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Detergents and industrial cleaners are often coloured to make them more visually appealing but how do you choose the right colourant for your product?

Products for use in HI&I chemicals are often coloured to make them more visually appealing and to help consumers differentiate between different products. The use of dyes and pigments can also serve as an indicator, for consumers, of the type of product.

Type of colourant

There are various types of colourants used in detergents and soaps, including synthetic dyes, natural dyes, and pigments. Synthetic dyes are often preferred because they provide consistent and bright colours and are more stable than natural dyes. Natural dyes, on the other hand, are derived from plants, minerals, or animals and are considered more environmentally friendly, although they may not be as bright or stable as synthetic dyes.

Pigments are insoluble particles that are used to colour soaps and detergents. They’re often preferred over dyes because they are more stable and don’t fade as quickly. Pigments are also less likely to cause allergic reactions in consumers.

Depth of shade

There are other important factors to consider when selecting dyes for detergents and cleaning products. The hue and intensity of the colour will depend on the specific dye used, so it is important to consider the desired result before selecting a dye. For example, some dyes can produce bright, vivid colours, but some are more suitable for certain shades than others.

Nice and stable

Some dyes may be less durable in different pH conditions, which can result in fading or colour changes over time. It is important to select a dye that’s stable in the desired pH range to ensure long-lasting colour.

Like pH, the colourant must be stable to the chemicals used in the final product. Different surfactants, phosphates, silicones, solvents, polymers and enzymes could all have an effect on the colours performance.  

A colours stability to sunlight is another consideration when selecting dyes and pigments. Different colourants are more stable and have better lightfastness ratings than others. No one wants to see to see their product fading on the shelf before it even makes it to the consumer. As a rule, the brighter fluorescent shades are more sensitive to UV light, in these instances manufactures may choose to use opaque or tinted product packaging to mitigate the effects of ultraviolet light on their coloured product.

It's important to note that the use of colorants in some final applications is strictly regulated by legislation and government agencies These regulations and agencies ensure that the colorants used are safe for use in consumer products and don’t pose a health risk.

Finally

It’s clear to see that both chemical and environmental restrictions can significantly lower the number of viable colourants that will meet all the criteria, even though there are thousands of colourants on the market. The best way to choose the right one is to work with an experienced colour provider who has access to a large range of high-quality products. With technical assistance from your supplier, the next step is to list all the physical properties and requirements of the formulation to discover whether colourants are currently on the market that meet the requirements.