What is the ethanol percentage range typically found in a tincture?

• A. 0-10%
• B. 90-100%
• C. 40-60% (up to 90%)
• D. 5-20%

Answer: (C)

Tinctures are alcoholic extracts, so the ethanol content of the solvent directly shapes what compounds are dissolved and how stable the product is over time. The typical ethanol concentration for a tincture is about 40-60% v/v, which provides a good balance of polarity to pull both moderately polar and some nonpolar constituents, while keeping the mixture palatable and shelf-stable. Some tinctures do use higher-strength alcohol, up to around 90%, for extracts that favor lipophilic compounds or when a drier, less watery base is desired, but that higher strength is more the exception than the rule. Very low ethanol levels (0-10% or 5-20%) would fail to extract a broad range of constituents and could be less stable, while 90-100% ethanol is not typical for standard tinctures because water aids extraction of certain polar compounds and improves handling.