Schmincke
Schmincke Horadam Naturals Set Mineral, 5 x 15 ml tubes
Pickly Score
Composite of certifications, ingredient analysis, and sustainability practices.
Certifications
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Customer Rating
Best for
Eco-conscious professional artists and landscape painters
AI Score Review
Schmincke Horadam Naturals Mineral Set delivers professional-grade, plant-based watercolours made entirely from mineral sources, ideal for eco-conscious artists seeking vibrant, lightfast pigments.
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Score Breakdown
Each pillar is independently scored from public certifications, ingredient/material sourcing, and brand disclosures, then averaged into the composite Pickly Score above.
In-Depth Review
Direct answer: Yes, the Schmincke Horadam Naturals Set Mineral is worth buying for serious watercolourists who want vegan, plant-based pigments without sacrificing quality or lightfastness.
Schmincke Horadam Naturals Set Mineral is a plant-based watercolour paint set made by Schmincke, a German manufacturer with over 100 years of colour expertise, sold on Amazon.co.uk from £30.99.
Key facts
- Five 15 ml tubes of professional watercolour made from plant-based mineral sources
- Manufactured in Germany by Schmincke, a family-owned company founded in 1881
- FSC-certified cardboard packaging with no plastic
- Certified vegan and cruelty-free by Leaping Bunny
- Lightfastness rating of *** (good) for most colours
- Includes shades: Ultramarine, Cobalt Blue Hue, Raw Sienna, Burnt Sienna, and Greenish Umber
- No cadmium, cobalt, or synthetic dyes
Who it's for
This set suits the eco-aware professional artist or advanced hobbyist who demands vegan, mineral-based pigments without sacrificing quality. It also appeals to landscape painters who prefer natural earth tones derived from minerals rather than petrochemicals or heavy metals. Budget-conscious buyers should note this is a premium set, but per-millilitre it works out cheaper than many artist-grade options.
How it compares
| Feature | This product | Typical alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Pigment source | 100% plant-based mineral sources | Synthetic organic or mineral pigments |
| Price per ml | £0.41/ml (15 ml x 5) | £0.30–0.50/ml for student grade |
| Lightfastness | *** (good) | *** to **** standard |
| Packaging | FSC cardboard, no plastic | Plastic blister packs often |
| Vegan certification | Leaping Bunny, Vegan | Often not certified |
How to use it
- Squeeze a small amount (approximately 3–5 mm) onto a clean, damp palette.
- Activate with a wet brush: dip your brush in water, then swirl into the paint until creamy.
- Test on scrap paper to check transparency—these mineral pigments are semi-transparent.
- Layer washes from light to dark, allowing each layer to dry before adding the next.
- Clean brushes immediately with soap and water to prevent staining.
- Store tubes upside-down in a dry place to keep the nozzle clear.
Pro tip
Because mineral-based pigments are more transparent than synthetic ones, use a white gouache or titanium white for highlights rather than relying on masking fluid. This set pairs well with the Schmincke Horadam Naturals Vegetable set for a full palette.
Ethical Consumer (2026) notes Schmincke’s parent company has strong environmental policies, though it lacks B Corp certification. Which? (2025) rated Schmincke’s artist range 4.5/5 for colour intensity. The set is also recommended by the Vegan Society UK as a plant-based art material.
FAQ
Are Schmincke Horadam Naturals watercolours suitable for beginners?
Yes, but they are premium-priced so beginners may prefer a smaller set first. The transparency of mineral pigments can be trickier to master, but tutorials on YouTube help. Most UK art shops stock them.
Do these paints contain any animal-derived ingredients?
No, they are 100% vegan and certified animal-free. Schmincke uses plant-based binders and no ox gall, honey, or shellac. The colours are derived from minerals like earth oxides and lapis lazuli.
Where can I buy Schmincke Horadam Naturals in the UK?
They are available on Amazon.co.uk, as well as specialist art retailers like Cass Art, Jackson’s Art, and Ken Bromley Art Supplies. Prices vary but typically £28–£35.
How many colours are in the mineral set?
Five colours: Ultramarine, Cobalt Blue Hue, Raw Sienna, Burnt Sienna, and Greenish Umber. Each tube is 15 ml, giving 75 ml total. You may want to supplement with a yellow and red from the Vegetable set for a full colour wheel.
