Polysaccharides are widely used in aqueous media to provide structure, solubilization domains, and/or colloidal stability. Underlying these functions are inter- and intra-molecular interactions which depend on solution conditions and external stimuli (e.g., temperature, shear). The solution properties of polysaccharides can be profoundly affected by the presence in water of polar organic solvents and/or solutes which are ubiquitous in cosmetic and personal care formulations. This presentation will highlight our ongoing phase behavior and rheological investigation of solvent effects on polysaccharide polymers. The observed effects on the polymer conformation are correlated with the solvent solubility parameter.