Novel thermochromic and/or photochromic compositions are described. The thermochromic compositions include a thermoset resin, fatty substance, water, and dye, while photochromic compositions include a benzene derivative and a binder, such as silica gel. When mixed, the ingredients of the thermochromic and photochromic compositions form chromic cells with an outer shell comprised of either the thermoset resin (in the case of thermochromic compositions) or potassium nitrate (in the case of photochromic compositions). When the chromic compositions are exposed to either a heat or light stimulus, the chromic cells compress to causing the dye within the cells to no longer be visible, thereby creating a color-changing effect.