How to Fix Cloudy Perfume When Mixed with Alcohol

The cloudiness that occurs when clear fragrance oil is mixed with 99% alcohol is due to some components in the fragrance oil not being sufficiently soluble in very high-concentration alcohol.

There are several ways to solve this problem, and there are other solvents that can help.

• Reduce Alcohol Concentration: Try using alcohol with a lower concentration, such as 70-80% instead of 99%. The lower concentration may help components that are insoluble in 99% alcohol dissolve better.
• Use a Co-solvent: Adding another solvent that is compatible with both the fragrance oil and alcohol will help increase the solubility of various components in the fragrance oil. Common co-solvents used in the perfume industry include:
  • Diethyl Phthalate (DEP): A widely used solvent in perfumery that helps fragrances dissolve better in alcohol and prevents cloudiness.
  • Dipropylene Glycol (DPG): Another frequently used solvent with good dissolving and scent diffusion properties.
  • Isopropyl Myristate (IPM): Can also be used as a co-solvent.
• Ratio: The amount of co-solvent needed depends on the specific type of fragrance oil. You will need to experiment with the ratio to achieve the desired clarity. Generally, start with a small amount and gradually increase it.

Using a co-solvent like Diethyl Phthalate (DEP) or Dipropylene Glycol (DPG) is often an effective way to solve the problem of cloudy perfume when mixed with alcohol.