Color confusion

by Lili
(Europe)

Hi,

I am confused about adding mineral pigments in cold process soap so I have few questions about it.
How many grams of mineral pigments do you recommend for how many grams of base oils used in soap?

I've never used mineral pigments before so I'm not sure how much is recommended to get pastel colored soap. Also, is it ok to mix mineral pigment with small amount of lightly traced soap and then return it to the main batch to color the soap? I would not like to mix pigments with oils because I am I'm scared of getting too greasy final soap.

When to put mineral pigments in hot process soap?

Thank You in advance!

Answer:

I tend to use about 1/8 tsp to 1/2 tsp of oxides and ultramarines per 900 grams of oil. It really depends on the colour I am using and the strength of colour I am aiming for.

I also take lots of notes each time I make a batch so I can duplicate the colour later if I find that I really like it.

Yes you can add the colour to a small amount of the soap batter and then add that back into the main batch of soap.

Adding the colour to a small amount of the oil will not make the soap greasy either and is an easy way to add the colour.

Adding colour to hot process soap would be the same as with cold process. You can add it when the soap reaches a light trace just before the cook.

Cathy