A precious and traditional pigment powder

Extracted from the dried roots of the alkanet plant, this dye powder has been used since ancient times for its coloring properties. It is now popular in artisanal cosmetics, particularly for tinting massage oils, lip balms, plant-based lipsticks, and even cold-process soaps.

Description

Fine purplish-red to brown powder, slight root odor, slightly resinous feel, fat-soluble pigment (not water-soluble).

Nomenclature

• Common name: Alkanet, Alcanna
• Latin name: Alkanna tinctoria
• Family: Boraginaceae
• Part used: Root
• Form: Powder
• Origin: Mediterranean Basin (Spain, Greece, Turkey)
• English name: Alkanet root powder
• German name: Alkannarindenpulver
• Name in Spanish: Polvo de raíz de alcaneta
• Name in Italian: Polvere di radice di alcanna
• Name in Arabic: مسحوق جذور الأنكانا

Main virtues

Plant-based, decorative, pigmentary colorant, slightly protective for the skin (external use only).

Main constituents

Naphthoquinones (alkanin, shikonin), tannins, phenolic acids, fat-soluble dye resins.

Traditional use and dosage

• Oily macerate: 1 to 5 g of powder per 100 ml of vegetable oil, macerate for 10 to 15 days away from light, filter.
• Soap: to be integrated into the oily phase for a violet to purple effect (cold saponification).
• Balm / lipstick: added directly in small quantities to color the finished product.
• Homemade textile dyeing: with alcohol or vinegar depending on the surface.

Precautions, side effects and contraindications

• For external and cosmetic use only.
• Not intended for ingestion (plant not authorized for food use).
• May stain surfaces, clothing or light skin: use with caution and gloves.

History and use

Used for thousands of years to color fabrics, medicinal treatments, and cosmetics, alkanet was once a sought-after product in Mediterranean trade. It was used to prepare natural lipsticks and visually enhance traditional ointments. Today, it finds its place in artisanal cosmetics and DIY treatments seeking authenticity and natural hues.

Miscellaneous information

• Packaging: resealable kraft bag or airtight opaque jar.
• Storage: away from light, humidity and heat.
• Shelf life: 12 to 24 months.
• TARIC customs code: 3203.00.10.00

Sources and references

• Pl@ntUse – https://uses.plantnet-project.org
• Specialized works on plant-based cosmetics and natural coloring
• Historical texts of the Mediterranean pharmacopoeia

Note to project creators and formulators:

Please note that we do not provide any technical documentation (datasheet, certificate, analysis, etc.) for quantities less than 1 kg. Documentation is reserved exclusively for registered professionals (SIRET number or equivalent required) and for clearly identified projects. Thank you for your understanding.

🔎 Information

The products on aromacentre.fr are not medicines. They are natural, plant-based treatments. All usage advice on our site is for informational purposes only. Any additional requests should be made to a qualified healthcare professional. In accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 December 2006 on nutrition and health claims made on foods, we are unable to publish this information on the site. Taking this product does not exempt you from consulting a doctor or prescribing it. Ask your doctor or healthcare practitioner for advice. Be sure to read the precautions for use before using any medicinal plants. The use of herbal preparations is not recommended without consulting your doctor or pharmacist. The substances they contain may interact with medications prescribed by the patient, reducing their therapeutic effectiveness or causing toxicity. They can also worsen the weakening of the body's vital functions, thus exposing the patient to increased morbidity and life-threatening risks.

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