Solvents for Clear Mouth Spray/Mouthwash Formulas

To achieve a clear formula when incorporating flavors into mouth sprays or mouthwashes, you need suitable solvents or solubilizers. Flavors, especially essential oils or oil-soluble components, do not easily disperse in water-based formulas.

Common ingredients used to help dissolve flavors and create clear oral care products include:

• Solubilizers/Surfactants: These are key for dispersing oily substances in water. A common example is Poloxamer 407, which is effective at low concentrations and suitable for oral use. Other non-ionic surfactants like Polysorbates can also be used, but Poloxamer 407 is often preferred for its low foaming and taste properties.
• Co-solvents: Ingredients like Propylene Glycol or Ethanol can act as co-solvents, helping to increase the solubility of flavors in the water phase. Sorbitol Solution 70% is also frequently used in oral care formulations as a humectant and can contribute to the solubility of some components.

When formulating, you would typically mix the flavor with the solubilizer/co-solvent first before adding this mixture to the main water phase. The exact type and amount of solubilizer/co-solvent needed will depend on the specific flavor used and the desired clarity of the final product. It often requires testing different ratios to find the optimal combination.