Alkanet Root
Natural Botanical Dye for Natural Soapmaking
Alkanet Root, Alkanna tinctoria, also known as Ratanjot, comes from a small member of the borage family with bright blue flowers and a deep red root prized for its natural pigment. For centuries, the root has been infused into oils, fats, and alcohol to create striking red, purple, and blue dyes used in soaps, cosmetics, and textiles across Europe and the Middle East.
Natural Coloring for Handmade Skincare
In natural skincare, alkanet is cherished primarily for its coloring abilities. When the dried root is infused into oil, it releases beautiful color compounds that range from ruby red to cool lavender-purple depending on the ingredients it meets. We rely on this infusion to create the soft lavender and dusky plum tones in some of our natural soap bars—an elegant alternative to synthetic colorants and a beautiful way to let nature’s palette speak for itself.
Although best known for its dyeing properties, alkanet root does offer mild therapeutic benefits. Traditionally, it was used in salves and ointments for its gentle astringent and antimicrobial qualities. When infused into an oil base, alkanet becomes a softening emollient that can help soothe and calm the skin. While not a powerhouse botanical, it brings subtle nourishment along with its natural, plant-derived beauty.
Wildharvested Alkanet: What Makes It Special
The alkanet we use is wildharvested, meaning it is gathered from plants growing naturally in the wild without human cultivation, irrigation, synthetic fertilizers, or pesticides. Plants that grow under natural environmental stresses—variable moisture, rocky soils, seasonal temperature shifts—often develop:
- Higher concentrations of protective compounds (including pigments)
- Stronger root structure and fiber content
- A more robust phytochemical profile
Responsible harvesters take great care to collect only what the ecosystem can support, ensuring long-term sustainability and honoring the plant’s natural habitat.
Wildharvested alkanet root adds both color and authenticity to handcrafted products—connecting traditional herbal practice with the art of natural skincare.
