Both the domestic and international aerosol markets are growing at a rapid pace with revenue expected to surpass 4 billion USD per year in the US market alone. Applications such as personal care, household, automotive & industrial, food, paints and medical applications are the core market segments. In particular insecticides, insect repellents, and air fresheners are seeing the largest increase in demand.
Increasingly tighter regulations on VOC content continue to change the raw materials purchasing requirements as aerosol blenders, compounders, and packagers continue to seek out VOC exempt for consumer goods applications solvents & oils to reduce GHG emissions.
RB Products supplies Aromatic Solvents, TrueSyn Synthetic Isoparaffins, Aliphatic Solvents, Low Viscosity PAO, and Additive Componentry to some of the largest aerosol producers both domestically and internationally.
Please contact RB Products Inc. to speak to a qualified sale professional about our cost effective alternative supply and let us show you our commitment to your success. Feel free to call us today at (281)-992-3500 or click here to contact us.
How to Choose the Right Aerosol Solvent
Selecting an aerosol solvent comes down to your formulation's specific performance requirements, VOC compliance obligations, and end-use application. There is no single answer that fits every product, but there are clear technical factors that quickly narrow the field.
Start with VOC regulations. Tightening restrictions on VOC content continue to change raw material purchasing requirements as aerosol blenders, compounders, and packagers seek out VOC-exempt solvents and oils to reduce GHG emissions. If your product targets consumer goods, options such as our TrueSyn synthetic isoparaffins, which meet FDA 21 CFR 178.3620(b) regulations, are VOC-exempt for consumer goods applications.
Next, consider solvency power and odor profile. Aromatic solvents offer higher solvency for applications requiring aggressive dissolving action, while TrueSyn synthetic isoparaffins are odorless, contain less than 1 ppm sulfur, and have less than 0.1% aromatics, making them preferable for personal care and household aerosols where purity matters. TrueSyn isoparaffins improve upon traditional aliphatic solvents with superior wetting capabilities, high stability, low reactivity, preferred evaporation rates, and resistance to oxidation during extended storage.
Evaporation rate is another critical variable. Faster-evaporating grades suit dry-spray applications, while slower rates work better as carriers in air fresheners and personal care products. Our team can help you match the right grade to your flash point, boiling range, and Kauri-Butanol requirements. Contact us at (281) 992-3500 to speak with a qualified sales professional.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between aliphatic and aromatic aerosol solvents?
Aliphatic solvents do not contain a benzene ring. They are mixtures of saturated, long straight-chain, branched-chain, or cyclic paraffins and differ from aromatic solvents because they don't contain hydrocarbons such as toluene or xylene. Aromatic solvents carry higher solvency power and are used when formulations require a more aggressive dissolving action. Aliphatic and synthetic isoparaffinic solvents are typically preferred in consumer aerosols where low odor and low aromatic content are priorities.
Are synthetic isoparaffins truly VOC-exempt?
Yes, for consumer goods applications. The TrueSyn "I" line of synthetic isoparaffin solvents meets the FDA 21 CFR 178.3620(b) technical white mineral oil regulations and is VOC-exempt for consumer goods applications. This makes them a practical choice for formulators managing state and federal VOC compliance, particularly in California and other regulated markets. Contact us to confirm which grades apply to your specific formulation.
Can the aerosol solvent I choose affect flash point and propellant compatibility?
Yes. Flash point directly influences shipping classification, storage requirements, and propellant system compatibility. A solvent with a higher flash point may qualify for less restrictive transport classifications, while a lower flash point can affect pressurized system safety. Our sales team reviews flash point values and other considerations alongside your propellant system to help you select a grade that meets performance and regulatory requirements.