Fragrance Formulation: Fixative Solubility and Staining Issues
Question
When formulating a fragrance by mixing "8h fix" in ethyl alcohol and adding 30% fragrance oil, is adding water necessary for longevity? Why does adding water cause a sticky white lump, and will the final product potentially stain clothes?
Answer
Fragrance Formulation Questions
Regarding your questions about formulating fragrance with "8h fix" and ethyl alcohol:
Adding Water: Adding water is generally not necessary to make the fragrance last longer. Water is typically used for dilution in alcohol-based perfumes. The function of making a fragrance last longer is usually performed by fixatives, which slow down the evaporation rate of volatile fragrance components.
Lumping Issue: The sticky white lump that formed when you added water to the base (8h fix + ethyl alcohol) strongly suggests that the "8h fix" or one of its components is not soluble in a mixture containing water. Many fragrance fixatives are oil-soluble or soluble in pure alcohol, but not in diluted alcohol (alcohol + water). When you added water, the fixative likely precipitated out, causing the lumping.
Staining: Fragrance products, especially those with high concentrations of fragrance oil (like 30%) or certain types of fixatives (such as resins or viscous materials), can potentially leave stains on clothing. The likelihood of staining depends heavily on the specific ingredients in the fragrance oil and the fixative used.
To avoid the lumping issue, you should check the solubility of the "8h fix" you are using. If it is not soluble in alcohol-water mixtures, you should not add water to your formulation when using this particular fixative. If you need to dilute the fragrance, you might need to use pure ethyl alcohol or consider a different type of fixative that is compatible with diluted alcohol if adding water is essential for your desired final product.