Using Natural Colors in Vaseline and Lip Balm for Sensitive Skin
Question
Hello,
I have questions about using Natural Color (Beetroot or Yeast). If I want to mix it with Vaseline to add color, is it possible?
- How should I mix it? Do I need to heat it first, or can I just stir it into the Vaseline?
- I saw that the colorant should be used at temperatures below 60°C. How does this affect mixing with Vaseline?
Also, could you provide a formula for a colored lip balm that is suitable for very sensitive skin?
Thank you.
Answer
Lip Balm Formula for Very Sensitive Skin
Regarding your question about using natural colors like beetroot or yeast with Vaseline:
Based on the product information, Beet Root Red Pigment and Red Monascus Pigment are water-soluble powders. Vaseline (Petroleum Jelly) is oil-based. Water-soluble colors do not mix well with oil-based products like Vaseline. Therefore, you cannot effectively mix these specific natural color powders directly into Vaseline to color it. Heating Vaseline will not make these water-soluble colors dissolve in it.
To color an oil-based lip balm, you need to use colorants that are either oil-soluble or pigments that can be properly dispersed in oil. Examples include oil-soluble dyes or cosmetic-grade pigments/micas designed for oil-based applications.
Here is a simple lip balm formula suitable for very sensitive skin, using commonly used lip balm ingredients. You would need to use an oil-compatible colorant with this formula.
Ingredients:
- Beeswax
- Shea Butter
- Sweet Almond Oil or Jojoba Oil
- Vitamin E
- Oil-soluble colorant or cosmetic pigment/mica (compatible with oil bases)
Instructions:
- Weigh your Beeswax, Shea Butter, and chosen oil (Sweet Almond Oil or Jojoba Oil) according to your desired proportions (a common starting point might be Beeswax 20%, Shea Butter 40%, Oil 40%, adjusting for desired firmness).
- Gently heat all ingredients (except Vitamin E and colorant) using a double boiler or low heat (ideally not exceeding 70-80°C) until all solid ingredients are completely melted.
- Once melted and combined, remove from heat.
- Add Vitamin E and your oil-compatible colorant. Stir quickly to combine.
- Pour the mixture into your containers before it starts to solidify.
- Let cool and harden completely before use.
Important Note: Since the natural colors from beetroot and yeast you asked about are water-soluble, they are not suitable for direct mixing with Vaseline or oil/wax-based lip balm formulas. You should use colors specifically designed for oil-based products.
For very sensitive skin, always patch test the finished product before full application.
