Augeo Clean Multi is the reed diffuser base most UK home fragrance brands are built on. In 2023 its maker, Solvay, briefly added a reproductive toxicity warning and then withdrew it, and much of the web still shows the old label. This guide sets out where Augeo stands today, how to use it, how it compares with the alternatives, and how we supply it and other diffuser bases, from a 500 g sample to tonnage contracts.
What is Augeo?
Augeo is Solvay's range of bio-based solvents, made by reacting glycerin with acetone. The molecule is solketal (CAS 100-79-8), also sold as isopropylidene glycerol. It is clear, almost odourless and mixes fully with water. It dissolves fragrance oils well and evaporates slowly, which is why it became the standard reed diffuser base.
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Augeo Clean Multi: the multi-purpose grade used in most reed diffusers, room sprays and cleaners.
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Augeo Crystal: a high-end grade made from certified-origin glycerin for fine fragrance and air care.
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Augeo SL191: the coatings and inks grade. All three are the same molecule.
The 2023 Augeo reclassification
The 2023 "reclassification" was a temporary, precautionary self-classification by the manufacturer. It was not a legal ruling, and it was withdrawn within six months.
| Date |
What happened |
| April 2023 |
A developmental study required under REACH, triggered by a tonnage increase, showed effects at high oral doses in one species. |
| June 2023 |
Solvay self-classified Augeo as H361d (suspected of damaging the unborn child) as a precaution while further studies ran. |
| December 2023 |
Follow-up studies found no developmental effects at the same dose. Solvay withdrew the H361d classification. |
| Today |
Eye irritant (H319) only, per Solvay's current safety data sheet. |
For finished products this means no CMR labelling and no tactile warning triggered by the base. A reed diffuser is labelled on the classification of the whole mixture, which usually depends on the fragrance oil.
How to use Augeo in reed diffusers
Start at 20% fragrance oil to 80% Augeo by weight, then adjust between 15% and 25% to suit the fragrance and the reeds.
- Weigh rather than measure by volume: 1 kg of Augeo is roughly 935 ml.
- Add the fragrance oil to the Augeo and stir gently until fully clear.
- Leave the blend to mature for 24 to 48 hours before filling.
- Fill and cap. Fibre reeds give a stronger, faster throw; rattan reeds diffuse slower and last longer.
- Test every new fragrance for clarity, colour change and wicking before a production run.
Augeo also mixes with water, so it can carry fragrance in room and linen sprays without alcohol, and its slow evaporation suits plug-ins and car fresheners.
Compliance checklist
- Check the fragrance oil's IFRA certificate for your product category (reed diffusers and plug-ins sit in Category 12 under IFRA 51).
- Build the CLP label from the fragrance SDS and the base SDS.
- Selling into the EU: hazardous mixtures may need a UFI and a poison centre notification.
- Store sealed, cool and away from ignition sources.
Augeo alternatives compared
Each base has different strengths. The right choice depends on your product format, the label you need and your cost per litre.
| Base |
Label* and evaporation |
Best for and trade-off |
Augeo Clean Multi
CAS 100-79-8 |
Eye irritant
Slow evaporation |
Reed diffusers, sprays, plug-ins
Costs more than glycols
|
Augeo Crystal
CAS 100-79-8 |
Eye irritant
Slow evaporation |
Premium home fragrance
Premium price
|
DPG
CAS 25265-71-8 |
Usually none
Very slow evaporation |
Blends, oil burners
Viscous; can over-saturate reeds
|
DPM
CAS 34590-94-8 |
Usually none
Medium evaporation |
Room and linen sprays
Solvent odour; reeds need turning more often
|
TPM
CAS 25498-49-1 |
Usually none
Slow evaporation |
Long-life diffusers
Costly
|
DEGEE ("DGM" bases)
CAS 111-90-0 |
Usually none
Slow evaporation |
Non-hazardous diffuser blends
Less proven at scale
|
MMB
CAS 56539-66-3 |
Eye irritant
Fast evaporation |
Sprays
Too fast for most diffusers
|
Perfumer's alcohol
CAS 64-17-5 |
Highly flammable
Very fast evaporation |
Sprays, fine fragrance
Needs a tactile warning; short diffuser life
|
*Always check the supplier's current SDS. Classifications vary by grade and supplier.
Blends often beat single bases. Combining Augeo with DPG or another glycol lets you tune evaporation, cost per litre and the label outcome, and most large producers specify a blend rather than a single solvent.
Choosing a diffuser base
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Format: reed diffusers need slow evaporation and good wicking; sprays need faster drying and low residue.
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Label: check whether the base adds a hazard to your finished product, or whether you want a non-hazardous base.
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Odour: a near-odourless base lets the fragrance read true, especially at lower oil loads.
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Cost per litre: compare at your real fragrance load, not just the price per kilo.
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Supply security: for production volumes, agree pack sizes, lead times and a second option with your supplier before you launch.
Not sure which base suits your range? Tell us your format and fragrance load and we will suggest options and send samples.
Diffuser bases we supply
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Augeo Reed Diffuser Base: 500 g to 210 kg drums online; 1,069 kg IBCs and tonnage contracts on request.
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Dipropylene Glycol (DPG): 1 kg to 25 kg, for blending and slowing evaporation.
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Mono Propylene Glycol (MPG): 1 kg to 25 kg, a co-solvent for water-based sprays.
- Other diffuser bases, including alternatives to Augeo, can be sourced to order for trade customers. Ask us what you need.
Bulk Augeo, diffuser bases and custom blends
We supply reed diffuser and home fragrance brands, contract fillers, and air care and cleaning product manufacturers, from 210 kg drums and 1,069 kg IBCs of Augeo to scheduled contracts of 100 tonnes a year and more. Every trade order ships with the current SDS and a batch certificate of analysis.
Prefer a ready-to-use base to a single solvent? We work with you to find the right blend for your range and volumes. Depending on what you need, we can help with:
- Augeo and DPG blends tuned for cost and evaporation
- A non-hazardous-label diffuser base
- Matching your existing diffuser base
- Pre-fragranced, ready-to-fill diffuser liquid
Tell us your current base, fragrance load and volumes, and we will recommend options and send samples. For your own finished products, see bespoke blends and contract manufacturing.
Use the quote form below with your volumes and timings, or email support@theingredientsstore.com.
Sources
Solvay: Augeo Clean Multi · Augeo Clean Multi SDS (US, January 2025) · Solvay letter on the 2023 self-classification · December 2023 withdrawal update
