Pigments & Neons

Neon pigments are fluorescent, ultra-bright colorants (often blacklight reactive) designed for bold, eye-catching shades that stand out on a shelf. Oxide-based pigments, like black iron oxide, deliver more traditional, deep, matte color without the fluorescent glow. Both are high-powered and hold up well in high-pH bases, but neons lean vivid and electric, while oxides lean rich and grounded.

Both pigment types need to be fully dispersed before adding to your batch, or you'll end up with streaks or speckles. Mix the pigment with a small amount of oil (for neons) or water (for oxides) until it's completely smooth, then add that mixture to your main batter. Skipping this step is the most common cause of uneven color.

Not always; some neons shift shade in CP soap. For example, neon red tends to shift toward pink in cold process, while staying true and brilliant in resin or melt and pour. Always check the individual product page for CP-specific color notes before committing to a full batch.

Usage rates vary by product, but as general starting points: many neon pigments use around 1 to 2 teaspoons per pound of oils in CP soap (or ½ teaspoon per pound of base in MP), while oxide pigments like black iron oxide are far more concentrated and only need about ¼ to ½ teaspoon per pound of oils. Start conservatively and build up, since color intensity varies by pigment.

Forcing your soap through a full gel phase, by insulating the mold or using a heating pad, helps neon and pigment colors develop more fully. Gelled soap typically comes out brighter, deeper, and more intensely saturated than soap that doesn't gel.