Natural soapmakers constantly strive to make the highest quality possible. This means using all natural ingredients. While suppliers have done a great job offering wholesome bases, oils, and butters, colorings have been relegated to manufactured blocks of color. Even worse, some tutorials have recommended using crayons to color soap. For the soapmakers who wants to make a truly all natural product, there are few options. However, many overlook the best places for using natural colorings: your spice and herb racks. Using kitchen spices and herbs are a great way to add color to your products. Below is a short guide to using natural coloring:

• Yellow: If you have ever eaten Indian food or enjoyed a paella you have seen the beautiful golden hue of turmeric and saffron. Both of these spices require very little to richly color your soaps.

• Green: Don't be afraid to look to the sea for color. Seaweed powders such as kelp and spirulina add a deep green to your soaps. However, adding seaweed powders can also add a slightly oceanic smell to your soap.

• Red: Red is a very difficult color to create naturally in politics. Used sparingly, beetroot powder and hibiscus can add a soft rose color to your soap.

• Brown: This is the easiest color to add to soaps. Ranging from cinnamon to carob powders, soapmakers can make light to rich browns. Like adding seaweed powders, brown powders can lend aroma to your soap. However, this can be a double benefit.

• Black/Gray: Blacks and Grays are not as common in bodycare products, but can offer a surprising visual change. Activated charcoal not only gives off a beautiful color, but also has health benefits.

Purchasing Colorants

Building your supply of natural colors can be as simple as taking a trip to your local grocery or health food store. Use this as a starting guide and try out new combinations.