I've been dissolving supplements in ethanol then using that concentrate to make a mix with a lower concentration that I can spray onto my skin. When I dilute the concentrate, I use ETOH, PA, EDT or a combination.

I've seen dbot mention adding FCO or DPG as a "fixative." What does a fixative do? Why should I use it? What happens if I don't use it? What is its purpose?

I have Vitamin E oil, grapeseed oil, olive oil, and DPG. Does it really matter which oil I use? I also have regular coconut oil (not FCO), could I use that?

The fixative just helps the active ingredients to diffuse more slowly and evenly. If you don't add anything to the alcohol, the mones will release much more quickly. From what you have DPG is definitely the best, but I understand you can use grapeseed oil in a pinch.

Traditionally, for perfuming, people use the deep base notes, like resins and mosses, as fixatives that are a part of the fragrance and also make the whole thing last longer.

(06-19-2011 7:46 PM)dbot Wrote:  The fixative just helps the active ingredients to diffuse more slowly and evenly. If you don't add anything to the alcohol, the mones will release much more quickly. From what you have DPG is definitely the best, but I understand you can use grapeseed oil in a pinch.

Traditionally, for perfuming, people use the deep base notes, like resins and mosses, as fixatives that are a part of the fragrance and also make the whole thing last longer.

So i could just use an Essential Oil instead of, lets say, DPG? Or should i use both?

If so, on what ratio?


Thanks!

The oil itself would be a slow diffusing carrier, but for alcohol it needs slowing down through DPG or MPG. I'd assume adding DPG to oil would be quite redundant unless you were looking to speed up diffusion. Just my two cents as my American brothers like to say

(07-12-2011 11:26 AM)Rattlesnake Wrote:  The oil itself would be a slow diffusing carrier, but for alcohol it needs slowing down through DPG or MPG. I'd assume adding DPG to oil would be quite redundant unless you were looking to speed up diffusion. Just my two cents as my American brothers like to say

Thanks, Rattlesnake!

So i think oil-based colognes are better for the summer, then.

P.S.: Are you from UK?

I am, yes...and our summers are a bit shit but for those rare occasions the sun decides to show his face oil based does work better...in winter not effective (at least not outdoors anyway).

Forgot to add, for me in warmer periods oils are massively more effective and have decent staying power, whilst alcohol can burn really quickly. So yep, tend to bust out the Alpha 7 and oil based stuff in summer more often. That said in winter A314 isn't as sharp.

(07-12-2011 11:39 AM)Rattlesnake Wrote:  I am, yes...and our summers are a bit shit but for those rare occasions the sun decides to show his face oil based does work better...in winter not effective (at least not outdoors anyway).

Forgot to add, for me in warmer periods oils are massively more effective and have decent staying power, whilst alcohol can burn really quickly. So yep, tend to bust out the Alpha 7 and oil based stuff in summer more often. That said in winter A314 isn't as sharp.

That's great!

Always liked UK for it's history and people. I'll travel there one day.

Well, i live in Brazil. You can guess how our summers are, hehehe!

Thanks for the tips!