Alternative to Propylene Glycol for Fragrance Mixing

Propylene Glycol is commonly used as a solvent and carrier in cosmetic and fragrance formulations. Since it is now controlled, you need a suitable replacement.

• Dipropylene Glycol (DPG): This is a highly recommended alternative specifically for mixing with fragrance oils (both essential oils and chemical perfumes). It is known for its ability to dissolve fragrances well and acts as a fixative, helping the scent last longer. It can be used at a high rate, up to 100%, when mixing with perfume. This makes it very suitable for creating perfume bases or diluting fragrance oils.
• Butylene Glycol: This is another solvent that can replace Propylene Glycol in general cosmetic formulations. It is considered more gentle and less irritating than Propylene Glycol. While it can be used as a solvent, its primary use and recommended rate (typically up to 20%) might differ from the high concentrations sometimes used when directly diluting fragrance oils for perfume bases compared to DPG.
• Hexylene Glycol: Also used as a solvent to replace Propylene Glycol in various products. Its typical usage rate is lower (0.1-10%) compared to Propylene Glycol or DPG, which might limit its suitability for high-concentration fragrance mixing.

For the specific purpose of mixing fragrance oils to create perfumes or diluted fragrance products, Dipropylene Glycol (DPG) appears to be the most direct and effective substitute based on its described properties and usage recommendations. It offers good solvency for fragrances and helps with scent longevity, similar to how Propylene Glycol might be used in such applications. Butylene Glycol and Hexylene Glycol are general alternatives for Propylene Glycol's solvent properties but might not be as ideal for high fragrance load applications as DPG.