mix 1 teaspoon of mica with 1 tablespoon of sweet almond or avocado oil. The amount used depends on how large the batch you are making and the colour you hope to achieve. Add the pigment and oil mix at trace, adding until you are happy with the colour. 

For Melt and pour Soap making: Add the mica directly to the melted soap and mix thoroughly. Spritz bubbles with alcohol and continue mixing. Mix 1 teaspoon of pigment with 1 tablespoon of glycerin or 99 percent isopropyl alcohol. Add the pigment and oil mixture slowly to the melted soap until you're happy with the colour.

 

Colour blocks

Shavings of colour blocks can be added to soap. The blocks are melty and pour with concentrated colour, so it is easier to incorporate them, than pigment for example.