Natural vs. Artificaial

What Are Natural Colors?

Oxides and Pigments are terms that are interchangeable and traditionally are natural colorants that have been mined directly from the earth. However, materials mined from the earth contain heavy metals like lead and arsenic. Therefore according to the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations, natural iron oxides that have not been purified cannot be used as color additives in the United Sates. Because of this, the oxides and pigments  which we use in our products are produced in a lab. They are considered Nature-identical, which means they have the same molecular makeup as the ones mined from the earth, but have a higher degree of purity.

Clay  make beautiful colors in soap. They create subtle shades of pink, gray, yellow and green. We use only cosmetic grade, all natural clay.

Other Natural Colorants are herbs, fruits and vegetables. We have used both pureed carrots and pumpkin in our soap.

What Are Artificial Colors?

FD&C Colorants are manufactured in labs. They provide bright and vibrant shades. If you have a sensitivity to artificial coloring, it is recommended that you do not use soap containing  FD&C colorant.

It Just Depends

Mica is a natural product that is mined from the earth. It is a dull, grayish white color when it comes from the ground, but when cut and processed it becomes very shimmery and sparkles. To achieve colored mica one of two things must happen: It is either colored with an FD&C (U.S. Federal Food, Drug & Cosmetic) safe colorant, or is colored with a natural oxide or pigment. If an FD&C product is used, the mica is no longer natural. If a natural oxide or pigment is used, the mica is still a natural product. Our soap labels will indicate if a natural or artificial color has been used.