Correct Method for Diluting Fragrance to Reduce Pungency

Diluting fragrance with "water" is not the correct method and is not recommended for several reasons:

1. Incompatibility: Most fragrances are oil-based and do not dissolve in water. Mixing them will result in separation (oil droplets floating) or a cloudy appearance.
2. Stability and Contamination: Adding water to fragrance without a proper preservative system can lead to microbial growth (bacteria and mold).
3. Application Issues: If the fragrance isn't properly dissolved, it will be difficult to incorporate into your cosmetic base and may ruin the texture or clarity of the final product.

Correct Methods to Dilute or Reduce Scent Intensity:

1. Use Appropriate Solvents: To dilute fragrance oil and reduce its pungency, use solvents that are compatible with oils, such as:

   • Dipropylene Glycol (DPG): The industry standard for diluting fragrance oils. It helps mellow the scent and improves dispersion.
   • Propylene Glycol (USP): Another common solvent used for dilution.

2. Use Solubilizers for Water-Based Products: If you intend to add fragrance to a water-based formula (like a toner or clear gel), you must use a solubilizer to bridge the oil and water phases:

   • Flora Solve™ Clear: Excellent for creating clear, water-based fragranced products.
   • Ultra Solve™: A high-efficiency solubilizer.

3. Adjust the Dosage: The most effective way to manage a strong scent is simply to reduce the percentage used in your final formulation (e.g., reducing from 1% to 0.2%).

Conclusion: To dilute fragrance effectively, use Dipropylene Glycol (DPG) instead of water.