Fragrance Scent Change in Cream Formulation

Subject: Fragrance Scent Changing in Cream

Hello,

Regarding the issue of your fragrance scent changing or becoming unpleasant over time in your cream formulation, this is a common challenge. As previously mentioned by the staff, it's likely due to interactions between the fragrance components and other ingredients in the formula, or a strong inherent odor from the base ingredients interfering with the fragrance.

Let's address your points and the conversation:

• Increasing fragrance amount: While increasing the fragrance concentration might make the initial scent stronger, it won't necessarily prevent the scent from changing over time if the issue is a chemical reaction or incompatibility. It also might not effectively mask a strong base odor if the fragrance itself is altered by the base.
• Using Flora Fix: Based on the typical function of fragrance fixatives, Flora Fix is designed to help the fragrance last longer by reducing evaporation. It is not primarily intended to prevent scent changes caused by reactions with the base or to mask strong base odors. Therefore, it may not solve the root cause of your problem.
• Using Citromask: As the staff confirmed, Citromask is an odor masking agent that can help reduce the smell of the cream base. However, it works by interacting with odor molecules, and it will also reduce the intensity of your added fragrance. It can be used in eye cream or any other cream type. If your goal is to have a clear fragrance scent without the base odor, using Citromask alongside a fragrance might not be ideal as it will diminish the fragrance scent as well.

Addressing your current options:

You are considering either finding a compatible fragrance or changing the cream maker. Before deciding, the most important step is to identify the source of the unpleasant odor. As the staff recommended, please try smelling each individual ingredient in your formula, especially the Rich Cream Maker, Shea Butter, Jojoba Oil, Olive CLEAR, and any extracts. This will help you determine which component(s) have a strong inherent smell that might be interfering with your fragrance.

• If the base odor is the main issue (e.g., from the cream maker or oils):

  • Option A: Find a stronger/more compatible fragrance: You could try experimenting with different fragrances. Some fragrances are more stable in various bases or are specifically designed to mask base odors. However, finding the right one might require trial and error, and I cannot recommend specific fragrances with these properties using the available tools.
  • Option B: Change the base ingredients: If a specific ingredient like the Rich Cream Maker is causing the strong odor, changing it is a valid approach. You would need to find an alternative emulsifier or combination of emulsifiers that has minimal odor and provides a texture similar to what you achieved with Rich Cream Maker. Finding an alternative that gives a precisely similar texture might require testing different emulsifiers, as their properties vary. I cannot recommend a specific alternative emulsifier that guarantees a similar texture to Rich Cream Maker using the available tools. You would need to research or test other emulsifiers suitable for creating a rich cream texture.

• If the fragrance is changing due to a reaction with the base: This is less likely given your pH range (4.5-6) which is generally suitable for fragrances, but it's not impossible depending on the specific fragrance components and other ingredients. If this is the case, you would need to find a fragrance that is more stable in your specific formula composition.

Recommendation:

Start by identifying the source of the odor by smelling your ingredients. If the base has a strong odor, you can then decide whether to try finding a stronger/masking fragrance or explore alternative base ingredients (like a different cream maker) that have less inherent smell.