When you find a fragrance you love, you’ll want to do whatever it takes to keep it alive. But figuring out how long your favorite perfume lasts before you need to throw it away can be tricky. Certain behaviors can alter the chemical composition of a perfume, making it expire faster. Next, this article will detail how to tell when a perfume has expired. In addition, we have shared some tips on how to extend the shelf life of your perfume.
Does Perfume Expire?
Yes, perfumes do expire, but the expiration time depends on several factors, such as the ingredient and the time it was opened. Most perfume makers will recommend throwing away the bottle after one to three years (checking the label), but since perfume doesn’t expire like food, it is sometimes possible to continue using the bottle for four or even five years.
The intensity of the perfume does not wane, but the smell tends to become oxidative, sour, sometimes acidic or metallic, or plastic. In other words, too much oxygen inside a perfume bottle can change the molecules of the perfume, which can affect the overall smell.
Oxidation can come from top notes, such as citrus, dangerous fragrances, or from the drying of the perfume. Different formulations are more susceptible to oxidation, which is why some perfumes have a longer shelf life than others. It is important to note that chypre perfumes with a high concentration of patchouli tend to compromise the persistence of the fragrance.
You can store citrus perfumes in the fridge to help slow this out. Because the more oxygen on the juice, the faster the perfume oxidizes, so it’s a bad idea to keep every last drop of your favorite perfume. Once the bottle is mostly filled with air, it can be poured into the travel spray.
How to Tell if Your Perfume Has Expired
The smell of the foreincense usually changes noticeably (this is usually where the first change is), and the color of the liquid may also change. Most perfumes have a yellowish color (the color of the oil), and when it goes bad, it turns a dark brown.
The longest-lasting aromatic hydrocarbons are highly chemically stable. Even after three years, woody, amber and leathery notes are fairly stable.
Perfumes with a high alcohol content tend to have the longest shelf life because alcohol prevents oxidation of aromatic molecules. You might think that alcohol is an ingredient to avoid in beauty products, but when it comes to perfumes, it’s the opposite. Alcohol is a key preservative for the integrity of perfumery. These are usually colognes or eau de toilettes with an alcohol content of 90%. The lower the concentration, the longer the lifespan. Perfumes typically contain 70 to 90 percent alcohol, which provides preservative support.
- Tip: Clean and alcohol-free perfumes, oil-based perfumes, and perfumes with patchouli or citrus notes tend to expire (or lose their fragrance) the fastest.
The role of alcohol is crucial and has been used as a preservative in perfumes since ancient times. When the Venetians started trading ‘Made in Italy’ perfumes in Europe, they invented [the technology]. Their scents have new long-lasting properties, unlike previous perfumes made with oils. The rest of the fragrance formula is a concentrate made up of dozens of different ingredients, natural or synthetic molecules, to which we add stabilizers and some UV filters to further maximize the longevity and stability of the fragrance.
Although pure perfumes are appealing to those looking for a non-toxic beauty routine, these types of perfumes tend to lose their intensity quickly. If the perfume does not contain alcohol as a preservative, it will have a shorter shelf life. Natural molecules are generally less stable than synthetic molecules. It’s up to you to decide what’s important to you in a perfume, and be aware that not all pure perfumes are created equal.
How to Make Your Perfume Last Longer
- Keep perfume out of the light: While it may seem lovely to have a perfume bottle on a windowsill, this is the worst place to store your perfume if you want to maintain the integrity of your perfume. Light breaks down the molecules of spices, making their components unstable and prone to oxidation.
- Keep perfumes away from heat (and moisture): heat can also break down fragrance molecules and change their chemical composition. It is recommended that you keep the perfume temperature below 15 degrees Celsius or 59 degrees Fahrenheit. Also avoid storing perfume in the bathroom.
- Continue using it until the bottle is empty: When the bottle is half empty, the oxygen inside increases the risk of spoilage. If you have a rich perfume wardrobe, rotate your collection so that the bottom juice bottle runs out first, and the rest should be kept in a cupboard or drawer.
- Store in a cool place: To keep the perfume at the ideal temperature, a refrigerator is a good option. But if the whole family keeps opening the door and constantly lighting up the inside, then the fridge is not a perfect place. You can wrap the perfume in aluminum foil or, better yet, try freezing. The perfume contains alcohol, so it doesn’t freeze and feels refreshing at lower temperatures.
How Long Does an Unopened Perfume Last?
Unopened bottles can last for years (from a few years to decades) when stored in a cool, dark, dry place, depending on the perfume and storage conditions. Beware of the ‘vintage’ finds, because by the time you get it, the top notes are usually gone. Once you’ve used the bottle, use it, otherwise throw it away.
- Tip: An opened bottle of perfume can last anywhere from three months to three years, depending on the structure and packaging of the scent, and of course, how it is stored when used.
Is It Safe to Use Expired Perfume?
All in all, it depends on the situation. Some oxidation products may irritate the skin, while some perfumes may start to leave stains on clothing. Be sure to do a patch test on the inside of your wrist and other places to check, and if there is no response within 24 hours, use it with caution and at your own risk. When applied to the skin, the broken down compounds may cause allergic reactions in direct contact. If the juice doesn’t stain the fabric, but you’re still not sure if to apply it to your skin, try using it to fragrance your clothes. Scarves, handkerchiefs, skirts or trousers are all great ways to spray perfume,
At Last
Taking good care of your perfume is essential to maintain its longevity. In addition, the correct use of perfume can maximize the fragrance. Avoid rubbing perfume on the pulse as body temperature will evaporate some of the fragrance. Instead, apply to damp skin to lock in the fragrance as you taste each drop.
