Stable Red Colorants and Extracts for Water-Based Toner

Question

Please recommend red extracts or colorants suitable for a water-based toner to achieve a light red tint, with the following requirements: Stability: The color should be stable, not fade, and not precipitate. Non-staining: Ideally, the color should not stain clothing. pH Compatibility: It must be compatible with the standard pH range of a toner.

MySkinRecipes Expert · Accepted Answer

For a water-based toner that requires a stable, light red color that does not stain clothes and is resistant to fading, I recommend the following options:

1. EasyWash™ Series (Recommended for Non-Staining)

This series is specifically designed to be water-soluble, fade-resistant, and most importantly, easy to wash off from skin and clothing. They are highly stable in typical toner formulations.

D&C Red No.33 (CI17200) EasyWash™: Provides a beautiful red-pinkish tone. This is the most popular choice for skincare products to achieve a healthy-looking tint.
FD&C Red No.4 (CI 14700) EasyWash™: Provides a red-orange tone.
D&C Red No.22 (CI45380) EasyWash™: Provides a bright red tone.

Usage Tip: These colors are highly concentrated. It is recommended to prepare a 1% stock solution and add it drop by drop to your formula until the desired light red shade is achieved.

2. Natural Extract Option

If you prefer a natural extract that also provides skincare benefits:

Dragon Blood Extract (China): A dark red liquid extract that offers potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. While it provides a natural red color, its stability and non-staining properties may be slightly lower than the EasyWash™ series.
Sorghum Red Water Soluble Color: A natural red colorant derived from sorghum, suitable for water-based formulas.

Summary for your requirements:

Stability & Non-staining: The EasyWash™ series is the best fit.
pH Compatibility: All recommended options are stable within the typical pH range of toners (pH 5.0-7.0).
Prevention of Fading: To further protect the color from UV light, you may consider using a UV protector for the formula or using opaque packaging.

Relevant Product IDs: 8404, 8428, 8415, 34307, 126045