Using Oil vs. Alcohol as a Fragrance Base: Solubility and Diffusion
Asked by: coffeecorp
On: December 17, 2015
Product Type:
Cosmetics
Question
I have questions about making perfume using different bases:
1. Can I dissolve fragrance oil directly in `Fractionated Coconut Oil`? What is the recommended ratio?
2. Do I need to use `Dipropylene glycol` to help with scent diffusion when using an oil base?
3. How does using an oil base compare to using alcohol (like `Ethyl Alcohol 99.5%`) in terms of scent diffusion?
Answer
Information regarding Flora Solve and Alcohol in Perfume
Based on the staff's replies to your questions:
- Evaporation with Flora Solve vs. Alcohol: Using Flora Solve without Alcohol will not result in the same evaporation rate as using Alcohol. Flora Solve helps dissolve fragrance in water but does not evaporate or aid in scent diffusion like Alcohol does.
- Alcohol and Scent Diffusion: Yes, your understanding is correct. Alcohol plays a role in fragrance diffusion because it evaporates, carrying the scent molecules with it.
- Using Flora Solve and Alcohol Together: If you want to maintain the same level of scent diffusion, you will still need to add Alcohol when using Flora Solve. Flora Solve's benefit is primarily in helping to dissolve the fragrance in various bases (including Alcohol or water) to create a clear and aesthetically pleasing solution.
- Smell of Ethyl Alcohol 99.5%: Ethyl Alcohol 99.5% does have a strong smell. To reduce the alcohol scent, the only option is to use alternative bases that can help diffuse the scent instead of Alcohol. The staff mentioned an alternative product (reed diffuser base) but clarified it is not suitable for body perfume and is currently out of stock. For an alcohol-free body perfume, very light oils like Fractionated Coconut Oil can be used as a base, although the scent diffusion will not be as strong as with Alcohol.
