Extending Fragrance Longevity in Solid Perfume Balm

Question

How can I extend the longevity of fragrance in a solid perfume balm made with beeswax and coconut oil, and what fragrance fixatives and methods are suitable?

MySkinRecipes Expert · Accepted Answer

Extending Fragrance Longevity in Solid Balm

It's common for fragrances in balms made with beeswax and coconut oil to evaporate quickly, as these bases may not effectively hold onto the volatile fragrance molecules. Using a fragrance fixative can significantly improve the longevity of your scent.

Fragrance fixatives are ingredients with low volatility that help to anchor the more fleeting top and middle notes of a fragrance, allowing the scent to last longer on the skin.

Based on available ingredients, here are some suitable options that can act as fragrance fixatives for your balm:

Coumarin: A base note with a sweet, hay-like scent, known for its fixative properties.
Cosmone: A synthetic musk that provides depth and excellent longevity.
Vetimoss: A base note, likely derived from Vetiver, offering earthy notes and strong fixation.
Cassiffix: A product specifically designed to enhance fragrance longevity, possibly with a blackcurrant profile.
Traseolide: Another synthetic musk, contributing to scent persistence with a clean, musky aroma.
Ambergris (Fragrance Oil): Contains components that mimic traditional ambergris, a classic fixative.
Tuberose Absolute: A natural ingredient with a heavy floral scent and inherent fixative qualities.

How to Use Fragrance Fixatives

Melt your beeswax and coconut oil base as you normally would.
Add the chosen fragrance fixative to the melted oil/wax mixture before adding your main fragrance oil.
Stir thoroughly to ensure the fixative is fully dispersed.
Add your main fragrance oil and stir gently until everything is evenly combined.
Pour the mixture into your containers and let it solidify.

Usage Recommendation

Start by adding the fixative at 1-5% of the total amount of fragrance oil you are using. Alternatively, you can try adding it at 0.5% - 2% of the total balm formula weight.

It is highly recommended to experiment with small test batches to find the optimal amount that provides the desired longevity without altering the fragrance profile too much.