Glossary
A fixative is a material used in perfumery or aromatic blending to help slow evaporation and give a blend more staying power.
What Fixative Means
In natural perfumery, fixatives are often deeper, slower, heavier aromatic materials. They do not make a blend permanent, but they can help support lighter notes and make the overall aroma feel more rounded and longer-lasting.
Why It Matters
Citrus and other top notes can fade quickly. A small amount of a fixative-like base note can help a blend feel more grounded. This is especially useful in natural perfume oils, solid perfumes, and some diffuser blends.
Example in Essential Oil Use
Cedarwood, sandalwood, vetiver, patchouli, frankincense, myrrh, and benzoin-like materials are often used for depth and fixative qualities in natural blending. Safety, dilution, and skin compatibility still matter.