Solubilizers for Oil-in-Water Liquid Formulations

To incorporate oil (up to 10%) into water to create a clear liquid formulation like a toner or spray, you will need a solubilizer. A solubilizer helps disperse the oil evenly within the water phase, preventing separation and maintaining clarity.

Here are some solubilizers that can be used for this purpose:

• Flora Solve™ Clear: This is effective for dissolving essential oils and fragrance oils in water. It can create clear microemulsions. The typical usage ratio is 2-5 parts Flora Solve™ Clear to 1 part oil or fragrance.
• Ultra Solve™: A highly effective solubilizer suitable for dissolving various types of oils, including esters, essential oils, and oil-soluble vitamins. It offers high efficiency.
• PPG-6-Decyltetradeceth-30: This is a general solubilizer with an HLB of 12.0, known for low foaming and good stability.
• Free Solve™ (PEG-Free Solubilizer): A high-performance, non-ionic solubilizer that is free from PEGs. It is effective for dissolving oils, perfumes, and essential oils in water to achieve clarity.

General Usage and Mixing:

The appropriate usage rate for these solubilizers typically ranges from 1% to 10% or more, depending on the specific solubilizer and the type and amount of oil you are trying to dissolve. It is often recommended to mix the solubilizer with the oil phase first until clear, and then gradually add this mixture to the water phase while stirring.

Always perform small-scale tests to determine the exact amount of solubilizer needed for your specific oil and desired clarity.