u/Whatevuh-1961

Is discoloration or degradation due to oxidation really a thing that I should care for? I am only making fragrances as a hobby. They're strictly for personal use in small enough batches (50ml bottles) that would only last a year or so if I keep 2 or 3 in rotation. But I do share with friends.

I do a lot of reading in this hobby and it's a steady refrain that when volatile materials like aldehydes and citrus oils as well as those materials prone to discolor from oxidation (Vanillin anyone?) need some extra care. Back in my hippie days, using primarily EO potions, I added a drop of Vitamin E and called it a day.

BHT pops up most frequently (Along with UV protection - Benzophenone). Should I buy me some BHT (et al)? If yes, choose one:

A. Include it in dilutions of relevant materials.

B. Include it as at the combined maceration stage (Concentrate plus SD40B).

C. It depends (A and/or B) Read some more.

D. Chill, have a drink and decant my stuff to amber or opaque colored bottles.

THANKS!!!

When I joined this group last year, I naively assumed I'd be some modern perfumery wunderkind. After decades of creating EO concoctions (Primarily cost prohibitive Sandalwood based). I was gonna buy me some aroma chemicals and Snap, Crackle, Pop make me some killer fragrances. The best advice I got was to slow my roll, learn my materials, play with them and figure stuff out. Darn near a year later, I have a few interesting accord experiments, too many to count failures but a better grasp of just how to construct a modern fragrance. This is one I've been working on for months that I am actually happy with where it is landing now.

My intent is to craft a creamy Sandalwood based fragrance with Green (Bitter) and Orange Blossom (Sweet) facets that is more fresh than heavy (or indolic). I am finally happy with the transition from bright green to orange blossom to the woody base. It started off chaotic and wildly off balance. To my nose, it could maybe open up more and have more "green" in the final but, overall, I love this latest iteration.

Open to some constructive feedback. I know the top/heart/base construct is no longer a thing but it's my conceptual method - Helps me to maintain focus on my intention, structure a formula, as well as build transitions/bridges 😄 Have at it...

https://preview.redd.it/m5frrc3jh6jh1.png?width=528&format=png&auto=webp&s=52c3aeeb05cf9373ec4fdfbcc3436526769907e4