Deep Red Oil-Soluble Color Formulation for Body Oil (Non-Staining & Stable)
Question
I am looking for a dark red, oil-soluble color for a body oil formulation with the following requirements:
- No fading
- No sedimentation/precipitation
- Does not stain clothes
I have already tried using D&C Red 17 (CI 26100) (Oil-Soluble, EasyDissolve), but I need the shade to be darker or more blackish. I have purchased D&C Green 6 (CI 61565) to test mixing it in.
Questions:
- Will
D&C Green 6 (CI 61565)cause the product to stain clothes? - Are there any other oil-soluble dark red, black, or other colors recommended for body oil to achieve a deep red shade instead of
D&C Red 17? (e.g.,Solvent Red 48 (D&C Red 27),ReadyMix D&C Red No.6 Lake,Iron Oxides Black ReadyMix). The requirements remain: no fading, no sediment, and no staining on clothes.
Answer
For a body oil where you require a dark red color that is oil-soluble, does not fade, does not settle (no sediment), and does not stain clothes, here are the recommendations based on your requirements:
1. Will D&C Green 6 (CI 61565) stain clothes?
D&C Green 6 (CI 61565) (Oil-Soluble, EasyDissolve) is an oil-soluble dye (Solvent Dye). Unlike pigments, dyes dissolve completely into the oil, so they do not settle.
- Staining: In low concentrations used for tinting the oil, it generally does not stain clothes once the oil has absorbed into the skin. However, if you use a very high concentration to achieve a "blackish" or extremely dark tone, there is a higher risk of color transfer to fabric before the oil is fully absorbed.
- Mixing: Mixing Red and Green is a correct way to darken the shade (complementary colors).
2. Recommended Colors for Dark Red (Oil-Soluble Dyes)
To achieve a deep, dark red without sediment, you should stick to Oil-Soluble Dyes rather than pigments or lakes.
- D&C Red 17 (CI 26100) (Oil-Soluble, EasyDissolve): This is your base. It is a strong red dye that dissolves clearly.
- D&C Violet No.2 (CI 60725) (Oil-Soluble, EasyDissolve): Instead of green, you can use Violet to shift the red towards a deep burgundy or wine red. This often looks more natural for a "dark red" than using green, which can sometimes make the color look muddy or brownish.
- Solvent Red 48 (D&C Red 27, Oil/Solvent Soluble): This is also an oil-soluble dye, but it tends to be a bright, pinkish-red. It may not provide the "darkness" you are looking for compared to Red 17.
3. Why avoid Lakes and Iron Oxides?
You mentioned ReadyMix™ D&C Red No.6 Lake and ReadyMix™ Iron Oxides Black. We do not recommend these for your specific needs:
- Sediment: These are pigments (insoluble particles) dispersed in oil. In a thin body oil, they will eventually settle to the bottom unless the formula is very viscous (like a gel or thick cream).
- Staining: Pigments sit on top of the skin and do not absorb. They are highly likely to rub off onto clothes, which contradicts your requirement.
Summary Recommendation
To get the darkest red possible while maintaining a clear, non-staining, and sediment-free oil:
- Use D&C Red 17 (CI 26100) as the primary color.
- Gradually add D&C Violet No.2 (CI 60725) or D&C Green 6 (CI 61565) in very small amounts to darken the shade.
- Always perform a "patch test" on fabric with your final concentration to ensure no transfer occurs at the desired intensity.
Note on Fading: These dyes are stable, but avoid exposing the finished product to direct sunlight or high heat for prolonged periods, as this can cause any organic dye to fade over time.
