I recently read a post on another forum, and was slightly annoyed that an email I wrote about one of my recipes was either not understood or quoted out of context, or maybe I was not clear enough in my answer.

So, let me explain.

Ferulic acid is soluble in an alcohol.

I know that some people claim they have dissolved it in water of glycerin, but I wonder if they confuse ‘well dispersed’ with ‘dissolved’. There is a big difference, but because Ferulic acid is such a very fine powder it may be hard to physically tell the difference.

Now, what alcohols are suitable for dissolving Ferulic acid?

In my recipe I suggest ethanol or Propylene Glycol. My recipe does not suggest denatured alcohol, and I also do not suggest that people buy this.

There is a difference between ethanol and denatured alcohol.

“Ethanol, is also called ethyl alcohol, pure alcohol, grain alcohol, or drinking alcohol.” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethanol

“Denatured alcohol is ethanol that has additives to make it toxic, unpalatable, or otherwise undrinkable. In some cases it is also dyed.” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denatured_alcohol

My recipe clearly states to use ethanol. One customer wrote that she bought ethanol, and got a bottle of denatured alcohol. This is an issue between her and the supplier she used. I suggested that she contact her supplier to verify what it was she actually ordered and received.

It may be possible to buy NON-denatured  ethanol where you live. However, in some countries this product is not available. In the USA people could buy Everclear (if available in your state), or you can simply use a high alcohol content VODKA.

Regarding the use of alcohols in skin care products.

I am well aware that a particular ‘scientific’ supplier makes a big deal out of this.

On their product pages she clearly states the solubility of her powder IF it is water or oil soluble.

If it is not, then there is no solubility info displayed, but they then claim that “The powder will not dissolve immediately, but will release components slowly into the cream/lotion.”

I think that this is a ridiculous claim to make, but it most definitely does help sell all their powders.

So, rant over.

In short, if you want to use actives that are alcohol soluble then use NON-denatured alcohol (  ethanol), Everclear, or vodka. DO not use denatured alcohol.

If you don’t want to use any alcohol in your skin care products, then do not buy powders that only dissolve in alcohol.

If you want to try alternative solvents, like glycerin, please make sure that the powder has actually dissolved, not just well-dispersed.