Cosmetic Color Mixing Ratio and Shelf Life with Water

The mixing ratio of water-soluble cosmetic color with water is not fixed. It depends entirely on the desired color intensity. You should add the color gradually to the water, mixing until you achieve the desired shade.

The shelf life of the color once mixed with water depends heavily on several factors:

• Water Quality: The purity of the water used is critical. Using distilled or deionized (DI) water is recommended.
• Presence of Preservatives: If the mixture does not contain any preservatives, it is highly susceptible to microbial contamination.
• Overall Formula: If the colored water is just one component being added to a larger cosmetic formula that contains a preservative system, the shelf life will be determined by the stability and preservation of the entire formula.

If you are mixing the color with plain water that does not contain preservatives, the mixture should ideally be used immediately. If storage is necessary, it should be kept in a clean, sterile, and tightly sealed container in the refrigerator for a very short period to minimize the risk of bacterial or fungal growth.

As the staff mentioned, knowing the other components in your formula and the source of the water you are using is important for giving a more specific answer regarding shelf life.