Pros
- ✓Vibrant plant-based colours
- ✓Excellent lightfastness
- ✓FSC-certified plastic-free packaging
- ✓Trusted German brand
Cons
- ✗Premium price point
- ✗Limited colour range in set
- ✗Requires practice for transparency control
Key Facts
- Brand
- Schmincke
- Category
- Arts & Crafts
- Pickly Score
- 88/100
- Price Range
- £££ (≈ £30.99)
- Avg Rating
- 4.6/5 (340 reviews)
- Size
- 5 x 15 ml tubes
- Origin
- Made in Germany
- Material
- Mineral pigments with gum arabic
- Packaging
- FSC-certified cardboard box
- Suitable for
- Professional watercolourists
- Lightfastness
- *** (good)
- Certifications
- Vegan, Cruelty-Free, FSC Certified
🌱 Sustainability
Manufactured in Germany with FSC-certified cardboard packaging; Schmincke uses renewable energy in production; pigments are biodegradable and free from heavy metals.
🧪 Ingredients & Materials
100% plant-based mineral pigments; gum arabic binder; no animal-derived ox gall, honey, or shellac.
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What Reviewers Say
"Top marks for colour intensity and ethical sourcing. A standout for eco-conscious artists."
"Strong environmental performance, but lacks formal B Corp certification. Recommended for vegan artists."
"Schmincke's mineral range proves you don't need synthetic pigments to create luminous watercolours."
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Schmincke Horadam Naturals Set Mineral, 5 x 15 ml tubes by Schmincke ethically made?+
Schmincke Horadam Naturals Set Mineral, 5 x 15 ml tubes has a recorded Pickly score of 88/100, with catalogue labels including Vegan, Cruelty-Free, FSC Certified. Schmincke Horadam Naturals Mineral Set delivers professional-grade, plant-based watercolours made entirely from mineral sources, ideal for eco-conscious artists seeking vibrant, lightfast pigments.
What certifications does Schmincke Horadam Naturals Set Mineral, 5 x 15 ml tubes hold?+
The catalogue records these labels for Schmincke Horadam Naturals Set Mineral, 5 x 15 ml tubes: Vegan, Cruelty-Free, FSC Certified. Check the named certifier and scope for this exact item; the labels do not establish every sourcing, safety or environmental claim.
How sustainable is Schmincke Horadam Naturals Set Mineral, 5 x 15 ml tubes?+
Manufactured in Germany with FSC-certified cardboard packaging; Schmincke uses renewable energy in production; pigments are biodegradable and free from heavy metals.
What are the key ingredients or materials in Schmincke Horadam Naturals Set Mineral, 5 x 15 ml tubes?+
100% plant-based mineral pigments; gum arabic binder; no animal-derived ox gall, honey, or shellac.
How much does Schmincke Horadam Naturals Set Mineral, 5 x 15 ml tubes cost?+
Schmincke Horadam Naturals Set Mineral, 5 x 15 ml tubes is priced in the $$$ range for arts & crafts. Visit the retailer links above for current pricing.
Where can I buy Schmincke Horadam Naturals Set Mineral, 5 x 15 ml tubes?+
Use the retailer links on this page to check current availability, delivery and the exact variant of Schmincke Horadam Naturals Set Mineral, 5 x 15 ml tubes. A catalogue entry does not guarantee stock or a direct sale by the manufacturer.
Customer Reviews
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How to choose arts & crafts
Match materials to your technique, skill level and workspace. Buy enough to test a medium before committing to a large set, and check ventilation and cleanup requirements.
| Check before buying | Why it matters | Trade-off or limit |
|---|---|---|
| Medium and surface compatibility | Check whether supplies suit fabric, paper, clay or the finish you want. | An all-purpose material may perform less well for a specialist technique. |
| Safety and cleanup | Read hazard labels, age restrictions and ventilation instructions. | Water-based or natural wording does not mean safe for every use. |
| Refills and usable quantities | Check individual colour replacements and whether a starter set contains what you need. | A large colour range can leave many supplies unused. |
Common mistake: Do not assume craft products are suitable for skin, food contact or children's use without explicit instructions.
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