How soluble is this storax balsam oil in different solvents?
Storax balsam oil is highly soluble in ethanol and fixed oils, and insoluble in water — a classic resinous-balsam solubility profile confirmed by the ChP 2025 monograph.
Solubility Profile
| Solvent | Solubility | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 90% ethanol | Soluble | ChP 2025: dissolves in 90% ethanol |
| Carbon disulfide | Soluble | ChP 2025 |
| Chloroform | Soluble | ChP 2025 |
| Glacial acetic acid | Soluble | ChP 2025 |
| Ethyl ether | Slightly soluble | ChP 2025 (微溶) |
| Fixed oils (jojoba, fractionated coconut) | Soluble | Perfumery & skincare dilution |
| Water | Insoluble | Separates as a heavy oil phase (denser than water) |
- Practical guidance: dilute in ethanol (perfume concentrates), fixed carrier oils, or glycols for cosmetic and TCM topical formulas
- Because it is a semi-solid resin at cool temperature, pre-warm gently (≤40°C) and stir to achieve complete dissolution in carriers
- Insolubility in water means emulsion or solubilizer (e.g., polysorbate) is required for aqueous rinse-off products
- A solubility statement appears on the batch COA for lot traceability
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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.
