
Dipropylene glycol, or DPG, is a type of organic chemical compound used as a solvent in fragrances and cosmetics. It is practically odourless, colourless, and has a high boiling point and low toxicity. Its ability to attach to fragrance molecules makes it ideal for use in perfumes, as it can carry both essential and fragrance oils. DPG is added to perfumes to dilute the strength of the fragrance oils, allowing for a slower dispersal of the scent. The recommended usage level for DPG in cosmetic applications is between 1-20%.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type | Organic chemical compound |
| Odor | Practically odorless |
| Color | Colorless |
| Solubility | Soluble in water, benzyl alcohol, benzyl benzoate, alcohol, isopropyl myristate, amyris wood oil |
| Viscosity | Acts as a stabilizer for compounds due to its viscosity when used around 30% in a compound |
| Toxicity | Low toxicity |
| Boiling Point | High boiling point |
| Functions | Dilutes and stabilizes, evenly distributes fragrance, prolongs longevity, acts as a solvent, humectant, viscosity modifier, improves texture and stability |
| Applications | Perfumes, colognes, skin care products, deodorants/antiperspirants, hair care products, shaving products, bath and shower products, fragrance oils, reed diffusers |
| Usage Level | 1-20% recommended in cosmetic applications |
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What You'll Learn

DPG is an organic chemical compound
DPG, or dipropylene glycol, is a type of organic chemical compound that is commonly used as a solvent in fragrances and cosmetics. It is a clear, colourless, and viscous liquid with a high boiling point and low toxicity. Its chemical formula is C6H14O3.
DPG is a member of the glycol class of compounds, which are organic compounds belonging to the alcohol family. Glycols, also known as diols, are characterised by the presence of two hydroxyl groups attached to different carbon atoms. DPG itself is a mixture of three isomeric chemical compounds: 4-oxa-2,6-heptandiol, 2-(2-hydroxy-propoxy)-propan-1-ol, and 2-(2-hydroxy-1-methyl-ethoxy)-propan-1-ol.
The compound is produced as a byproduct of propylene glycol production, specifically through the reaction of propylene oxide with water, resulting in a mixture of monopropylene glycol and DPG. This mixture then undergoes distillation and purification to separate the two components. DPG has a purity level of greater than 99% and is known for its excellent solvency, low toxicity, and low evaporation rate.
In fragrances, DPG is used to dilute and stabilise the scent, evenly distribute the fragrance molecules, and prolong the longevity of the perfume. Its odourless and colourless nature ensures that it does not alter the desired fragrance profile. Additionally, DPG is a common ingredient in skincare, hair care, and other cosmetic products due to its solvent properties and skin-safe characteristics.
When creating fragrance oils or perfumes, DPG is added to carrier oils or essential oils to dilute the strength of the fragrance and slowly disperse the scent. The typical ratio recommended for fragrance oils is one part fragrance to two parts DPG, while for reed diffusers, a ratio of three parts fragrance oil to six parts DPG is suggested.
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It is odourless, colourless, and has low toxicity
Dipropylene glycol, also known as DPG, is a colourless, odourless liquid with low toxicity. It is a mixture of three isomeric chemical compounds and has a purity of over 99%. It is fully miscible in water and is also miscible with many organic solvents. Its low toxicity and solvent properties make it an ideal additive for perfumes and skincare and haircare products.
DPG is a co-product of the manufacture of monopropylene glycol. It is a clear, colourless, viscous liquid with a characteristic odour and the formula C6H14O3. It has a low evaporation rate and a high boiling point. Its solvency, combined with its low toxicity, makes it a useful reactive intermediate in a range of industries.
DPG is available in two grades: industrial grade and fragrance grade. The fragrance grade is a distilled product with a purity greater than 99.5% and is the only grade appropriate for use in perfumes and personal care products. It is used as a solvent and diluent, diluting and stabilising fragrances and prolonging their longevity.
DPG LO+ is a high-purity product designed for use in odor-sensitive applications such as fragrances and cosmetics. It is practically odourless, colourless, water-soluble, and has low toxicity. It is used in perfumes and colognes, skincare, hair care, deodorants, shaving products, and bath and shower products.
DPG is not a food-grade product and should not be used in food, beverages, or flavouring applications. It is also not readily soluble in fixed oils such as fractionated coconut oil and can cause turbidity.
