Alternative Spray Bases and Reducing Wetness

You're looking for spray base options beyond water or alcohol, as oil bases feel too wet and you want to avoid alcohol. There are indeed alternatives that can provide a lighter, less wet feel.

Instead of traditional oils, you can use volatile emollients. These ingredients evaporate quickly after application, leaving a dry or silky finish without the greasy feel of heavier oils. Some examples include:

• Cyclopentasiloxane: A lightweight silicone that evaporates quickly, providing a silky, non-sticky feel. It's suitable for spray formulations and can be used to replace alcohol in some applications.
• Isododecane: An ultra-lightweight hydrocarbon emollient that evaporates rapidly. It doesn't clog pores or leave a greasy residue and is excellent for oil-free formulations needing a very light feel.
• LipidSoft™ Cyclo: An emollient designed to replace Cyclomethicone (like Cyclopentasiloxane). It offers a similar smooth feel but evaporates even faster, making it a great silicone-free option for a light, volatile base.
• Dodecane: A naturally sourced alternative to Cyclopentasiloxane, offering similar light weight and evaporation properties.

These ingredients can be used as the primary base or combined with other non-volatile oils to reduce the overall wetness and greasiness.

Regarding making an oil base less wet, the best way is to incorporate these volatile emollients (like Isododecane, Cyclopentasiloxane, LipidSoft™ Cyclo, or Dodecane) into your formulation. They will help the spray dry down faster and feel less heavy on the skin compared to using only non-volatile oils.

There are also pre-mixed bases available, such as the 8 Hours Fragrance Spray Base (Musk-Free). However, it's important to note that this particular base contains alcohol (Ethyl Alcohol, Dipropylene Glycol, Propylene Glycol), so it would not be suitable if you wish to avoid alcohol entirely.

By choosing volatile emollients or incorporating them into your oil base, you can achieve a lighter, drier feel for your spray formulations.