Sambucus Nigra Fruit Powder

Elderberry's government name is Sambucus Nigra Fruit Powder. "Nigra" means black, which tells you how dark these little berries are.

Superhero or supervillain?

Superhero. Its superpower is anthocyanins, the natural pigments behind elderberry's deep purple-black color.

What it does in my soap and clay masks

I use elderberry powder as a natural colorant. Anthocyanins change color with pH, so in alkaline soap the purple tends to shift toward muted blue-gray, mauve or brownish tones. Like most natural colors, it can fade over time.