How do fixatives help perfume fragrances last longer?

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Fixatives are substances that play a crucial role in the longevity of perfume fragrances. They function by preventing the more volatile ingredients within a fragrance blend from evaporating too rapidly.1

By slowing this evaporation process, fixatives help maintain the scent's presence over a longer period. These substances are typically utilized in the form of alcoholic solutions. While some fixatives are derived from animal secretions—such as ambergris, castor, civet, and musk—they are essential components that contribute to the persistence of the base note, which is the most enduring part of a perfume's composition.1