Perfumery Craft
Fixative
A fixative is a low-volatility material that slows the evaporation of lighter materials in a composition, helping the scent last longer and evolve more evenly.
Classic fixatives include resins and balsams such as benzoin and labdanum, musks, and woody or ambery materials. Beyond longevity, a good fixative binds a composition together, so the transition from top to base feels smooth rather than abrupt.