What Is Fixobois?
Fixobois is an aroma chemical designed to bring a dry woody warmth to scented products. It was first introduced by DSM-Firmenich, one of the best-known suppliers of fragrance ingredients. In addition to the branded version, several other manufacturers now offer comparable molecules, so it can be sourced from more than one place.
The material is created through modern organic synthesis. In simple terms, that means a series of controlled chemical steps that start with basic petrochemical feedstocks and end with a purified liquid that smells of clean dry woods. It is not a natural essential oil yet it is produced under strict quality standards so the scent profile stays consistent from batch to batch.
At room temperature Fixobois appears as a clear to very slightly yellow liquid with moderate thickness. It blends smoothly into both oil and alcohol based formulas which makes it easy for perfumers to handle.
Because it is versatile and stable it shows up in many finished goods, from fine fragrances to soaps and even candles. Most suppliers keep it in stock year-round, so availability is rarely a problem.
When stored well the ingredient holds its character for about two to three years before it starts to lose strength. In the world of aroma chemicals it sits in the mid-price range, affordable enough for large-scale use yet valuable for the depth it adds.
Fixobois’s Scent Description
Fixobois is usually placed in the woody family. On a perfume blotter it opens with an immediate impression of dry cedar chips combined with a gentle amber sweetness. Within a few minutes the scent deepens, revealing a warm resinous tone that feels smooth rather than smoky. Some people also catch a faint earthy nuance, similar to clean tree bark after the sun has warmed it.
Perfumers think of fragrances in layers called top, middle and base notes. Top notes are the light scents you smell first, middle notes form the heart of the perfume and base notes linger the longest. Fixobois is firmly a base note. It has little volatility, so it does not leap out at you right away. Instead it anchors a blend and provides depth once the brighter ingredients have faded.
Projection, or how far the scent travels from the skin, is moderate. It will not fill a room on its own, yet it gives a noticeable aura when combined with more diffusive materials. Longevity is one of its strengths. Expect the woody trace to remain detectable on a blotter for at least 24 hours and on skin for most of the day, making it a reliable fixative in many formulas.
How & Where To Use Fixobois
Perfumers reach for Fixobois when a composition needs a solid woody backbone that feels dry and warm rather than smoky or tarry. It excels in cedar or amber accords, pairs smoothly with Iso E Super for added lift and softens the edges of sharper materials like cypriol or vetiver. In masculine blends it supports leather and spice notes while in feminine creations it deepens florals such as rose or ylang. Because the scent is neutral in gender it also does well in modern unisex styles.
Typical dosage falls between traces and 5 percent of the concentrate. At 0.1–0.5 percent it imparts gentle warmth and boosts longevity without drawing attention to itself. Around 1–3 percent the woody signature becomes obvious, adding body and a discreet amber hue. Above 4 percent the note can dominate, sometimes turning overly dry or slightly dusty so balance is key. Overuse may mute brighter top notes or make a formula feel flat.
The material is compatible with most media used in fragrance work. It dissolves readily in alcohol for fine fragrance, in DPG for candle or reed diffuser bases and in non ionic surfactant systems for shampoo or shower gel. It also withstands the high pH of soap making without discoloring the bar. In high temperature candles it retains its character up to typical burn temps but test for throw before scaling up.
For bench work prepare a 10 percent solution in ethanol or DPG and let it sit overnight so any micro bubbles escape. Because the neat liquid is thick it may need gentle warming, no higher than 40 °C, to pour accurately. Always record the batch number and date of dilution to track aging. When evaluating, give blotters at least five minutes to settle since the first sniff can feel sharper than the fully bloomed scent.
Avoid combining Fixobois with too many other heavy base notes or the result can feel muddy. To lighten the structure add crisp citrus, aldehydes or herbal notes which create contrast and prevent olfactory fatigue. In natural leaning formulas a touch of ho wood linalool or copaiba balsam can bridge the synthetic and botanical facets.
Safely Information
Always dilute aroma chemicals before smelling them and never sniff Fixobois straight from the bottle. Work in a well ventilated area to avoid inhaling concentrated vapors. Gloves and safety glasses should be worn to keep the liquid off skin and out of eyes.
Like many synthetics Fixobois can cause irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. If you have respiratory issues, are pregnant or breastfeeding consult a medical professional before handling it. Short exposure to low levels is normally considered safe yet prolonged or high concentration contact can lead to headaches, dermatitis or respiratory discomfort.
Clean spills promptly with absorbent material then wash the area with mild detergent and water. Do not pour large quantities down the drain; collect residues in a sealed container for proper chemical disposal according to local regulations. Vent used blotters outside or store them in a closed metal bin to prevent buildup of vapors in the workspace.
Conditions that shorten shelf life include direct sunlight, heat above 30 °C and repeated exposure to air. Store the original bottle tightly closed in a cool dark place, preferably inside a secondary container to catch leaks. Check the aroma every six months for signs of oxidation or off notes and replace stock that smells sour or weak.
Finally, always review the latest safety data sheet supplied by your vendor and follow IFRA guidelines for maximum usage levels in each product category. Regulations and recommended limits can change over time so keep current copies on file and revisit them before each new project.
How To Store & Dispose of Fixobois
Fixobois keeps its aroma longest when stored in a cool dark place that stays below 25 °C. A dedicated fragrance cabinet works well but a household refrigerator set to around 4 °C can extend shelf life even further. If you chill the bottle let it reach room temperature before opening to avoid moisture condensing inside.
Exposure to air is the main enemy of woody materials like this. Use bottles that leave little headspace and top them up after each decant. Polycone caps form a tight seal that limits oxygen ingress whereas glass dropper tops often leak or allow slow evaporation, so save droppers for short term evaluation only.
Keep the original container inside a secondary plastic tub to catch spills and label everything clearly with the ingredient name, batch number, date opened and basic hazard phrases. Separate neat material from diluted solutions to avoid mix-ups during busy bench sessions.
For day-to-day handling transfer small amounts into amber glass vials, again filled close to the shoulder. Rinse pipettes and funnels with ethanol, then seal the washings in a waste jar rather than tipping them down the sink.
Fixobois is not considered readily biodegradable so treat unwanted stock as chemical waste. Small quantities of diluted material can be adsorbed onto cat litter or paper, sealed in a heavy-duty bag and disposed of according to local regulations. Larger volumes should go to a licensed hazardous waste facility or solvent recovery service. Vent used blotters outdoors or place them in a lidded metal bin until the odor dissipates.
Summary
Fixobois is a synthetic base note from DSM-Firmenich that delivers a dry woody amber tone prized for its warmth and tenacity. In perfume work it acts as a fixative, extending wear time while adding a subtle cedar-like backbone that suits masculine, feminine and unisex styles.
The ingredient enjoys steady popularity because it bridges the gap between classic woody notes and modern clean ambers. It is affordable enough for soaps and detergents yet refined enough for fine fragrance, and its stability under heat and alkaline conditions broadens the range of formulas where it performs.
Perfumers typically dose between traces and 5 percent, mindful that excessive use can flatten brighter notes. Shelf life averages two to three years when the liquid is kept cool and air exposure is minimized, so purchasing only what you can finish within that window is wise.
Commercial buyers can order directly from DSM-Firmenich or competing suppliers that offer comparable grades. Hobbyists and small brands will find smaller pack sizes through specialty aroma shops and reseller websites where 50 ml or 100 ml bottles make testing affordable before scaling up.