Beauty & Personal Care / Solution Family

Solvents & Carriers

Cosmetic-grade glycols and alcohols that dissolve actives and carry formulas u2014 propylene glycol, butylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, benzyl alcohol, and ethanol u2014 for serums, toners, and sprays.

Overview

Solvents and carriers in personal care are the liquid phase that dissolvesnactives, fragrances, and preservatives and carries them into a uniform product.nThe main classes are glycols and polyols (propylene glycol, butylene glycol, glycerin) thatnalso function as humectants, and aromatic or volatile alcohols (benzyl alcohol, ethanol) usednwhere fragrance solubility or fast flash-off matters. The choice follows the dosage form.

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Propylene glycol and butylene glycol dissolve a wide range of actives and hold water innthe formula, commonly at 1 to 10%. The trade-off is sensory: glycols that raise solvency andnhumectancy can leave a tacky feel at higher use levels, so butylene glycol is often chosennover propylene glycol for a lighter finish in leave-on products. Specify glycerin wherenhumectancy is the priority and a glycol where solubilizing an active is.

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Ethanol is the volatile solvent for toners, sprays, and fast-drying systems; it flashesnoff quickly and aids preservation, though it can feel drying at high levels. Benzyl alcoholnis an aromatic solvent that also functions as a preservative and is a declarable fragrancenallergen in some markets. Match the carrier to the dosage form rather than defaulting to onensolvent across a product range.

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Where it's used
  • Solubilizing actives, fragrances, and preservatives in aqueous and hydroalcoholic systems
  • Toners, sprays, and fast-drying formulas (ethanol)
  • Humectant-carrier systems for serums and lotions (propylene glycol, butylene glycol, glycerin)
  • Anhydrous and hydroalcoholic carrier bases
  • Co-solvents that improve formula clarity and stability
Frequently asked questions
What solvents and carriers does RawSource supply for personal care?
RawSource sources propylene glycol, butylene glycol, and vegetable glycerin (glycol/polyol solvent-humectants), plus benzyl alcohol (an aromatic solvent that also preserves) and ethanol (a volatile alcohol solvent for toners and sprays).
Which solvent gives the lightest finish in leave-on products?
Butylene glycol generally feels lighter than propylene glycol at the same level. Glycerin is the strongest humectant of the three but can feel tacky at higher use levels, so it is usually balanced with a lighter glycol.
Is benzyl alcohol a solvent or a preservative?
Both. Benzyl alcohol functions as an aromatic solvent and as a preservative, and it is a declarable fragrance allergen in some markets. Confirm regulatory and labeling status for your application and jurisdiction.
Does RawSource supply these solvents and carriers in bulk?
Yes. RawSource supplies these glycols and alcohols in bulk drums, totes, and bulk volumes with SDS, TDS, and COA. Submit the CAS and your grade requirement for a bulk RFQ.
Disclaimer. Information on this page is provided for general reference and compiled from authoritative public sources (e.g. PubChem/ECHA). Values are typical and are not a guaranteed specification; the Certificate of Analysis (CoA) for the lot you purchase governs. Products are sold for industrial and professional use only. Nothing here is a medical, health, or efficacy claim. Always consult the current Safety Data Sheet (SDS) before handling, and confirm regulatory status, classification, and suitability for your application and jurisdiction.
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