NATURAL COLOURANTS AND ITS USES - A REVIEW

*Harsini V. and Chidambararajan P.

ABSTRACT

Natural colourants are derived from plant, animal and minerals and microbial. In India there are 500 species of plant which are suitable to give colorants. Natural colours are safe to use and no side effects. The market for natural colours in various fields continues to throughout the world on account of increased awareness among consumer of side effects associated with prolong use of some synthetic colouring compounds, and the current trend towards healthful, natural ingredients in products. Manufacturers seek natural colouring materials that offer additional multifunctional effects including UV protection anti-aging related functionalities. Presently, many Industries are manufacturing natural products using natural colorants as in eyeliner, lipstick, lip balm, hair colour, food, textile clothes etc. Here, we review the source of natural colours and its use in various field like cosmetics, pharmaceutical, food, textile industry and information about natural colouring pigment.

Keywords: Natural colourants, Cosmetics industry, Pharmaceutical industry, Food industry, Textiles industry.