Stabilizers for Color Protection in Perfumes and Reed Diffusers
Question
I am looking for advice on ingredients for color protection and UV protection (color agent control). I plan to use them in the following products:
- Body perfumes
- Reed diffusers
I don't have information on which specific ingredients would be suitable for these applications.
Answer
To prevent discoloration in body perfumes and reed diffusers, it is important to address the two main causes: UV light and Oxidation. Here are the recommended stabilizers:
1. UV Protection (To prevent fading from sunlight)
UV light can break down fragrance molecules and dyes, causing the color to fade or change.
- Protec™ UV: This is a highly effective UV stabilizer (Benzotriazolyl Dodecyl p-Cresol) suitable for oil-based and alcohol-based formulas like perfumes and reed diffusers. It helps protect the formula from UV-induced deterioration.
- Benzophenone-4: A water-soluble UV absorber. If your formula contains a significant amount of water, this is a standard choice for color protection.
2. Oxidation Protection (To prevent yellowing)
Oxidation often causes fragrance oils to turn yellow or brown over time and can alter the scent.
- Protec™ OX: An antioxidant (Pentaerythrityl tetra-di-t-butyl hydroxyhydrocinnamate) that prevents the oxidation of ingredients. It is highly effective at preventing yellowing in fragrance-heavy products.
- Protec™ SQ: Acts as a "singlet state quencher," which further stabilizes the formula by reducing oxidation triggered by light.
3. All-in-One Solution (Water-based)
- ActiveProtec™ UV: If your product has a high water content, this is a convenient micellar blend of UV filters and antioxidants (Vitamin E) that is directly water-soluble. It is designed to keep formulas stable and clear in transparent packaging.
Recommendation for Perfume & Reed Diffusers:
For the best results in alcohol or solvent-based systems (like most perfumes and diffusers), a combination is often used:
- Protec™ UV (approx. 0.1-0.5%) to block UV light.
- Protec™ OX (approx. 0.05-0.2%) to prevent oxidation/yellowing.
Note: Always test the stability of your specific fragrance oil with these stabilizers, as some fragrance components are more sensitive than others.
Follow-up Replies
Question:
I am looking for advice on stabilizers for body perfumes and reed diffusers.
- Which ingredients are available as ready-to-use liquid solutions?
- I would like to avoid powder forms that require manual dissolution, as I have concerns regarding their storage and preparation.
- The primary requirements are UV protection and color protection (color agent control) for the formulations.
Answer:
For body perfumes and reed diffusers, which are typically alcohol or oil-based, there are several effective stabilizers available in liquid (oil/solution) form that do not require dissolving from a powder:
1. UV Protection (Liquid Form)
- Protec™ UV: This is a high-efficiency UV absorber in liquid form. It is oil-soluble, making it perfect for blending directly into fragrance oils, alcohol-based perfumes, and reed diffuser bases. It prevents the fading of colors and the degradation of fragrance molecules caused by sunlight.
- Usage: 0.01% - 0.1%
2. Oxidation & Stability Enhancement (Liquid Form)
- Protec™ SQ: A liquid stabilizer that acts as a "singlet state quencher." It is excellent for protecting the formula from oxidation and helps stabilize other ingredients that might be sensitive to light. It is an oil-like liquid that mixes easily into anhydrous (water-free) formulas.
- Usage: 0.5% - 2% (Note: It has a yellow tint, so use at lower levels if the product must remain perfectly clear/colorless).
- Vitamin E (dl-alpha tocopherol): A standard liquid antioxidant used to prevent the oxidation of fragrance oils, which often leads to yellowing or a change in scent over time.
- Usage: 0.01% - 0.1%
3. Water-Based Solution (If your formula contains water)
- ActiveProtec™ UV: If your perfume or diffuser base contains a significant amount of water, this is a ready-to-use liquid micellar blend that is directly water-soluble. It provides broad-spectrum UV protection and contains antioxidants.
- Usage: 1% - 2%
Summary Recommendation for Perfumes & Diffusers:
Since perfumes and reed diffusers are usually solvent-based, the most convenient "no-powder" combination is:
- Protec™ UV (to stop color fading from light).
- Vitamin E (dl-alpha tocopherol) or Protec™ SQ (to stop yellowing and scent changes from oxidation).
These can be stirred directly into your fragrance oil or solvent base without the need for high-shear mixing or pre-dissolving powders.
Related Products Mentioned
Protec™ SQ
Benzophenone-4
ActiveProtec™ UV
Vitamin E (Tocopheryl Acetate)
