How to Use Aromatherapy Fixatives

Fixatives for Long-Lasting Fall Blends

Cedar deodara

Have you ever created a beautiful essential oil blend, only to find the scent fades too quickly? This is especially common with citrus oils and other light top notes, as they evaporate quickly due to their small and volatile molecules.

The secret to making your blends last longer? Aromatherapy fixatives, also called anchors or base notes. These heavier oils slow evaporation, give depth to a blend, and help those uplifting top notes linger longer. And the best part? Many fixatives have wonderfully warm, grounding aromas that complement cozy fall blends perfectly.

What Are Aromatherapy Fixatives?

A fixative is an essential oil (or sometimes a natural material like resin) that helps “fix” the scent of a blend so it lasts longer. They are usually base notes; thicker oils with a rich, grounding aroma. Think of them as the anchor that holds everything together.

These oils evaporate very slowly compared to lighter oils like lemon or rosemary. When added in small amounts, fixatives create balance and harmony in a blend and keep it from disappearing too soon.

aromatherapy diffuser

Popular Fixatives for Aromatherapy

Here are some favorites that work beautifully in fall blends:

Vetiver (Vetiveria zizanoides) 

• Aroma: Deep, earthy, woody with smoky undertones

• Properties: Calming, grounding, stress-relieving

• Blends well with: Citrus oils, lavender, geranium, myrrh, patchouli, woodsy oils

Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin) 

• Aroma: Sweet, earthy, musky, warm

• Properties: Calming, supportive, mood-lifting

• Blends well with: Citrus oils, lavender, spice oils

Cedarwood (Cedrus atlantica or Juniperus virginiana) 

• Aroma: Woody, soft, slightly sweet

• Properties: Calming, focusing, cleansing

• Blends well with: Citrus oils, spice oils, frankincense, juniper berry, cypress

Benzoin (Styrax benzoin) 

• Aroma: Sweet, vanilla-like, warm, and comforting

• Properties: Soothing, uplifting, warming

• Blends well with: Citrus oils, woodsy oils, frankincense, myrrh

Frankincense (Boswellia spp.)

• Aroma: Warm, woody, slightly citrusy, and resinous

• Properties: Supportive, calming, encouraging

• Blends well with: Myrrh, citrus oils, lavender, woodsy oils, ginger

Myrrh (Commiphora myrrha) 

• Aroma: Warm, balsamic, sharp, and mildly medicinal

• Properties: Soothing, grounding, calming

• Blends well with: Frankincense, lavender, geranium, citrus oils, benzoin, spices

Amyris (Amyris balsamifera) 

• Aroma: Soft, woody, slightly sweet (often called "West Indian Sandalwood")

• Properties: Calming, balancing, gentle

• Blends well with: Citrus oils, woodsy oils, lavender, geranium, spice oils

Cistus/Rock Rose (Cistus ladanifer)

• Aroma: Warm, honey-like, slightly amber and balsamic

• Properties: Grounding, emotionally supportive, meditative

• Blends well with: Floral oils, woodsy oils, spice oils, citrus oils

Note: Limit to 1 drop per use in the diffuser to avoid clogging the diffuser

Rock rose

How to Use Fixatives for Long-Lasting Blends

A little goes a long way!

• Top notes (15-30% or 2-3 drops): Light, uplifting oils, often citrus or herbal, that create the first impression but fade quickly

• Middle notes (40-60% or 4-6 drops): The heart of the blend, adding balance and character, often floral or spice oils

• Base notes (10-25% or 1-2 drops): The foundation that anchors the blend; these are rich, relaxing, and grounding oils that slow evaporation and hold everything together

Another tip? Let your blend rest. Seal it in a dark glass bottle for 24–48 hours before using. This maturation time helps the oils combine and smooths the aroma.

autumn room spray

Fall Aromatherapy Blends with Fixatives

Here are three cozy blends to make your home smell like autumn while enjoying the benefits of longer-lasting scents:

Autumn Woods Diffuser Blend

Warm, grounding, and perfect for a crisp fall evening

• 2 drops mandarin (Citrus reticulata)

• 4 drops black pepper (Piper nigrum)

• 1 drop vetiver (Vetiveria zizanoides) 

Add to your diffuser with the recommended water amount

Comfortable Cabin Stock Blend

A soft, warm blend with a hint of floral and citrus

• 30 drops sweet orange (Citrus sinensis)

• 30 drops juniper berry (Juniperus communis)

• 25 drops geranium (Pelargonium graveolens)

• 15 drops cedarwood (Juniperus virginiana)

Add drops to a labeled 5ml amber glass stock bottle with orifice reducer. This blend can be used with diffusers or dropped onto pinecones as a potpourri

Cozy Autumn Linen Spray (2% dilution)

Calming, soothing, soporific linen spray

• 1.5 oz distilled water or lavender hydrosol

• 0.5 oz high proof alcohol (i.e., Everclear)

• 6 drops bergamot (Citrus bergamia)

• 8 drops lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

• 4 drops nutmeg (Myristica fragrans)

• 2 drop patchouli (Pogostemon cablin)

Add the alcohol into a labeled 2-oz spritz bottle, add in the essential oil drops, swirl to incorporate, then top off with water or hydrosol, shake before each use.

Woodsy Roller (3% dilution)

Refreshing woodsy aroma that opens the airways

• 2 drops rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus)

• 3 drops black spruce (Picea mariana)

• 1 drop Atlas cedarwood (Cedrus atlantica)

• ~10ml carrier oil (jojoba or almond)

Add drops of essential oils into a labeled 10ml roller bottle, add carrier oil up to should, snap in the roller cap, and roll onto wrists and behind ears as desired

cabin in the woods

Quick Takeaways

• Fixatives (base notes) allow blends to last longer by slowing evaporation

• Common fixatives: vetiver, patchouli, cedarwood, frankincense

• Use 1 to 2 drops of fixative for every 6 to 9 drops of lighter oils

• Let blends mature for 24–48 hours for the best results

A Final Thought

As you experiment with fixatives this fall, do not be afraid to start small and see what happens. The goal is balance: your base notes should support the lighter notes without overpowering them. Allow your blends to rest for 24–48 hours to fully develop. Some of my favorite blends have come from happy accidents when I was learning how these oils interact. Your home will smell amazing, and you will discover just how much depth and complexity a simple fixative can add to your seasonal aromatherapy fun.