Formulating with Male-Pheromone

Male-Pheromone, being a type of aroma compound, is typically soluble in oil-based solvents or alcohol, but not readily soluble in water. Given its high cost, it is wise to start with small test batches.

Suitable Solvents and Bases

To incorporate Male-Pheromone into a formula, you will need a suitable solvent or carrier.

• Alcohol (Ethanol): High-proof Ethyl Alcohol (like the 99.9% Research/Perfumer Grade) is a very common and effective solvent for fragrance and aroma chemicals. It allows the pheromone to disperse well and evaporates cleanly, making it ideal for perfume or spray applications.
• LipidSoft (Esters/Emollients): Various types of LipidSoft, which are cosmetic esters, can serve as excellent carriers for oil-soluble ingredients like pheromones. They can be used to create oil-based roll-on perfumes or incorporated into the oil phase of emulsions (creams, lotions). The choice of LipidSoft depends on the desired skin feel (e.g., light feel from LipidSoft Lite or LipidSoft Dry II, richer feel from LipidSoft Moist or LipidSoft C1215).
• Glycols: Glycols such as Propylene Glycol, Butylene Glycol, Dipropylene Glycol, or Ethoxydiglycol can sometimes be used as co-solvents to help incorporate oil-soluble ingredients into formulas, particularly those containing some water. However, they are unlikely to be the primary solvent for a concentrated pheromone. They are more suitable as part of the overall base formulation.
• Water: Pheromones are generally not water-soluble. Attempting to mix them directly into water will likely result in separation or cloudiness. If you want to include the pheromone in a water-based product (like a spray or gel), you would need to first dissolve it in alcohol or a suitable LipidSoft/oil and then use a strong solubilizer or emulsifier to disperse it evenly in the water phase.

Recommended Approach

For ease of mixing and to minimize potential waste, consider these options:

1. Alcohol-Based Perfume: Dissolve the Male-Pheromone directly into high-proof Ethyl Alcohol. You can then add other fragrance components if desired. This is one of the simplest methods.
2. Oil-Based Carrier: Dissolve the Male-Pheromone into a suitable LipidSoft or other cosmetic oil. This can be used as a standalone oil blend or incorporated into the oil phase of an emulsion.

Mixing directly into a water-based formula without a proper solubilizer or emulsifier is not recommended.

Compatibility with Flora Fix and Last Fix

Compatibility with ingredients like Flora Fix and Last Fix depends on their specific chemical composition. Generally, fixatives are designed to be compatible with fragrance compounds in common perfume bases (alcohol or oil). However, without knowing the exact nature of Flora Fix and Last Fix, it's impossible to guarantee compatibility.

Recommendation: Always perform a small test mix with the Male-Pheromone and the intended solvent/base, and then test compatibility with other ingredients like Flora Fix or Last Fix in a small sample before committing to a large batch. Look for signs of cloudiness, separation, or changes in odor or texture.