Incorporating Oil-Soluble Fragrance into Water-Based Gel

To add an oil-soluble fragrance, such as a rose fragrance oil, into a water-based gel formulation that contains no oils or alcohol, you can use a solubilizer like Polysorbate 20.

Here's how you can do it:

1. Mix the fragrance oil with Polysorbate 20 separately before adding it to your gel base.
2. A recommended starting ratio is approximately 5 parts Polysorbate 20 to 1 part fragrance oil (5:1 ratio). You may need to adjust this ratio depending on the specific fragrance oil to achieve clarity and stability in your gel.
3. Mix the fragrance and Polysorbate 20 thoroughly until the fragrance is fully dispersed in the Polysorbate 20.
4. Slowly add this mixture to your water-based gel formulation while stirring.

Polysorbate 20 is soluble in water and can help disperse the oil-soluble fragrance evenly throughout the water phase, preventing turbidity or separation. The typical usage rate for Polysorbate 20 in formulations is between 1% and 20%, but the exact amount needed will depend on the amount of fragrance used and the desired clarity.

By using Polysorbate 20 in this manner, you can successfully incorporate a small amount of oil-soluble fragrance to provide a light scent to your water-based gel.