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DPG is a solvent that mixes with essential oils
Dipropylene glycol (DPG) is a type of organic chemical compound that is commonly used as a solvent in fragrances. It is a colourless, odourless, water-soluble liquid with a high boiling point and low toxicity. DPG is an excellent co-solvent for water, oils and hydrocarbons.
DPG is often used in perfumes and colognes, as it is able to carry both essential oils and fragrance oils. Fragrance oils are blends of essential oils. When DPG is added to a carrier oil, it dilutes the strength of the fragrance oil, allowing the smell to slowly disperse. This is why fragrances last longer when they contain DPG.
The fragrance-grade version of DPG is the only version that should be used in perfumes or fragrance oils. This is because it is designed to be used in odour-sensitive applications, so it will not add any unnecessary odour to the fragrance. It is also safe to use on skin, with low skin irritation potential.
To make a fragrance oil mixture, you can add one part fragrance to two parts DPG. This mixture can be used in an oil burner. For a reed diffuser, the ratio should be changed to three parts fragrance oil to six parts DPG.
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It can be used to make fragrance oils
Dipropylene glycol (DPG) is a common ingredient in perfumes and fragrance oils. It is a type of organic chemical compound that acts as a solvent in fragrances. DPG is often used to dilute and stabilise perfumes, evenly distribute the fragrance, and prolong its longevity.
DPG is a high-purity product, designed for use in odor-sensitive applications such as fragrances and cosmetics. It is practically odourless, colorless, water-soluble, and hygroscopic. Its high boiling point, low toxicity, and minimal skin irritation potential make it ideal for use in perfumes and on the skin.
When creating fragrance oils with DPG, it is important to note that not all essential oils are skin-safe. The fragrance-grade version of DPG is the only version suitable for use in perfumes and fragrance oils. This grade is designed to be safe for skin application and will not add any unwanted odours to the fragrance.
To create a fragrance oil mixture with DPG, you can follow these steps:
- Add one ounce of fragrance oil to a non-reactive bottle or container, such as stainless steel, glass, or ceramic.
- Add two ounces of DPG to the same container.
- Screw on the cap or tightly close the container and shake until all ingredients are well mixed.
For a reed diffuser, you can use a different ratio of fragrance oil to DPG. Add three parts fragrance oil to six parts DPG, shake vigorously for 30 to 45 seconds, and enjoy your customised fragrance oil!
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DPG improves perfume longevity
Dipropylene glycol (DPG) is an organic chemical compound used as a solvent in most fragrances. It is a high-purity product, designed for use in odor-sensitive applications such as fragrances and cosmetics. DPG is practically odourless, colourless, water-soluble, and has a high boiling point and low toxicity.
DPG is useful in perfumes because it attaches to fragrance molecules and helps to evenly distribute the fragrance. It also dilutes the strength of the fragrance oils to slowly disperse the smell. This means that adding DPG to a perfume can help to prolong its longevity.
However, there are conflicting opinions on whether DPG actually improves perfume longevity. Some people believe that adding DPG to a poorly performing perfume will not significantly increase its longevity. They argue that the longevity of a perfume depends on the molecules used and that DPG should be treated as any other solvent, not a magic trick.
On the other hand, some people have found that adding DPG to their perfumes has helped to extend their longevity by an hour or more. Additionally, seminars on perfume-making teach attendees to mix fragrance oils with DPG, alcohol, and water to create long-lasting fragrances.
Overall, while DPG may not be a magic solution for improving perfume longevity, it can be a useful ingredient in prolonging the lifespan of fragrances when used correctly.
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Frequently asked questions
DPG, or dipropylene glycol, is a type of organic chemical compound that's used as the solvent in most fragrances.
DPG is used in perfumes to increase longevity. It is practically odourless, colourless, has a high boiling point, and low toxicity.
There is no fixed amount of DPG that should be added to perfume. Some sources suggest using DPG in a formula with less than 12% fragrance oil. Others suggest a ratio of one ounce of fragrance oil to two ounces of DPG.
Yes, you can add DPG to perfume that has already been made. However, it may not significantly improve the longevity of the scent.
DPG can be purchased online.











































