Dipropylene glycol (CAS 110-98-5) — Sweet N/A Note Fragrance Ingredient
Dipropylene glycol
CAS 110-98-5
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 SAFEWhat 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.
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 Point | 230-240 °C |
|---|---|
| Density | 1.025 g/cm³ |
| Flash Point | 124 °C |
| Vapor Pressure | 0.01 mmHg at 20°C |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine Fragrance | 1-5% | Up to 10% | Solvent/carrier |
| Personal Care | 2-8% | Up to 15% | Humectant/solvent |
| Household Products | 1-3% | Up to 5% | Fragrance carrier |
Classic Accords
Tip: Use as a neutral solvent for difficult-to-dissolve fragrance materials.
Alternatives & Comparisons
More hydrophilic alternative with similar solvent properties but higher viscosity.
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
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review (2008). Safety Assessment of Propylene Glycol, Tripropylene Glycol, and PPGs. Journal.
- OECD SIDS (2001). Dipropylene glycol. UNEP Publications.
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.
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