Teach Soap

I have been buying powdered colorants to try to save some money, and I thought it would be easier to get the shades I want. But I am having trouble dissolving the powder.

I have a couple oxides and a couple synthetic colorants (neon color with polyesther 3). I have tried mixing with glycerin, with propylene glycol, and tried to use a little alcohol prior to mixing with soap base, but still get clumps in the mix, and even when I think I got the clumps out I get spots that eventually show up on the soap sometimes days later. Today I even tried mixing the color in the soap base with my stick blender, and still couldn't mix it into the base, there wer big clumps at the bottom after I poured.

Also, I made some lotion the other day, and tried some color in a small sample. It seemed to be ok, so I mixed it in with my stick blender. However, when I put the lotion on I can feel the powder, and now that it has sat for a bit there are spots of color showing up in the bottle.

I'm so frustrated! It would have been better to spend the extra few bucks on liquid colors that don't ruin my batch. What am I doing wrong? Any tips or tricks appreciated!

Edited to add that I have even mixed the color in glycerin and let it sit covered for a day or so, thinking it might fully dissolve, but I still get spots in my soaps.

Oxides start with "O" - use oil to mix those
Ultramarines are "marine ocean" - use water
FD&C colorants need to be pre-dissolved in water and let hydrate
FD&C Lakes are oil soluble only. Pre-hydrate in oil and leave sitting for an hour. Then mix again.
Those mini frothers (like Aerolatte) help with mixing.
Polyester based colorants are not the best for lotions due to the tiny fibers.

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Irena
Closed minds are like faulty parachutes; they refuse to open.

Thank you for the tips! I've written them in my notebook and will make sure I'm mixing in the right things. I'm wondering if I mix the colorants up in a bottle with a lid if they will keep for a while. It's hard to mix just small amounts every time, and maybe I'll be able to just shake the bottle before using?

Also, has anyone got the small $5 mini-mixer from BB? How does it do? I'm thinking its small size will be much easier to try to mix with.

For powders, I prefer to mix them just before I use them or the night before.

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Irena
Closed minds are like faulty parachutes; they refuse to open.

I have the mini-mixer and it works well.

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Linda
I know the voices in my head aren't real, but they sure have some great ideas!

It worked well but eventually the plastic broke. Stainless steel mini-whisks cost 99 cents at Cost Plus so I just use those now. Soapbuddy's advice has helped me tremendously, especially letting the colors soak for a while before blending them into my batter. Thanks, Irena! I haven't had problems since following your guidelines.

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Linda

I learn so much when I can't leave well enough alone!

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Irena
Closed minds are like faulty parachutes; they refuse to open.

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now know as Gwenann's Sudz...