Dipropylene glycol (CAS 110-98-5) — Sweet N/A Note Fragrance Ingredient

Sweet · Citrus

Dipropylene glycol

CAS 110-98-5

Origin
synthetic
Note
N/A
IFRA
Generally safe
Data as of: Apr 2026

What Is Dipropylene glycol?

Dipropylene glycol is a synthetic solvent commonly found in cosmetics, personal care products, and some fragrances. It helps blend ingredients smoothly and improves product texture. While not a fragrance material itself, it plays a supporting role in many scented products by helping other aroma chemicals dissolve properly and release their scent effectively.

Safety Profile

GENERALLY SAFE
Generally safeUse with awarenessProfessional use
Approved for cosmetic use worldwide
Low skin irritation potential
CAS
110-98-5
Formula
Mixture
MW
Variable
Odor Family
Sweet · Citrus
Layer 1 · Enthusiast

What Does Dipropylene glycol Smell Like?

Dipropylene glycol is nearly odorless with just a faint, clean alcohol-like character. Its neutral scent profile makes it ideal as a carrier solvent that won’t interfere with fragrance compositions. When pure, it may have a barely perceptible sweetish, slightly waxy odor reminiscent of diluted propylene glycol.

Scent Profile
Layer 2

Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide

The Chemistry

Dipropylene glycol is a synthetic organic compound belonging to the glycol ether family. Chemically, it’s a mixture of three isomers of oxybis(propan-2-ol). Industrially produced by reacting propylene oxide with propylene glycol under controlled conditions. The resulting mixture contains primarily 2-(2-hydroxypropoxy)propan-1-ol and small amounts of other isomers. Its dual hydroxyl groups make it miscible with both water and many organic compounds.

Physical & Chemical Properties

Boiling Point230-240 °C
Density1.025 g/cm³
Flash Point124 °C
Vapor Pressure0.01 mmHg at 20°C

Perfumer Guide

Note Position
N/A
Volatility
N/A
Blending
Solvent
ApplicationTypical %RangeNotes
Fine Fragrance1-5%Up to 10%Solvent/carrier
Personal Care2-8%Up to 15%Humectant/solvent
Household Products1-3%Up to 5%Fragrance carrier

Classic Accords

Tip: Use as a neutral solvent for difficult-to-dissolve fragrance materials.

Alternatives & Comparisons

1
Propylene glycol CAS 57-55-6

More hydrophilic alternative with similar solvent properties but higher viscosity.

2
Triethylene glycol CAS 112-27-6

Higher boiling point glycol ether for heat-stable formulations.

Layer 3

Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability

⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer

General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.

IFRA Status

No IFRA restrictions. Listed as safe for use in fragrance applications.

RIFM Assessment

RIFM has evaluated dipropylene glycol as safe for current fragrance use levels.

Sustainability

Produced from petrochemical feedstocks via established industrial processes. While not renewable, its production is energy-efficient with relatively low environmental impact compared to many solvents. Biodegradation studies show moderate environmental persistence.

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References

  1. Cosmetic Ingredient Review (2008). Safety Assessment of Propylene Glycol, Tripropylene Glycol, and PPGs. Journal.
  2. OECD SIDS (2001). Dipropylene glycol. UNEP Publications.

Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.

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