Alternative Solvents for Solid Fragrance Ingredients in Perfume

Asked by: thanamesh.olanchaikit On: June 16, 2023 Product Type: Cosmetics

Question

When formulating perfume using solid fragrance ingredients like Musk Ambrette and Celestolide, crystallization occurs when dissolved in alcohol. Are there alternative solvents or methods to prevent this crystallization?

Answer

Alternative Solvents for Musk Ambrette and Celestolide in Perfumery

Yes, Musk Ambrette and Celestolide can be dissolved in solvents other than just alcohol (ethanol) in perfume formulations. The crystallization you observed when using alcohol is common for solid fragrance materials, especially if they are used at high concentrations or as the alcohol evaporates.

To improve solubility and prevent crystallization, perfumers often use co-solvents in addition to or instead of pure alcohol. Some common alternative or co-solvents suitable for dissolving solid aroma chemicals include:

  • Dipropylene Glycol (DPG): A widely used, low-odor solvent that is excellent for dissolving many fragrance ingredients.
  • Isopropyl Myristate (IPM): An ester that can act as a solvent and also modify the skin feel of the perfume.

A common technique is to first dissolve the solid ingredients like Musk Ambrette and Celestolide in a small amount of a co-solvent like DPG or IPM, and then add this concentrated solution to the main alcohol base. This helps ensure the solids remain dissolved.

Using different solvents or solvent blends can affect the fragrance's diffusion, evaporation rate, and overall performance, so some experimentation may be needed to find the best combination for your desired result.

Related Products Mentioned

Musk Ambrette
Musk Ambrette
RM Fragrance/Flavor
Celestolide
Celestolide
RM Fragrance/Flavor