Colour Guide for all products
A Handy Cheatsheet for colouring your products using SOS colours
This is a starter guide for people who are unsure about which colour type to use in which products.
We have tried to list everything but if you are after a particular product recommendation and don’t see it in the list comment below and it will be added asap.
This list is alphabetically so you can find a particular item.
This is by no means 100% proof and some tailoring to your own brightness/intensities will require your own testing. Adding poly80 with Mica and Neons is a must. This is because they do not dissolve and will be in the water and will sit separately in the water. For example, left at the bottom of the bath or form soap rings.
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BATH BOMBS - basically three categories and there is another file that goes into more detail about this - however, here is the short version-
Bath bomb mix - Mica and neons
Bath bomb water - Dyes
Bath bomb Embeds- Dyes
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- Bath oils-Dyes are best for colouring, adding poly80 is always a good idea with oil and separation issues. Mica will add a sparkle however be aware with the viscosity (thickness) if it is a light oil the mica won’t suspend in the oil and sink to the bottom.
- Bath Truffles- These are like little bath bombs normally made with butters and oils that melt at low heat and sit on top of the water. Try to resist adding botanicals to these as they stick to the skin after. You could colour these with dyes or mica (especially a drizzle of cocoa coloured with mica) for a fancy look.
- Body Scrubs- These can be made with dyes, neons and mica. If you are piping into jars be aware of oil separation in mixes and make sure your scrub is on the thicker side. poly80 is always recommended also.
- Bubble Bath- Dyes are best for colouring, adding poly80 is always a good idea with oil and separation issues. Mica will add a sparkle however be aware with the viscosity (thickness) if it is a light oil the mica won’t suspend in the oil and sink to the bottom.
- Bubble Bars/scoops/Dough- Dyes will give you solid vibrant colours, neons will be slightly pale but great.
- Candles- for the cost I would simply use the proper candle colouring blocks as they are the most cost-effective (be aware they are not skin safe) You can also add mica for a shimmer however you won't see it very well until it is in the melted part of the candle.
- Cold process soap- Neon pigments are best for CP soap. They will not morph or bleed. You can get very vibrant or pastel shades depending on the amount you use. Mica is another good option and it will not bleed. However, some micas do change colour due to the saponification process. Individual testing is recommended.
- Face Masks- I don't think you should colour these. As they will be sitting on the face for a while (at least ten minutes) and people don’t always read instructions.
- Lip Balm- please only use lip safe certified colouring for this (also for flavours)
- Liquid Soap - Dyes are best for colouring, adding poly80 is always a good idea with oil and separation issues. Mica will add a sparkle however be aware with the viscosity (thickness) if it is a light oil the mica won’t suspend in the oil and sink to the bottom.
- Liquid Shampoo/Conditioner- Dyes are best for colouring, adding poly80 is always a good idea with oil and separation issues. Mica will add a sparkle however be aware with the viscosity (thickness) if it is a light oil the mica won’t suspend in the oil and sink to the bottom.
- Massage Bars- As this is going onto the skin and staying on the skin I would suggest mica to give a small subtle colour.
- Makeup- (lipstick/eyeshadow/blush) ONLY USE LIP SAFE EDIBLE- flavours and colour.
- Melt and pour soap- Mica is the best choice as this will not bleed/move colour in the product. If you are using a white soap base this will give you a solid colour. If you are using a clear base keep in mind this will be a shimmery/glitter look rather then solid colouring. Neons are also able to be used in melt and pour soap. Please mix these very well/triple well to ensure no colour spots. Dyes can be used, but it is recommended only when doing a solid colour. Layers and other designs will bleed into each other. Only a tiny amount is recommended due to dyes being so concentrated.
- Moisturiser/leave on lotions- As this is going onto the skin and staying on the skin I would suggest mica to give a small subtle colour.
- Milk Baths- These aren’t normally coloured but I have seen pastel colours which look really cute.
- Perfume Rollers- As this is going onto the skin and staying on the skin I would suggest mica to give a small subtle colour.
- Resin- Micas and neons, mix well to get out clumps.
- Room Sprays- Dyes are best for colouring, adding poly80 is always a good idea with oil and separation issues. Mica will add a sparkle however be aware with the viscosity (thickness) if it is a light oil the mica won’t suspend in the oil and sink to the bottom.
- Solid Perfume- As this is going onto the skin and staying on the skin I would suggest mica to give a small subtle colour.
- Shampoo Bars- Dyes will give you solid vibrant colours, neons will be slightly pale but great.
- Shower Jellies- Dyes will give a great punch of colour that will still stay see-through. Neons and mica are also fine however will affect the transparency.
- Soy wax melts- Micas are great for wax and give a glitter when moving in the wax, they do not dissolve. Dyes are not recommended because they need some type of water content to show properly and there is no water in wax melts. Remember you can also use bio glitter for a little extra!
- Shower Steamers- Dye/mica/neon all good. Shower steamers are treated as bath bombs with different rations. Since they won't really be colouring water, for cost, I think Neons are a great option for vibrancy vs cost.
- Salt cakes- These tend to be a subtle colour in the general market. Mica adds a beautiful glittery look to these (especially golds). You can also use dyes. I have not seen neons used but they should work.
- Whipped soap/Shaving Foam- Neons/dyes/Mica all fine. You will not need much dye so go small and add to vibrancy level you would like. Mica tends to have a pearly/pastel look. For best results mix colours into your fragrance or other liquid to help it disperse all the way through the product.