IPA 99%, Isopropyl Alcohol, 1 l

IPA 99 %, isopropyl alcohol, is a highly concentrated alcohol that serves multiple purposes in cosmetic and soap making: it acts as a solvent, cleans, has antimicrobial properties and breaks down foam. It is most commonly used to disinfect tools, containers and packaging before filling, as an auxiliary solvent in tonics and sprays, and as a surface spray for soap batter. It evaporates quickly, making it easy to work with even in very small amounts. This raw material of European origin meets the requirements of cosmetic and technical grade, so it can be used both in formulations and for cleaning the workshop.

What it's suitable for

• Disinfection of tools and packaging – bottles, jars, droppers, spatulas, mixers and work surfaces. The alcohol evaporates and the container can be filled immediately once dry.
• Auxiliary solvent – facilitates incorporation of ingredients that dissolve poorly in water alone, such as fragrance compounds in tonics, refreshing sprays or hair sprays.
• Defoamer for soap – spraying the surface of freshly poured soap batter breaks up small bubbles, leaving the surface smooth.
• Antimicrobial effect – at higher concentrations it inhibits microbial growth in the product and supports its preservation. Efficacy in a specific formulation should be verified.

Use in formulation

Isopropyl alcohol is water-soluble, so it is added to the water phase or directly to a finished aqueous base. The right moment is the cooling phase or additional incorporation below 40 °C. It does not belong in the hot phase, as it evaporates at higher temperatures and is lost from the formulation.

The recommended dosage is 1 – 70 % depending on the intended use. Low percentages are sufficient as an auxiliary solvent and to support preservation, while a high concentration is used in cleansing and disinfecting sprays. Suitable for both rinse-off and leave-on products. At higher concentrations in a leave-on product, expect rapid evaporation from the skin; we recommend testing tolerability on a small amount.

Compatibility with common cosmetic ingredients is not restricted.

Good to know

• One raw material, two purposes – the same bottle serves in formulation and for cleaning the workshop; no need to keep two types of alcohol.
• Readily biodegradable according to OECD 301.
• Free of fragrance allergens and preservatives, so it introduces no allergens to the product that would need to be declared on the label.
• Soap spray is applied in a thin layer immediately after pouring. A thick layer unnecessarily wets the surface.

Frequently asked questions