Teach Soap

Could someone give me an idea/advice on the differences between liquid colorants and mica/oxide (not quite sure I'm even saying this right). I'd like to stay as natural as possible, but also learned about the browning affects of herbs from Soap Queen TV. I like the idea of oxide's because if I understand it correctly, these are mostly natural? (*EDIT changed to oxide ... and found my answer there!)

Is there something better about liquid or powder, or is it just preference?

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Amy in Soapland

Liquid Colorants are usually FD&C & D&C colors which are made in a lab. Micas are not considered natural either. Most herbs in soap will eventually oxidize, turning anywhere from tan to brown. The only exception to this is Calendula. That one will stay yellow.

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

Thanks soapbuddy! I think that pretty much answers it all. I changed my order to oxides. I'm still using fo's while I get used to everything before spending the money on eo's, but I suppose unless I'm doing rebatch m&p, I won't have a completely natural soap anyway.

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Amy in Soapland

You're welcome.

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

Somewhat "hijacking" this thread but I didn't want to start a new "colorant" post and flood the forum

My question is concerning the BB LabColors. I read up on the coloring/colorant guide on BB and now I just want to MAKE SURE that I am digesting the information correctly in that LabColors should be diluted prior to use as oppose to using it straight from the bottle. YES? NO?

I understand that the color is concentrated so because I am a NEWBIE to soaping, it would be in my best interest to dilute the color until I get a better understand of usage. OUI? NON?

Thanks in advance for your input!

PS: Any recommended formulas for getting brown? *I've purchased Melon Red, Emerald & Canary based off my memory of art classes. I'm striving for shades of CHOCOLATE

Green & red will give you brown. When I used LabColors, I used them as is. It depends how dark do you want your color to be.

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