Troubleshooting Perfume Formulation with 12H Fix™

Based on the description of the issue and the properties of 12H Fix™ (Fragrance Fixative), the cloudiness and clumping likely occurred due to the mixing method, specifically how 12H Fix™ was incorporated into the alcohol and water base.

12H Fix™ is a solid material that requires heating and dissolving in a suitable solvent, such as LipidSoft™ Lite, before it can be properly dispersed in an alcohol-based formula. Adding it directly to a mixture containing alcohol and water, or adding the pre-dissolved mixture to a base that already contains undissolved 12H Fix™ and water, can cause it to precipitate and form clumps.

Here is the recommended procedure for incorporating 12H Fix™ into an alcohol-based perfume formulation, based on the product's usage instructions:

1. Pre-dissolve 12H Fix™: Take the required amount of 12H Fix™ for your final formula (e.g., 5% of the total formula weight). Dissolve this amount in at least double the amount of LipidSoft™ (LipidSoft™ Lite is recommended for this purpose) using heat at 60-70°C until the mixture is completely clear and uniform. Your initial step of dissolving 20g 12H Fix™ in 40g LipidSoft™ at 70°C is correct for preparing this pre-dissolved mixture.
2. Prepare the Main Base: In a separate container, mix the alcohol, fragrance oil, and DI water according to your desired final percentages.
3. Combine Mixtures: Once the 12H Fix™/LipidSoft™ mixture from step 1 is clear and has cooled slightly (but is still liquid), slowly add it to the alcohol/fragrance/water mixture from step 2 while stirring continuously. Stir until the entire solution is clear and uniform.

The presence of water (DI water) in the alcohol base can also sometimes affect the solubility of certain fragrance components or fixatives, potentially contributing to the cloudiness. Ensuring the 12H Fix™ is fully dissolved in LipidSoft™ first is crucial to minimize this issue.

It seems the error occurred in step 2 of your process, where you included 12H Fix™ directly in the initial alcohol/fragrance/DI water mix, and then added the pre-dissolved mixture to this already problematic base. Always ensure 12H Fix™ is fully dissolved in LipidSoft™ before combining it with the main alcohol/water phase.

Regarding the concentration, 5% 12H Fix™ is within the typical usage rate, but the amount of LipidSoft™ used for dissolution needs to be sufficient (at least double the amount of 12H Fix™) and should be factored into your final formula percentages. If the total concentration of ingredients exceeds the solubility limit in the alcohol/water base, cloudiness can also occur.

Following the correct mixing order should help achieve a clear and stable perfume solution.