DEP vs DPG vs Alcohol: Understanding fragrance carriers
In perfumery and aromatic formulation, carriers (also called solvents) are used to dilute, dissolve, and stabilise fragrance materials. The three most common carriers you’ll see are Alcohol, DPG, and DEP. Each behaves differently and is suited to different uses.
Alcohol (Ethanol)
Alcohol is the classic perfume carrier and the base of most fine fragrances.
Key characteristics:
~ Fast-evaporating
~ Creates strong diffusion and lift
~ Dries cleanly on skin and blotters
~ Can feel sharp or drying at high concentrations
Best for:
~ Fine fragrance and eau de parfum
~ Testing volatility and top-note behaviour
~ Sprays, splashes, and traditional perfumes
Things to know:
Alcohol highlights top notes and projection but offers less longevity on its own compared to heavier carriers.
DPG (Dipropylene Glycol)
DPG is a thick, slow-evaporating carrier commonly used in fragrance compounding.
Key characteristics:
~ Low odour
~ Slow evaporation
~ Softens and rounds compositions
~ Adds weight and longevity
Best for:
~ Diluting strong aroma chemicals
~ Incense, oil burners, diffusers
~ Attars, oil perfumes, and bases
~ Materials that crystallise or are hard to handle
Things to know:
DPG mutes top notes slightly but enhances smoothness and staying power.
DEP (Diethyl Phthalate)
DEP is a very effective solvent traditionally used in perfumery to stabilise and carry fragrance materials.
Key characteristics:
~ Extremely low odour
~ Excellent solubilising power
~ Improves clarity and stability
~ Slower evaporation than alcohol, faster than DPG
Best for:
~ Professional perfume concentrates
~ Stabilising difficult materials
~ Improving performance and balance in alcohol-based perfumes
Things to know:
DEP is widely used in professional perfumery, though some makers prefer to avoid phthalates for personal or regulatory reasons.
At A Glance
For spray perfumes: Alcohol
For oils, incense, and heavy materials: DPG
For professional perfume concentrates: DEP or alcohol blends
Many perfumers use more than one carrier in a single formulation to balance lift, longevity, and stability.
When a material is diluted in alcohol, DPG, or DEP, the carrier will always be clearly stated in the product listing. This helps you choose the format that best suits your method, whether you’re blending, evaluating, or creating finished products.