Properties of natural dyes
- Are of plant, mineral or animal origin
- They are safe for the skin and often hypoallergenic
- Designed for use in natural and organic cosmetics
- May require stabilization to avoid color degradation
- They give less intense but natural shades
Types of natural dyes:
VEGETABLE DYES
A popular plant dye is Curcumin (C.I. 75300), used in face creams and skin brightening cosmetics. Anthocyanins (Beetroot Red, C.I. 752) can be found in lipsticks and lip glosses and blushes. In contrast Chlorophyll (C.I. 75810) can be found in shampoos, soaps and skin care products.
MINERAL DYES
Mineral colorants include Titanium Dioxide (C.I. 77891) used in foundations, BB creams and sunscreens, and Iron Oxides (C.I. 77491, 77492, 77499) used in facial cosmetics, eye shadows and bronzers.
ANIMAL DYES
Cochineal carmine (C.I. 75470) is a pigment of animal origin used in lipsticks, glosses and blushes.
