Gentle Fragrances for Cream Formulations and Mixing Instructions

It's understandable that you're looking for a way to mask the scent of Dimethyl Isosorbide (DMI) in your cream formulation. You mentioned trying Odor-Kill, but the DMI smell persists. Based on the information available, Odor-Kill works by absorbing odors, but it can also absorb fragrance. This might be why adding Odor-Kill first still leaves a noticeable DMI scent when you intend to add perfume.

To effectively mask the DMI scent with fragrance, it's best to rely on the fragrance itself rather than using Odor-Kill in combination with it, as Odor-Kill can diminish the fragrance's intensity.

Here are some gentle fragrance options that could be suitable for a cream formulation:

• Floral Cream (compare to Nivea)
• Cream Me
• Sweet Vanilla
• Just Milk
• Chamomile Valley
• Calm Me Down

These fragrances are generally selected for their pleasant and potentially less irritating profiles, suitable for cosmetic applications.

How to Mix Fragrance into Your Cream

Incorporating fragrance into your cream formulation should be done carefully to ensure the best result and stability:

1. Add in the Cool-Down Phase: Fragrances are typically volatile and can be degraded by high heat. Add the selected fragrance during the cool-down phase of your cream formulation, after the emulsion has formed and the temperature has dropped below 40-50°C.
2. Start with a Low Concentration: Begin by adding a small amount of fragrance, such as 0.1% to 0.3% of the total formula weight. Mix thoroughly. You can gradually increase the concentration if needed, but avoid using excessive amounts, as this can increase the risk of irritation.
3. Ensure Compatibility: While DMI is a versatile solvent and can withstand heat up to 80°C, ensure the chosen fragrance is compatible with your overall cream base (oil phase, water phase, emulsifiers, etc.).
4. Mix Thoroughly: After adding the fragrance, mix the cream well to ensure even distribution of the scent throughout the product.

By adding the fragrance in the cool-down phase and starting with a low concentration, you can effectively mask the DMI odor without the fragrance being absorbed by Odor-Kill.