Choosing the Right Colorant

Not all colorants perform the same way in every application. Our colorants are tested and tagged for real-world use: CP Soap, MP Soap, Bath Bombs, Candles, Bath & Body, Resin, and more. Check each product's Approved Use filter before adding it to a new project. Every colorant's product page also includes a photo of it in finished cold process soap, so you can see exactly how the color performs before you buy.Cold Process Soap Makers: lye can shift or fade certain pigments and dyes. Look for colorants specifically tagged CP Soap Safe, and always run a small test batch before committing to a full pour.Micas: consistent, shimmering color that works across soap, bath bombs, and body products, though some micas can morph or fade in high-pH environments like cold process soap. Check the individual listing for CP compatibility.

Usage rate: for MP base, start with a small amount (as little as ¼ teaspoon per pound of base) and build up, since colorants are easy to add but hard to remove. For cold process soap, usage is typically higher, around 1 to 2 teaspoons per pound of oils. Check the individual product's recommended usage rate before your first batch.Storage: keep containers tightly sealed and away from direct sunlight and moisture. Clumping mica or dye is usually a sign of moisture exposure, not spoilage.Mixing: for the most even color, pre-disperse powdered colorants in a small amount of oil or glycerin before adding to your batch to avoid streaking.Testing first: always test a new colorant in a small batch, since pH, temperature, and other ingredients can all affect how a color performs and shifts over time, especially in cold process soap.

What's the difference between Mica, Dyes/Lakes, and Pigments?

Micas are naturally shimmering mineral powders that add color with a pearlescent or metallic finish. Dyes and lakes are concentrated synthetic colorants that produce vivid, saturated color without shimmer. Pigments are finely ground mineral or synthetic powders that give flat, opaque color without shimmer or dye intensity.A mica's base can be either naturally mined or lab-created, but the vibrant color you actually see is usually added separately, coated onto that base with pigments that aren't natural themselves. In other words, mica being a natural mineral doesn't necessarily mean the finished color is natural too. Read more about natural vs. lab-created mica here.

Are all colorants safe for cold process soap?

Not all of them. Some dyes and pigments can fade, discolor, or behave unpredictably in the high pH of cold process soap. Always check the CP Soap Safe tag and the individual product's notes before use, and test a small batch first.Wondering about food coloring specifically? Our Lye Safety FAQ covers why it's not a great substitute for real soap colorants.

What's the difference between Natural Colors and Lab-Made Colorants?

Natural colors are derived from clays, plants, minerals, or other naturally occurring sources and tend to produce softer, earthier tones. Lab-made colorants (synthetic dyes, lakes, and some pigments) are engineered for brighter, more consistent, and often more vivid color across batches.

How much colorant should I use?

It depends on the product and the intensity you want, and it also varies by base. For MP soap, a good starting point is about ¼ to ½ teaspoon per pound of base, added gradually. For cold process soap, usage is typically higher, around 1 to 2 teaspoons per pound of oils. Always check the specific product's recommended usage rate, since concentration varies significantly between micas, dyes, and pigments.