Why Has My Natural Skincare Product Changed Colour?

If a natural skincare product changes colour slightly, it can be a bit surprising, especially if you have used the product before and expected it to look exactly the same.

In many cases, a subtle colour change is simply linked to natural ingredients, heat or light exposure.

Can natural ingredients change colour?

Yes. Natural oils, butters and botanical ingredients can vary depending on the season, harvest and storage conditions.

Ingredients such as coconut oil, vitamin E, rose water and aloe vera are not synthetic materials, so they may not look or smell identical every time.

Can heat affect product colour?

Yes. Warm bathrooms, sunny windowsills, dressing tables in direct light and bags left in warm cars can all affect natural products.

Heat may soften oils and butters, and it can also encourage gentle natural oxidation, which may shift the tone of the product.

Can colloidal silver or gold affect the shade?

In topical products, colloidal silver and colloidal gold can create subtle colour hues because they naturally reflect light differently depending on concentration and particle size.

How can I help prevent colour changes?

• Keep products away from direct sunlight
• Avoid leaving them on warm windowsills
• Store them in a cool drawer or cupboard
• Keep lids firmly closed
• Avoid leaving balms or creams in a hot car

When should I check before using?

If the product smells unpleasant, looks dramatically different, has separated heavily or has been stored in strong heat for a long time, check before using it.

For normal subtle variation, the most important thing is to store your products well and remember that natural skincare can behave a little more naturally than heavily processed formulas.