Sticky Eichinger

Phenolphthalein is actually colorless when it is in a neutral or an acid solution. So, if you make a solution with it in alcohol or water, it will be clear. It has no color.

It is famous for being a pH indicator. This means it changes its color. When you add a base, what we call an alkaline solution, it changes very fast. It turns into a very bright, beautiful fuchsia or pink colour. I remember this experiment from my school in France!

The powder itself, before you mix it, is a white or maybe a little yellowish-white solid. But most people mean the solution. So the simple answer is: it starts colorless. Hope this helps you.