Non-Mica Colorants and Oil-Dispersible Titanium Dioxide for Soap

Non-Mica Soap Colorants and Oil-Soluble Titanium Dioxide

Regarding colorants for soap other than mica, there are several types available, each with different characteristics:

• Water-Soluble Dyes: These are synthetic or natural colors that dissolve in water, providing uniform, translucent to opaque color depending on concentration. They are often used in clear glycerin soaps or CP/HP soaps where bright colors are desired. Some are prone to staining (HiStain™), while others are easier to wash off (EasyWash™). Examples include Black Color EasyWash™, Caramel Color EasyWash™, Acid Violet 17 EasyWash™, D&C Orange No.4 (CI 15510) EasyWash™, Black Color HiStain™, or natural colorants like Cuttlefish Ink Black Powder (Natural Colorant).
• Pigments: These are colors that do not dissolve but disperse within the soap base, providing opaque color. They are often used in CP/HP soaps for more opaque and stable colors than water-soluble dyes. Titanium dioxide falls into this pigment category.

Titanium Dioxide for Soap

Titanium dioxide is a white pigment commonly used in soap to increase whiteness and opacity. Generally, titanium dioxide is a powder that does not dissolve in water or oil, but rather is dispersed in the desired base.

For titanium dioxide suitable for dispersing in oil-based ingredients (often used in CP/HP soap making or products with high oil content), treated versions are recommended as they are surface-coated to help them disperse better in oil.

Based on the information, titanium dioxide products that can be dispersed in oil and are suitable for providing white color/opacity include:

• Titanium Dioxide 300nm WaterProof™ (Triethoxycaprylylsilane Treated): This type is surface-coated with Triethoxycaprylylsilane, helping it disperse well in oil and making it suitable for products requiring whiteness and water resistance.
• Titanium Dioxide 250nm WaterProof™ (Dimethicone Treated): This type is coated with Dimethicone, also aiding in oil dispersion and suitability for products needing whiteness and water resistance.

The "Transparent" types (such as Titanium Dioxide Transparent (10nm, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate Base) or Titanium Dioxide Transparent (15nm, Cyclopentasiloxane Base)) even though dispersible in oil, are designed for sunscreens to appear transparent on the skin and do not provide the opacity needed for coloring soap white.

Therefore, if you need titanium dioxide to add whiteness and opacity to soap, especially oil-based soaps, it is recommended to choose a surface-treated type that disperses well in oil, such as Titanium Dioxide 300nm WaterProof™ (Triethoxycaprylylsilane Treated) or Titanium Dioxide 250nm WaterProof™ (Dimethicone Treated).