NIKOO Chemical - Skincare Raw Material Supply and Custom Solution Specialist for 15 years.

How to choose fragrances for your Laundry detergent, floor deodorizer, shower gel, scented candles, aromatherapy sprays, reed diffusers, and perfumes

2026-01-13

Laundry detergent, floor deodorizer, shower gel, scented candles, aromatherapy sprays, reed diffusers, and perfumes—are oil-based or water-based fragrances used?

How to choose fragrances for your Laundry detergent, floor deodorizer, shower gel, scented candles, aromatherapy sprays, reed diffusers, and perfumes 1

The choice of oil-soluble or water-soluble ingredients in the formulation of laundry detergents, floor deodorizers, shower gels, scented candles, aromatherapy sprays, reed diffusers, and perfumes depends primarily on their function, carrier, and usage scenario. The following analysis is based on common product types.


Product Category	Typical Base for Fragrance	Why This Type & Key Considerations
Laundry Detergent	Water-based	Formulations are aqueous. Water-soluble or solubilized fragrances are essential for stability and uniform scent release in the wash.
Shower Gel / Body Wash	Water-based	These are rinse-off products formulated with water as the main ingredient. Fragrances must be compatible with this aqueous, foaming system
Aromatherapy Sprays	Often Water-based (Carrier)	Essential oils (oil-based) are typically diluted in a carrier like distilled water to create a sprayable mist, requiring proper solubilization
Reed Diffusers	Oil-based	The fragrance oil is dissolved in an organic solvent (e.g., DPG, Isododecane), not water, to travel up the reeds and evaporate effectively
Scented Candles	Oil-based	Fragrance oils are specifically designed to bind with wax (a lipid) and withstand the heat of burning. Water-based fragrances are unsuitable
Perfumes (Traditional)	Alcohol-based (Special Case)	Uses ethanol as a volatile carrier, not water or oil. Perfume oils (the concentrate) are dissolved in alcohol.
Floor & Air Deodorizers (Commercial Sprays)	Mostly Water-based	Most ready-to-use spray products use water as a safe, inexpensive carrier for fragrance, requiring water-soluble ingredients.

Detailed Explanations and Business Implications

Water-Based Systems (Laundry Detergent, Shower Gel): Fragrance must be fully compatible with the aqueous formula. This often requires water-soluble perfume oils or effective solubilizers (like your NK0-60) to prevent separation and ensure clarity
Oil-Based Systems (Reed Diffusers, Scented Candles): The fragrance must be a true "fragrance oil" that is fully soluble in the non-polar base (solvent or wax). Water or water-soluble ingredients must be strictly avoided, as they cause cloudiness, poor scent throw, or even safety issues in candles
Hybrid/Spray Systems (Aromatherapy Sprays, Air Deodorizers): While the final product is often water-based for sprayability, the core fragrance (essential oils or perfume) is oil-soluble. Achieving a clear, stable spray requires effective solubilization technology to disperse tiny oil droplets throughout the water
Special Case: Perfumes: Traditional perfumes use high-proof ethanol as the solvent, which can dissolve both polar and non-polar fragrance compounds. "Perfume oils" or roll-ons for direct skin use are typically in an oil base

As a raw material manufacturer, this distinction directly impacts which products we offer. and our NK0-60 Non-Foaming Solubilizer is a perfect solution for water-based and low-alcohol systems like perfumed mists, air fresheners, and clear shower gels. inquiry welcome!!

Laundry detergent, floor deodorizer, shower gel, scented candles, aromatherapy sprays, reed diffusers, and perfumes—are oil-based or water-based fragrances used?