MMB, 3-Methoxy-3-Methylbutanol, is a modern solvent from the group of glycol ether alcohols. It is produced by chemical synthesis from petrochemical intermediates and the result is a clear, low-viscosity liquid with good solvent power and a mild, low‑interference odour profile.
It is used as an auxiliary solvent, carrier of fragrance components, dispersion enhancer and processing aid in cosmetic, perfumery, household, cleaning and technical formulations. It helps to incorporate substances that dissolve poorly in aqueous or water–solvent systems more evenly and can support a cleaner appearance, better homogeneity and more stable behaviour of the finished product.
MMB is not an active ingredient in the sense of skin care. Its main value lies in improving the processability, dissolution, dispersion and sensorial profile of the formulation. It is particularly practical where fragrances, fragrance oils, essential oils, colourants, cleaning components or other additives are used that may cause cloudiness, phase separation or uneven dispersion.

---

Key benefits

• Effective auxiliary solvent for cosmetic, household, perfumery, cleaning and technical formulations.
• Helps improve the dissolution and dispersion of fragrance components, perfumes, essential oils and selected processing additives.
• Suitable as a carrier for perfume compositions in sprays, home fragrances, reed diffusers and other fragrancing systems.
• Supports product homogeneity and can help limit undesirable cloudiness or separation of certain components.
• Has low viscosity, is easy to dose and is readily incorporated into liquid formulations.
• Can be a suitable alternative or complement where the proportion of fast‑evaporating alcoholic solvents needs to be reduced.
• In home fragrances and diffuser blends, it can help create a more stable fragrance carrier with a less intrusive solvent character.
• In cleaning and technical products, it can support the dissolution of more fatty soils, perfumed components or functional additives.

---

Suitable for products such as

• perfume, body and hair sprays, where it helps carry and disperse the fragrance composition,
• home fragrances and interior sprays, where uniform fragrance dispersion is important,
• reed diffusers and diffuser blends, where it can serve as a carrier for the perfume,
• air fresheners and other air care products,
• deodorant sprays and products with a perfume component,
• water–alcohol and water–solvent formulations,
• cleaning sprays, all‑purpose cleaners and degreasing products,
• technical liquid concentrates with fragrance, colourant or functional additives,
• products with essential oils or fragrance oils, where their uniform dispersion needs to be improved.

---

Use in formulation

• MMB is soluble in water and is easy to process in aqueous, water–alcohol and water–solvent systems.
• It is miscible with ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, propylene glycol, glycerin and other common polar solvents.
• It is compatible with many fragrance compositions, essential oils, colourants and selected functional additives, but compatibility must always be verified in the specific formulation.
• For perfumes, home fragrances and diffuser blends, it is recommended to first premix MMB with the fragrance component and only then incorporate it into the main phase.
• For reed diffusers, it is necessary to test the ratio of MMB to perfume, the clarity of the blend, evaporation rate, wick absorbency and packaging compatibility.
• MMB is not a universal ready‑made base for every diffuser; for some fragrances, a combination with another carrier or solvent may be appropriate.
• In emulsions and gels, it is added according to the nature of the formula either to the aqueous phase or to the cooling phase after premixing with compatible components.
• It is recommended to add it during cooling (at a temperature below 40 °C).
• With a higher content of oily fragrance component, it may not always replace a solubiliser; in such a case, a combination with a solubilising or surface‑active agent may be required.
• Before introduction into production, it is recommended to prepare a trial batch and monitor clarity, stability, odour, viscosity, evaporation and product behaviour during storage.

---

Safety and storage

• Use only in line with the intended purpose and at appropriate dosage according to the type of final product.
• Wear protective gloves during handling and avoid contact with eyes.
• Ensure good ventilation of the working area during handling.
• Store in the tightly closed original container, away from sources of heat, sparks and direct sunlight.
• Store separately from strong oxidising agents and incompatible chemicals.
• Close the container immediately after use to minimise evaporation and contamination of the raw material.
• The final product must be assessed in accordance with applicable legislation and with regard to the specific composition of the formula.

---

FAQ

---

See also other solvents and carriers offered by Handymade.sk.