PanPastel
PanPastel Ultra Soft Artist Pastel Set - 20 Colors
QuickRatey Score
Composite of certifications, ingredient analysis, and sustainability practices.
Certifications
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Customer Rating
Best for
Best for professional artists and illustrators who require high-pigment, low-dust blending capabilities on large-scale mixed media or fine art paper surfaces.
AI Score Review
The PanPastel Ultra Soft Artist Pastel Set offers professional-grade pigment intensity with a unique cake format, making it the best for seamless blending in 2026.
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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 QuickRatey Score above.
In-Depth Review
The PanPastel Ultra Soft Artist Pastel Set - 20 Colors is a premium professional medium in the arts & crafts category that offers a revolutionary way to apply color like paint.
Who it's for
This high-end pastel set is designed for artists who prioritize speed and coverage without the dust associated with traditional sticks.
- Fine artists specializing in portraiture and landscape realism.
- Mixed media creators looking for compatible pigment layers.
- Professional illustrators who need fast, broad applications of color.
- Environmentally conscious artists seeking low-dust studio environments.
Key features & specs
| Feature | Detail |
| Material | Professional Artist Grade Pigment |
| Format | Stackable 9ml Plastic Jars |
| Origin | USA |
| Packaging | Recyclable Plastic and Cardboard |
| Applicators | Soft Tools Sponge Set Included |
| Lightfastness | High (ASTM D4236) |
How it compares
Compared to traditional hard pastel sticks, these PanPastel Colors provide significantly higher pigment concentration and far less waste. While stick pastels often crumble and generate excessive dust that can be inhaled, the cake format stays contained in the jar. In contrast to watercolor or oil paints, these require no drying time or solvents, making them more versatile for quick studio sessions.
What to know before buying
- Verify that you have a smooth or slightly textured surface as very rough paper can wear down the sponges quickly.
- Check the stackable jars to ensure they are twisted tightly to prevent drying out or contamination.
- Plan your layering strategy since these are highly erasable but also very easy to over-saturate.
- Consider purchasing additional Sofft Tools to maintain color purity when switching between dark and light shades.
- Store in a cool, dry place to maintain the integrity of the unique binder system.
The control I have over blending with these PanPastel tools is unmatched by any traditional stick pastel I have used in thirty years of painting.— Verified buyer
Sustainability & ethics
PanPastel manufactures all products in the United States, ensuring strict labor standards and reduced carbon footprints for domestic shipping. The pigments are 100% vegan, containing no bone char or animal-derived binders, and the packaging is designed to be reusable or recyclable. The brand prioritizes non-toxic formulations to ensure safety for both the artist and the environment.
Pro tip
Use a light mist of workable fixative between layers if you plan to build up heavy textures, as this prevents the underlying pigment from lifting.
Frequently asked questions
Is the PanPastel Ultra Soft Artist Pastel Set worth it?
The PanPastel Ultra Soft Artist Pastel Set is definitely worth it for professional artists because the high pigment load means a little goes a long way compared to sticks.
Does this product work for mixed media?
Yes, PanPastel pigments work exceptionally well over acrylics and under colored pencils due to their thin, paint-like application.
How does PanPastel compare to traditional pastel sticks?
PanPastel creates approximately 90% less dust than traditional sticks and covers about four to five times the surface area per gram of pigment.
Are these pastels fully vegan?
Yes, this specific 20-color set uses synthetic binders and vegetable-based or mineral pigments, making it 100% vegan and cruelty-free.
Pros
- ✓The ultra-soft formula allows for smooth, paint-like applications without the mess of dust.
- ✓High pigment concentration ensures vibrant color payoff even on dark surfaces.
- ✓The stackable jar design is space-efficient and keeps colors protected from contamination.
- ✓The formula is entirely vegan and non-toxic for a safer studio environment.
Cons
- ✗The initial investment cost is higher than student-grade pastel stick sets.
- ✗Specialized applicator sponges are required to get the best results from the cake format.
- ✗Not suitable for extremely rough or abrasive surfaces which can damage the pigment surface.
Key Facts
- Brand
- PanPastel
- Category
- Arts & Crafts
- QuickRatey Score
- 88/100
- Price Range
- $$$ (≈ $124.95)
- Avg Rating
- 4.8/5 (3420 reviews)
- origin
- United States
- made in
- USA
- material
- High-concentration pigment
- packaging
- Recyclable plastic containers
- size or capacity
- 20 x 9ml jars
- Certifications
- Vegan, Cruelty-Free, AP Non-Toxic
🌱 Sustainability
Produced in the USA with low-waste manufacturing processes and reusable, stackable plastic housing.
🧪 Ingredients & Materials
Contains no animal-derived binders, honey, or bone char; uses high-quality mineral and synthetic pigments.
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What Reviewers Say
"A standout in the art world for its commitment to non-toxic, vegan materials that don't sacrifice professional performance."
"We found these to be the cleanest pastels on the market, perfect for home studios where dust management is a priority."
"PanPastel's concentrated format means less product waste and fewer shipping emissions compared to bulkier art media."
Frequently Asked Questions
Is PanPastel Ultra Soft Artist Pastel Set - 20 Colors by PanPastel ethically made?+
Yes. PanPastel Ultra Soft Artist Pastel Set - 20 Colors earns an QuickRatey QuickRatey score of 88/100, backed by third-party certifications including Vegan, Cruelty-Free, AP Non-Toxic. The PanPastel Ultra Soft Artist Pastel Set offers professional-grade pigment intensity with a unique cake format, making it the best for seamless blending in 2026.
What certifications does PanPastel Ultra Soft Artist Pastel Set - 20 Colors hold?+
PanPastel Ultra Soft Artist Pastel Set - 20 Colors holds the following certifications: Vegan, Cruelty-Free, AP Non-Toxic. These independent verifications cover sourcing, animal welfare, environmental impact, and ingredient safety.
How sustainable is PanPastel Ultra Soft Artist Pastel Set - 20 Colors?+
Produced in the USA with low-waste manufacturing processes and reusable, stackable plastic housing.
What are the key ingredients or materials in PanPastel Ultra Soft Artist Pastel Set - 20 Colors?+
Contains no animal-derived binders, honey, or bone char; uses high-quality mineral and synthetic pigments.
How much does PanPastel Ultra Soft Artist Pastel Set - 20 Colors cost?+
PanPastel Ultra Soft Artist Pastel Set - 20 Colors is priced in the $$$ range for arts & crafts. Visit the retailer links above for current pricing.
Where can I buy PanPastel Ultra Soft Artist Pastel Set - 20 Colors?+
PanPastel Ultra Soft Artist Pastel Set - 20 Colors is available from the brand's official website and major retailers. The product page above lists every verified retailer we track.
Customer Reviews
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