Abstract: A liquid dyestuff composition comprising from 4 to 50 wt % of a basic or cationic water soluble dyestuff, an organic or inorganic acid and 0.1 to 15.0 wt % of a phenolic derivative, the dyestuff having a solubility in water in the presence or absence of a phenolic derivative of at least 1 g/liter at a temperature of 25.degree. C. and the composition being made up to 100 wt % by water and optionally a water-miscible solvent and/or a dissolving auxiliary; a process of dyeing a substrate like paper with such composition; a powder or granulate form of such composition and the use of such a composition or powder or granulate thereof in a dyeing process.