I don’t know about you, but I love Holi! This Indian festival feels like one big party and a chance for my inner child to come out and make a colorful, joyful mess. For me, Holi isn’t complete without three things – friends and family, thandai, and of course gulaal!
Ever since my daughter was old enough to join our Holi celebrations, I became much more careful about the colors I buy. I read about synthetic Holi powders containing harmful substances like lead, asbestos, and sulphites that can damage skin and hair. That prompted me to switch to natural Holi colors. Besides giving me peace of mind, natural gulaal washes off easily and leaves little to no staining — which I really appreciate.
If you’re planning to buy natural Holi colors this season, you’re in the right place. I’ve put together a curated list of trustworthy brands that make high-quality, natural gulaal so your festivities can be fun, vibrant, and safe.
- Phool: I’ve used Phool Holi colors for years and love them. Their gulaal is made from temple flowers, herbs, and other natural ingredients, so it’s gentle on skin and hair. The cornstarch base gives it a soft, non-abrasive texture, and the essential oils lend a pleasant fragrance. These colors wash off easily and don’t leave permanent stains on clothes.
- Plantables: Plantables makes colors using edible produce, flowers, and vegetables with a maize and wheat flour base. Their products are free from harmful additives and come in 100% recycled packaging, so they’re safe for both skin and the planet. I especially like their Rangrez Holi Art Kit, which includes four natural colors and seed-paper postcards you can paint and send as Holi greetings — a lovely gift idea.
- Antarkranti: Recommended by many readers, Antarkranti began as a social initiative to create employment opportunities for prisoners. Their herbal gulaal is handmade from edible-grade materials such as maize starch, natural food colors, and flower petals. The powders are finely milled, gentle on skin, and release a pleasant natural fragrance.
- Craftizen: Craftizen’s colors are handmade by people with intellectual disabilities, supporting their livelihoods. Made from discarded temple and wedding flowers, these eco-friendly gulals are non-toxic and skin-friendly. Being natural, they wash off easily and need much less water to clean than synthetic powders.
- Nathabit: Nathabit’s goal is to make natural living a habit. Their handmade gulaal uses naturally pigmented leaves and flowers like amaranth, rose, neem, and turmeric. With a base of wheat and corn flour, the powders have a smooth, skin-friendly texture and rinse off without fuss.
- Hamari Asha: Hamari Asha offers lab-tested, natural gulaal in several vibrant shades. Formulated with rose petals, maize starch, jasmine essential oil, and permitted food-grade colorants, these powders are safe for most skin types and are easy to wash away, avoiding the stubborn stains common with synthetic colors.
If you’re also searching for Holi recipes, I have you covered. This curated collection features over 50 festive recipes ideal for Holi celebrations — from traditional sweets to fun party snacks that pair perfectly with your gatherings.
What I love about natural Holi colors is the peace of mind they bring. I no longer worry about dry, damaged hair or the risk to my children’s sensitive skin. Natural gulaal keeps the celebration joyful and worry-free. Holi will be here before we know it, so consider ordering your preferred natural colors now. And if you’re hosting friends and family, explore the 50+ Holi recipes for menu inspiration and easy-to-make festive dishes.