Fixatives are ingredients in perfume that help to slow down the rate of evaporation of the volatile compounds in the fragrance, thereby making the scent last longer on the skin or clothing. They are usually heavier, longer-lasting ingredients that serve to anchor the more volatile top and middle notes, and are often used as base notes in the perfume.
Fixatives are important because they help to create a balanced and long-lasting fragrance, as the lighter notes will eventually evaporate, leaving only the heavier, more long-lasting notes. They also help to enhance and amplify the other notes in the fragrance.
Some commonly used fixatives in perfumery include:
Musk - Musk is a commonly used fixative in perfumery, with a warm, sweet, and slightly animalistic scent.
Amber - Amber is a warm, resinous, and slightly sweet fixative that is often used in oriental and gourmand fragrances.
Vanilla - Vanilla is a sweet, warm, and creamy fixative that is often used in gourmand and floral fragrances.
Benzoin - Benzoin is a resinous fixative with a warm, balsamic scent that is often used in oriental fragrances.
Labdanum - Labdanum is a resinous and slightly animalistic fixative that is often used in oriental fragrances.
Fixatives are added to the fragrance formula in small amounts, usually in the base notes, and are carefully balanced with the other fragrance ingredients to create a harmonious and long-lasting scent.