Government name
Alkanna Tinctoria Root Powder
Goes by
Alkanet root
The verdict
Superhero
Superpower
Alkannin, a natural pigment that turns soap shades of purple.
Alkanet's government name is Alkanna Tinctoria Root Powder. The "tinctoria" part is a hint. It's been used as a dye for a very long time.
Superhero or supervillain?
Superhero. Its superpower is alkannin, a natural pigment found in the root.
What it does in my soap and clay masks
I use alkanet as a natural colorant. It's a bit of a shape-shifter: alkannin is sensitive to pH, so the same root can look reddish in oil and turn purple to blue-gray in soap. The amount used changes the shade too, and like most natural colors it may fade over time.
The color it makes
Here it is in 1 thing I make.
In the soaps named for Violet.
Usually seen with olive oil, coconut oil, castor oil and olive wax.
Don’t judge an ingredient by its government name. Judge it by the science.
Got a label of your own? Roll Call takes attendance.
Visit the shop