Any time raw products are used to create a formulation there is a certain parameter that the products need to fall within. The color of many of these products vary from batch to batch. Time is also a factor that can affect the color of a product. The smell of a product can vary from batch to batch also. The Red Dye Remover has shown some great color variations over the last year, but the end result is still the same as it has been in the past. The mixed product still works well.