How to Check if Your Nila Powder is Real: 5 Easy Tests at Home

Nila powder (also called Indigo powder) is popular for hair care, skincare, and dyeing fabrics. But fake versions—mixed with cheap dyes or fillers—are common. Here’s how to test your Nila powder’s authenticity using simple methods.

1. Water Test: Does It Dissolve?

✅ Goal: Real Nila powder won’t mix easily in water.

Steps:

• Fill a clear glass with room-temperature water.
• Add ½ teaspoon of Nila powder.
• Check Results:
  • Real: Powder sinks to the bottom. Water stays mostly clear.
  • Fake: Water turns dark blue quickly (like food coloring).
• Stir gently:
  • Real: Tiny bits float but don’t fully dissolve.
  • Fake: Water looks like blue dye.

2. Oil Test: Spot Synthetic Additives

✅ Goal: Pure Nila won’t blend with oil.

Steps:

• Mix a pinch of Nila powder with 1 tsp coconut/olive oil.
• Check Results:
  • Real: Stays clumpy and doesn’t color the oil.
  • Fake: Oil turns blue or looks dyed.

3. Fabric Test: Check for Fake Dyes

✅ Goal: Real Nila won’t stain heavily.

Steps:

• Rub a little powder on damp white cloth or tissue.
• Check Results:
  • Real: Light blue mark that fades after washing.
  • Fake: Bright, stubborn stain (like pen ink).

Tip: Rinse the fabric. If the stain stays, it’s artificial.

4. Touch & Smell Test

✅ Goal: Real Nila feels soft and smells earthy.

Steps:

• Rub powder between your fingers.
• Check Results:
  • Real: Smooth texture, mild natural smell.
  • Fake: Gritty, sticky, or strong chemical odor.

5. Burn Test: Detect Chemicals

✅ Goal: Pure Nila won’t burn or smoke.

Steps:

• Heat a spoonful of powder over a flame.
• Check Results:
  • Real: Turns darker but doesn’t burn.
  • Fake: Burns fast with black smoke.

Quick Summary: Real vs. Fake Nila Powder

• ✅ Real: Sinks in water, won’t stain oil/fabric, soft texture, mild smell, no burning.
• ❌ Fake: Dissolves in water, dyes oil/fabric, gritty texture, chemical smell, burns easily.

Why It Matters: Fake Nila can harm skin or hair. Always test before use!

By following these steps, you’ll avoid low-quality products and enjoy the benefits of pure Nila powder. Share this guide to help others spot fakes too! 🌿