A solubiliser, in other words a solvent, is a very good aid in the case that you need to incorporate essential oils, fragrance oils or preservatives into your water-based product — these are the most frequent cases of solvent use in natural cosmetics. Without this miracle you simply will not succeed, and fatty little balls of essence will be floating in the water. What do you imagine under the name solubiliser? In the article below we will clarify it.
About this article
The article was prepared for you by Martina Oboňová. In it we explain what a solubiliser is and how it differs from related ingredients, why it is not worth leaving out of water-based products and how to use it — including the usual dosage ratios and two solvents from our range.
A solubiliser is neither an emulsifier nor a dispersant
It also needs to be emphasised that a solubiliser is neither an emulsifier nor a dispersant, although all three belong to the group of surface-active substances. None of the mentioned components will create such a clear and transparent appearance of the resulting solution.
Main benefits
- Even dispersion
Thanks to a solubiliser, all the oily components are evenly dispersed throughout the entire solution and their concentration is completely the same.
- A clear solution
A clear and transparent appearance of the solution, such as neither an emulsifier nor a dispersant will create.
- A safer product
Without even dispersion, a disproportionate amount of preservative or essential oil can get into the spray dispenser, and the result may be an allergic skin reaction.
- Preservation that works
A preservative only stabilises your product when it is evenly dispersed throughout the entire solution.
- The economics of the formulation
Natural preservatives and quality essential oils are not the cheapest items — it is therefore worth using all the necessary additives.
Properties at a glance
Solubiliser — why use it?
You may say to yourself that it is enough to shake the product before use if you see a layer of preservative or essential oil at the bottom, and everything is fine. However, it is not completely fine. In fact, it is not fine at all. Thanks to a solubiliser, all the oily components are evenly dispersed throughout the entire solution and their concentration is completely the same.
But what happens if you do not use a solubiliser?
The oily component in the solution will simply settle or float on the surface. Even if you shake the product before use, the oily components will not disperse evenly in the water. In this way, a disproportionate amount of preservative or essential oil can get into the spray dispenser, which you then apply to your skin, and the result may be an allergic skin reaction.
And what about the preservative?
How does it then stabilise your product if it is not evenly dispersed throughout the entire solution? One aspect is the health risk, and the other the economic risk — natural preservatives and quality essential oils are after all not the cheapest items, and it is therefore worth using all the necessary additives so that your product is high-quality and in particular meets health and quality criteria.
Note: Intentionally take a look at your purchased natural products to see whether there is no mixture settled at the bottom or floating on the surface. And then at the label to see whether there is a warning: Shake before use.
Solubiliser — how to use it?
Symbio solv clear plus
Symbio solv clear plus is gluten-free and PEG-free, and since it falls into the group of surfactants, by using it you will also increase the foaming of the final product. In the case of use in a cleansing foam, you probably will not notice the foaming effect, but in the case of facial toners, foaming is basically undesirable.
In what ratio to dose it
Therefore, certain ratios must be observed during application. It is usually used in a ratio of 1 : 3 (that means 3 parts solubiliser to 1 part essential oil) and 1 : 5 (5 parts solubiliser to 1 part essential oil).
However, the golden rule still remains to use as much as is needed, so we recommend testing it on a smaller amount of your product. It also holds for essential oils that each one is different; after all, it is a natural extract.
Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside
In our range we also offer Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, which is primarily a surfactant but is also an excellent solubiliser — since it is a surface-active substance, it has a pronounced foaming ability, and therefore as a solvent it is recommended to be used only in liquid foaming products, hand washes and body cleansing products.
Frequently asked questions about solubilisers
Practical questions about solvents — the difference from an emulsifier, dosage, foaming and choosing the right type.
How does a solubiliser differ from an emulsifier and a dispersant?
A solubiliser is neither an emulsifier nor a dispersant, although all three belong to the group of surface-active substances. None of the mentioned components will create such a clear and transparent appearance of the resulting solution as a solubiliser.
Is it not enough to shake the product before use?
It is not enough. Even if you shake the product, the oily components will not disperse evenly in the water — they settle or float on the surface. A disproportionate amount of preservative or essential oil can thus get into the spray dispenser, and the result may be an allergic skin reaction.
In what ratio should a solubiliser be dosed?
It is usually used in a ratio of 1 : 3 (3 parts solubiliser to 1 part essential oil) and 1 : 5 (5 parts solubiliser to 1 part essential oil). However, the golden rule remains to use as much as is needed — we recommend testing it on a smaller amount of the product, since every essential oil is different.
Will a product with a solubiliser foam?
Symbio solv clear plus falls into the group of surfactants, so by using it you will increase the foaming of the final product. In a cleansing foam you probably will not notice the foaming effect, but in the case of facial toners foaming is basically undesirable — which is why certain ratios must be observed.
When should you use Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside?
Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside is primarily a surfactant, but also an excellent solubiliser. It has a pronounced foaming ability, and therefore as a solvent it is recommended to be used only in liquid foaming products, hand washes and body cleansing products.
Conclusion
How about you? Do you use a solvent in your products, or is this a complete novelty for you?
The article was prepared for you by Martina Oboňová.
You will find Symbio solv clear plus, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside and other solubilisers in the Handymade range of raw materials.
