The Art and Alchemy of Fixatives in Natural Perfumery By Denise Cusack
- Aromatika Magazine
- Dec 27, 2025
- 2 min read
Pg. 90-96 - 6-minute read
I see fixatives as the quiet backbone of perfumery—the elements that give a fragrance depth, continuity, and soul. Historically, they held scents together and allowed perfumes to evolve beautifully on the skin. While traditional fixatives often came from animal sources, modern natural perfumery now relies on botanical materials that offer richness without ethical compromise. I embrace this shift, seeing the natural evolution of scent on the skin not as a flaw, but as a living, breathing experience.
In my work, I view perfume as a journey made of top, heart, and base notes, with fixatives forming the foundation that carries the story through time. These base materials—resins, woods, roots, and balsams—anchor the fragrance and give it emotional depth. Creating a perfume is both technical and intuitive: understanding materials, honoring their character, and allowing them to interact naturally rather than forcing longevity through synthetic means.
To me, perfumery is a practice of patience and presence. Training the nose, observing how scents unfold, and respecting the integrity of each material are essential. A well-crafted perfume doesn’t shout—it lingers, evolves, and tells a story long after the first breath. Fixatives are not just functional; they are the soul that allows fragrance to endure and speak with quiet power.
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