Alkanet Root Powder - Natural Purple Dye

About Alkanet Root Powder

Alkannin, naturally found in the root of the alkanet plant, is a dye used in various applications including cosmetics. Alkanet is an interesting natural soap making dye as the colour reacts with the pH - an alkanet infusion can start off as blue, green, grey or even red and morph into purple or violet during the soap making process.

The intensity of the purple or violet hue in your cold-processed soap depends on various factors including:

• Percentage of alkanet used
• The colour of the ingredients used
• pH of the soap
• How the alkanet was mixed - in oil or lye solution

How to Use

Alkanet Root Powder is oil-soluble, which means it works best when infused into a carrier oil before use.  Always wear gloves and an apron when handling and work on a protected surface as alkanet can stain skin and clothing.

• For soap making: Infuse the powder in your chosen oil at a rate of up to 2.5% per your oil weight.  Leave to infuse for 24 to 48 hours, then strain before adding to your soap recipe.  Adjust to achieve your desired depth of colour.  Always run a test batch first.
• For textile dyeing: Alkanet can be used as a direct dye on natural fibres such as wool and silk. Results vary depending on mordant used and fibre type.

Ingredient Information

INCI Name: Alkanna tinctoria Root Powder

Alkanet Root Powder is derived from the dried and milled roots of Alkanna tinctoria, a perennial herb in the borage family (Boraginaceae).  The root contains alkannin and shikonin, which are the naturally occurring pigment compounds responsible for its distinctive purple and red-violet colour.

Key Properties

• Oil-soluble natural colourant
• pH-sensitive - produces blue tones in alkaline environments (such as cold process soap) and purple to red tones in neutral or acidic conditions
• Not water-soluble - does not dissolve in water-based formulations without a carrier
• Fine powder texture for easy blending and infusion

Traditional Uses

Alkanet root has been used for centuries as a natural dye in textiles, leather and cosmetics across the Mediterranean, Middle East and South Asia.  It was historically used to colour lip preparations, rouge and hair products.  In Ayurvedic and traditional herbal practice, the root has also been used topically, though its primary commercial use today is as a natural colourant.

Origin and Sourcing

Our Alkanet Root Powder is sourced from India, where Alkanna tinctoria root is cultivated and processed by small-scale producers.  At Sheabutter Cottage, we work with suppliers who share our commitment to responsible sourcing and fair trading practices. We prioritise relationships with producers and cooperatives that support local communities and maintain traditional knowledge around plant-based ingredients.

Common Questions

Will alkanet root powder turn my soap purple? It can, but the final colour depends on the pH of your soap and the oils you use.  Cold process soap is typically alkaline, which tends to produce blue to purple tones.  The colour often deepens and shifts during cure time, so results can vary between batches.

How much powder should I use per batch? Simple percentage  A good starting point is 1 to 2% of your total oil weight. Adjust up to 2.5% for a deeper colour.  For soap, aim for 2 to 2.5% of your total oil weight. Always test a small batch first, as colour intensity varies depending on your recipe and method.

INCI : Alkanna tinctoria
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: INDIA