Heidi Norton
There are various ways to add colour to perfume oil. Using a dye is one way to colour perfume oil, and there are several types of dyes that can be used, including food colouring, soap dye, and colourant oil. When using food colouring, it is important to create a solution with a solvent that is 50% water and 50% ethanol. You can also use natural food colouring options such as lavender or chlorophyll. Additionally, a UV filter can be added to the perfume to protect it from discolouration. It is important to note that the type of dye used and the method of application can affect the final colour of the perfume oil.
Characteristics and Values of Colouring Perfume Oils
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Colouring Agents | Water-soluble food colouring, natural food colouring (e.g. lavender, chlorophyll), synthetic colours, dye for colouring soap, fragrance dye colourant |
| UV Filter | Benzophenone (2,3,4,5) |
| Proportion of Colouring Agent | 1 drop of colouring solution per 100ml of perfume |
| Proportion of UV Filter | Around 0.50% of the final product, with a maximum of 5-10% |
| Application Method | Dip a paperclip into the colour, dip into the fragrance, and stir. Repeat for a more intense colour |
| Considerations | Avoid staining clothes or skin, potential for colours to morph due to pH levels |
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What You'll Learn
Using food colouring
While it is possible to use food colouring to dye perfume oil, it is important to note that food colouring is not specifically approved for cosmetics. Things that are safe to consume are not always safe when applied to the skin, and the rules around this vary across the world. Food colouring can also change the aroma of the perfume.
If you are set on using food colouring, it is recommended to use a water-soluble colouring. One user recommends creating a solution of 1ml of colouring to 19ml of a solvent made of 50% water and 50% ethanol. You will only need about one drop of this solution for every 100ml of perfume. To test, dip a paper clip into the colour and then into your fragrance, stirring to combine. Repeat this process to deepen the colour.
It is important to test any coloured perfume on your skin before selling or gifting it. Be aware that the colouring may cause staining on clothes or skin.
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Adding dye for soap
When it comes to adding dye to soap, there are a variety of options and methods to consider. Soap-making can be a fun and creative process, but it's important to remember that the results may vary, and flexibility is key. Here are some detailed instructions for adding dye to your soap:
Natural Colourants:
Natural soap colourants can be produced using herbs, spices, clays, and other natural ingredients. Some common natural colourants include:
- Turmeric: Can be added directly to the batter or infused into the oil. Infusing the turmeric in oil can result in a richer and more lasting colour.
- Madder Root: Provides different shades of pink.
- Annatto, Alkanet, Gromwell: These natural ingredients can add unique colours to your soap.
- Oregano: Grinding oregano into a fine powder may add a uniform colour, but it might turn brown during the soap-making process.
- Cinnamon: Cinnamon oil can irritate the skin, but cinnamon powder adds a nice light brown colour.
- Butterfly Pea Flower: This natural ingredient can be used for colouring soap.
Mineral Pigments:
Mineral pigments, such as oxides and ultramarines, can create beautiful soap colours. While cosmetic minerals are safe and identical to those found in nature, they are not considered natural. Micas, for example, are often dyed with synthetics to achieve bright colours. These synthetic dyes have been linked to potential health concerns.
Synthetic Dyes:
Synthetic soap dyes, such as lab colours, are entirely synthetic but are considered skin-safe. These dyes can be added at trace before pouring the soap into moulds during the cold process. However, keep in mind that synthetic dyes may not be suitable for those seeking natural soap-making methods.
Adding Colour:
The method for adding colour to your soap will depend on the type of colourant you choose. Here are some general guidelines:
- Natural Botanical Colourants: Some natural colourants work well when infused with a liquid oil used in your recipe. Others can be added in powdered form at trace.
- Powdered Colourants: The general rule is to use one tablespoon of powdered botanical colourant per pound of oils. However, this may vary depending on the specific colourant.
- Mixing and Steeping: Some colourants can be mixed directly into the soap batch at trace or steeped in an oil before use.
- Swirling: You can create interesting designs by spooning out a small amount of soap at trace, mixing it with colour, and then swirling it into the soap after it has been poured into a mould.
Experiment with different colourants and methods to find what works best for you. Remember, soap-making is a creative process, and you might be pleasantly surprised by the unique colours and designs you can achieve.
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Using water-soluble colour
Water-soluble dyes are commonly used to colour perfumes. These dyes are typically used at low concentrations to ensure that only the formula is coloured and not the skin. Water-soluble dyes are available in a wide range of colours, including yellow, orange, red, magenta, purple, and more.
When colouring perfume oil with water-soluble dyes, it is important to consider the concentration of the dye and the desired shade. For pale shades, a concentration of 0.01% or less is typically used, while medium shades require a concentration of 0.05% to 0.1%. For darker shades, a higher concentration of up to 0.3% may be needed. It is important to measure the dyes by weight and follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer carefully.
One method for colouring perfume oil with water-soluble dye is to create a solution of water, ethanol, and food colouring. For example, you can mix 1 mL of food colouring with 19 mL of a solvent that is 50% water and 50% ethanol. This solution can then be added to the perfume oil, with one drop of the colouring solution being sufficient for 100 mL of perfume.
It is important to test any coloured perfume oil before selling or distributing it. This includes testing on the skin and observing any changes over time. Coloured perfume oils may have stability issues, such as colour fading or alterations in aroma, so thorough testing is crucial. Additionally, a UV filter can be added to the formula to help protect the colour and fragrance.
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Adding a UV filter
UV light can alter the compounds in perfume, causing discolouration and a loss of scent intensity. To prevent this, UV filters can be added to perfumes. These filters are the same as those used in sunscreen products, such as Benzophenone, Avobenzone, and Parsol MCX. The UV filter should make up around 0.50% of the final product, but in most countries, this can be increased to a maximum of 5-10%.
One user on a forum suggests that the addition of 0.1% BHT or α-Tocopherol has proven effective as a UV filter. They also note that BHT may need to be declared in some countries if it is included in a product.
The UV filter is added during the filtration stage of the perfume-making process. The filtration system removes impurities to ensure the clarity of the perfume. The perfume will then be toned, and the colour must be compared with a standard sample.
Some people use food colouring to colour their perfumes, but this can stain the skin and clothes. Natural food colouring, such as chlorophyll, is preferred over synthetic colours, which may be harmful.
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The amount of colouring required
One source recommends using a solution of 1ml of food colouring to 19ml of a 50/50 water/ethanol solvent. You will then need about one drop of this colouring solution for every 100ml of perfume. You can add more by repeating the process until you reach the desired shade.
Another source suggests that you can add a few drops of food colouring directly to your perfume. However, this method may stain skin.
If you are using a dye, the amount you need will depend on the desired shade and the dye's concentration. For example, to create a black shade, you will need 1% Black Shade "R" Liquid Dye and 99.5% Polysorbate 20. For a blue shade, you will need 0.5% FD&C Blue Dye #1 Powder and 99.5% Polysorbate 20.
It is important to note that the type of colouring agent you use is crucial. Some colours may not be stable and can morph due to the pH of the other ingredients. It is recommended to use colouring agents specifically designed for perfume or soap making, as these will behave more predictably. Additionally, an UV filter such as Benzophenone can be added to the perfume, which should sit at around 0.50% of the final product but can go up to 5-10% in most countries.
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