Uploaded June 2025 | Updated September 2026, 5 minutes ago
Perhaps I'm a tad crazy, but after thinking about how many of the green micas I've used tend to morph in the alkaline environment of wet cold process soap batter, I decided to pull out every single green colorant that I own and test them all! The most common color change I've seen is from a bright green to a darker olive, which usually morphs back to a bright green in the final soap. You'll see this phenomenon, as well as some pretty crazy surprises!
Testing Notes: I created mini batches that were 2.3 ounces of total soap, adding 3/16 tsp of colorant to the oils before adding the lye solution. This is equivalent to a little more than 1 teaspoon per pound of oils. I measured the oils and lye solution in grams for greater accuracy.
Unfortunately, the mini mixer that I use is no longer available on Amazon. I have heard that these little resin mixers work really well for tiny batches: amazon.com/Upgraded-Handheld-Rechargeable-Minimizing-Silicone/dp/B0C98XS95J
Remember, pigments are lab created colors that are always stable in cold process soap. They include oxides, ultramarines, and neons. The color is very intense, so you can get away with using about half of what you would use for a mica. (Although I went ahead and tested them at the full 1+ teaspoon per pound of oils.) The range of colors is limited, however, and they may speed up trace a little bit.
Here's the list of suppliers I have collected my colorants from:
Micamoma - micamoma.co.uk
Bramble Berry - brambleberry.com
Mad Micas - madmicas.com
Micas and More - micasandmore.com
Nurture Handmade - nurturehandmade.com
Wholesale Supplies Plus - wholesalesuppliesplus.com
It's important to use colorants from reputable soap suppliers like these!
Perhaps I'm a tad crazy, but after thinking about how many of the green micas I've used tend to morph in the alkaline environment of wet cold process soap batter, I decided to pull out every single green colorant that I own and test them all! The most common color change I've seen is from a bright green to a darker olive, which usually morphs back to a bright green in the final soap. You'll see this phenomenon, as well as some pretty crazy surprises!
Testing Notes: I created mini batches that were 2.3 ounces of total soap, adding 3/16 tsp of colorant to the oils before adding the lye solution. This is equivalent to a little more than 1 teaspoon per pound of oils. I measured the oils and lye solution in grams for greater accuracy.
Unfortunately, the mini mixer that I use is no longer available on Amazon. I have heard that these little resin mixers work really well for tiny batches: amazon.com/Upgraded-Handheld-Rechargeable-Minimizing-Silicone/dp/B0C98XS95J
Remember, pigments are lab created colors that are always stable in cold process soap. They include oxides, ultramarines, and neons. The color is very intense, so you can get away with using about half of what you would use for a mica. (Although I went ahead and tested them at the full 1+ teaspoon per pound of oils.) The range of colors is limited, however, and they may speed up trace a little bit.
Here's the list of suppliers I have collected my colorants from:
Micamoma - micamoma.co.uk
Bramble Berry - brambleberry.com
Mad Micas - madmicas.com
Micas and More - micasandmore.com
Nurture Handmade - nurturehandmade.com
Wholesale Supplies Plus - wholesalesuppliesplus.com
It's important to use colorants from reputable soap suppliers like these!
