Fragrance Fixatives in Body Spray

Based on your questions about Flora Fix, Sugar Fix, and Dipropylene glycol for making body spray, I have searched for information on these ingredients.

I was unable to find specific information regarding "Flora Fix" and "Sugar Fix" in the database to directly compare their performance as fragrance fixatives.

However, I did find information on Dipropylene glycol (DPG). DPG is a common ingredient used as a base for perfumes and acts as a fixative. It helps to dissolve fragrance oils and slows down their evaporation rate, which helps the scent last longer.

Here's some information based on general formulation knowledge and the details available for Dipropylene glycol:

1. Longevity Comparison (Flora Fix vs. Sugar Fix at 5%): Without specific data on Flora Fix and Sugar Fix, it's impossible to say definitively which would provide better longevity at 5%. The effectiveness of a fixative depends on its chemical properties and interaction with the specific fragrance compounds. Dipropylene glycol (DPG) is known to help improve fragrance longevity by reducing the evaporation rate.

2. Usage Percentage to Avoid Stickiness/Stains: The optimal percentage for any fixative, including DPG, to avoid stickiness or stains depends on the specific ingredient and the overall formula composition (especially the amount of alcohol and fragrance oil).

   • For Dipropylene glycol, while it can be used at high percentages (up to 100% when mixing with perfume concentrate), using too much in a body spray formula (which contains alcohol and is applied to skin/fabric) can potentially lead to a slightly sticky feel or residue, especially if applied heavily or in humid conditions.
   • A typical starting point for fixatives in alcohol-based body sprays might be in the range of 1-5%, but this can be adjusted based on testing to achieve the desired balance between longevity and skin feel/stain avoidance. You would need to test different percentages in your specific formula.

3. Can Both Be Used Together? In general cosmetic formulation, it is possible to combine different ingredients with similar functions to potentially achieve a synergistic effect. However, without specific information on Flora Fix and Sugar Fix, I cannot confirm if combining them is recommended or if it would provide superior performance compared to using one alone or using DPG. Combining DPG with other fixatives is a common practice.

4. Pre-mixing with Alcohol: Yes, Dipropylene glycol can be pre-mixed with alcohol as it is miscible and often used as a co-solvent and base in alcohol-based fragrances. Pre-mixing fixatives and solvents like DPG with alcohol before adding the fragrance oil is a standard method in perfume making.

   • There are generally no major downsides to pre-mixing DPG with alcohol if stored properly in a tightly closed container away from heat and light to prevent alcohol evaporation and maintain product integrity.

5. Including Dipropylene Glycol: Including Dipropylene glycol in your body spray formula is generally beneficial. As mentioned, it helps dissolve the fragrance oil and acts as a fixative to improve scent longevity. It is a common and effective component in alcohol-based fragrance products. It is not unnecessary if you aim to improve fragrance performance.

In summary, while I couldn't find specific details on Flora Fix and Sugar Fix, Dipropylene glycol is a widely used ingredient in perfumes and body sprays that serves as both a solvent for fragrance and a fixative to help the scent last longer. You would need to experiment with the percentage of any fixative, including DPG, in your specific formula to find the optimal level for longevity without causing stickiness or stains.