How soluble is this patchouli oil in different media?
Patchouli oil is a hydrophobic aromatic liquid: it dissolves fully in ethanol and in fixed (vegetable) oils, and is practically insoluble in water. The benchmark solubility test used in ISO 3757 is 1 part of oil in 10 parts of 90% ethanol, giving a clear solution — the standard pass criterion for export-grade batches.
Solubility Profile
| Medium | Solubility | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Water | Insoluble | Oil phase separates; use a solubiliser for clear water-based products |
| Ethanol (90%) | Fully soluble (1:10, clear) | Standard test per ISO 3757:2002 and QB/T 3767-1999 |
| Ethanol (anhydrous) | Fully soluble | Ideal for perfumery and flavour concentrates |
| Fixed oils (jojoba, sweet almond, fractionated coconut) | Fully soluble | Standard carrier for cosmetics and massage blends |
| Propylene glycol | Partially soluble | Test at your use level for clear systems |
| Glycerin | Poorly soluble | Avoid for clear aqueous formulas without solubiliser |
Practical Notes
- The oil is denser than water (0.955-0.985): if the two are mixed, the oil sinks and separates cleanly — an easy visual purity check
- For water-based sprays or lotions, combine with a suitable solubiliser (e.g. polysorbate) and check cloud point
- In oil phases — creams, serums, massage oils, soaps — the oil blends directly without heating
- A small alcohol pre-dilution (1:3 to 1:5) is a reliable way to incorporate the oil into aqueous systems
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This article was published on 2026-09-07, and last updated on 2026-09-07. The article will be continuously updated.
