Using Solvents (Propanediol, Butylene Glycol) with Mild Preserved Eco™ in Water-Based Serum
Question
I would like to ask about using 1,3 Propanediol as a solvent for Mild Preserved Eco™ in a water-based serum formulation.
- If it can be used, what is the required ratio?
- When incorporating it into the serum at 1% (clarified to 0.9% in the answer), should the calculation be based on the amount after dissolving with the solvent, or before mixing with the solvent?
If 1,3 Propanediol cannot be used, can Butylene Glycol be used instead? What is the mixing ratio for Butylene Glycol?
I plan to use Mild Preserved Eco™ at 0.9% in the formula.
Answer
Using Solvents with Mild Preserved Eco™ in Serum
Yes, both 1,3-Propanediol and Butylene Glycol can be used as solvents for Mild Preserved Eco™ in a water-based serum formulation. Mild Preserved Eco™ itself is a blend of Ethylhexylglycerin and 1,3-Propanediol.
While Mild Preserved Eco™ can be dissolved directly in water with sufficient blending, pre-mixing it with a solvent like 1,3-Propanediol or Butylene Glycol can help ensure it dissolves clearly and easily in your serum base.
Mixing Ratio for Solvent and Mild Preserved Eco™:
There isn't a fixed ratio for pre-mixing. You can try a simple ratio like 1 part Mild Preserved Eco™ to 1 or 2 parts solvent (1,3-Propanediol or Butylene Glycol) by weight. Mix them together thoroughly before adding this pre-mix to your water-based serum.
Calculating Usage Rate (0.9%):
The 0.9% usage rate for Mild Preserved Eco™ should be calculated based on the total weight of your final serum formulation.
For example, if you are making 100 grams of serum and want to use 0.9% Mild Preserved Eco™:
- You need 0.9 grams of pure Mild Preserved Eco™.
If you pre-mix the 0.9 grams of Mild Preserved Eco™ with a solvent (e.g., 0.9 grams of Propanediol for a 1:1 ratio), the total weight of your pre-mix will be 1.8 grams. You would then add this 1.8-gram pre-mix to the rest of your serum ingredients to reach a total of 100 grams. The calculation of the 0.9% is always based on the amount of the ingredient itself relative to the final product weight.
Both Propanediol and Butylene Glycol are suitable solvents and humectants for cosmetic formulations.
Related Products Mentioned
Butylene Glycol
