Coloring Oil-Based Formulations (Microcrystalline Wax)
Asked by: himyangel
On: December 16, 2014
Product Type:
Food
Question
Can water-soluble food coloring be used to color a formulation containing Microcrystalline wax dissolved in oil?
Answer
Subject: Microcrystalline wax and water-soluble food coloring
Hello,
Microcrystalline wax dissolved in oil forms an oil phase. Water-soluble food coloring, as the name suggests, dissolves in water.
Oil and water do not mix (they are immiscible). Therefore, when you try to mix a water-soluble substance (like water-soluble food coloring) into an oil phase (like microcrystalline wax dissolved in oil), they will not combine and will likely separate.
To color an oil-based formulation like microcrystalline wax dissolved in oil, you need to use colors that are soluble in oil.
Thank you.