Simple Tips for Using Mica, Dyes, and Natural Colourants
Colouring melt and pour soap is one of the most enjoyable parts of soap making – it’s where your creativity can truly shine. At Holistic Emporium, we stock a wide variety of soap-safe colourants to help bring your creations to life. Whether you’re aiming for vibrant colours, gentle pastels, or natural earthy tones, there’s a colouring method to suit your style.
Let’s explore the most popular options and how to use them.
1. Mica Powders – Add a Touch of Shimmer
Mica powders are incredibly popular in soap making thanks to their rich colours and subtle shimmer. They are especially effective in clear melt and pour soap bases, where the sparkle can shine through beautifully.
Why use mica powders:
- Wide range of colour options
- Easy to blend
- Shimmery finish, especially in clear bases
In a clear base:
Micas look very true to colour and provide a beautiful sheen. However, the more mica you add, the more opaque your soap becomes.
In a white base:
Micas give a softer, pastel version of the colour, and the shimmer effect is much more muted.
Tips:
- Always mix micas with a small amount of glycerine or melted soap to prevent clumping.
- Use a little at a time – you can always add more if needed.
2. Liquid Soap Colourants – Strong and Simple
Liquid soap dyes are concentrated and easy to use. Just a drop or two can colour your soap effectively. They’re great for creating vibrant colours and are ideal for beginners.
Why use liquid dyes:
- Retain transparency in clear bases
- Easy to mix custom colours
- Excellent for layering or swirling when fresh
In a clear base:
Liquid dyes keep the soap see-through while adding rich colour.
In a white base:
The result is usually a pastel shade of the original dye.
Note:
Over time, these dyes can bleed into each other if you use multiple colours in a single soap bar. If you want sharp, defined layers or patterns, keep this in mind during your design process.
3. Natural Colourants – For a More Earthy Appeal
For those who prefer a natural approach, there are plenty of skin-loving and eco-friendly colourants available.
Popular natural colourants include:
- Activated Charcoal (deep grey/black, detoxifying)
- Turmeric (yellow-orange)
- Paprika (warm reddish tone)
- Moringa Powder
These offer earthy and rustic tones and often provide added skin benefits. They work in both clear and white bases but may slightly alter the texture of your soap.
Tips:
- Always check that your chosen colourant is safe for soap making.
- Natural colourants can sometimes settle – stir well before pouring.
4. Botanicals – Pretty, but Handle with Care
While it’s tempting to embed dried herbs and flowers into transparent soaps for a decorative look, many botanicals will discolour or develop mould over time when suspended in melt and pour soap.
Botanicals to avoid:
- Rose petals
- Lavender buds
- Leafy herbs
Better choices:
- Calendula (marigold) petals
- Cornflower petals
These are more resistant to browning and retain their shape and colour longer in soap.
Soap colouring is a creative and satisfying process. Whether you love the sparkle of mica, the simplicity of liquid dyes, or the grounding beauty of natural powders and botanicals, each method brings something unique to your soap.
Key tips to remember:
- Start with a small amount and build up to your desired shade
- Mix colourants well to avoid streaks or clumps
- Experiment and have fun with layering and swirling
- Store finished soaps away from direct sunlight to preserve colour
Browse our range of soap bases and colourants at www.holisticemporium.co.za and start your soap-making journey today.
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