Does Fragrance Expire?

Do fragrances have an expiration date? Can a scent truly withstand the test of time, or is it destined to fade away? Let's unravel the mysteries behind fragrance longevity and find out if your beloved perfumes have a shelf life.

CONTENTS

Does perfume go bad?
How do I know if my perfume has gone off?
How long does unopened perfume last?
How to preserve your fragrance
Can I stop my perfume from expiring?
Can a perfume improve with age?

Does perfume go bad?

Fragrances do not expire or go bad in the same way that perishable goods such as food or drink might. Most perfumes have a shelf life of approximately 3 to 5 years, however this isn’t a strict rule as, when stored correctly, some can last for decades. It is common for perfumes to deteriorate over time, as different ingredients behave differently, but so long as the scent smells good, it is perfectly usable.

You may find that the top notes of your perfume become duller over time, as the more volatile ingredients such as citrus fruits or light floral ingredients tend to degrade faster than rich base notes such as Oud or Vanilla.

Remember that each scent is composed differently and a perfume's composition can strongly affect its lifespan.

How do I know if my perfume has gone off?

SMELL IT

Although fragrances may not have a clear-cut expiration date, there are signs that indicate they might be past their prime. The most obvious way to know if a perfume has gone off is to smell it. An expired perfume will often have a vinegary or even rancid quality. It will be noticeably different to the scent you first purchased.

LOOK AT THE COLOUR

A change in a perfume's colour may seems alarming but it not always a prerequisite to degradation. Many natural oils change colour when exposed to light and oxygen. This process is known as Oxidation; a chemical reaction which alters a substance's composition, affecting the organic compounds present in the perfume and resulting in a change of colour. It is sometimes very drastic, changing a perfume from near-colourless to very dark.

Oxidation is accelerated by light exposure, meaning your perfume could change colour quite quickly if regularly exposed to light. The good news is that a change in colour is only a problem if the scent has also changed, which it may not have. Some perfumes can undergo huge colour changes without the scent being affected at all, so whilst it's an effective warning sign it's always best to follow your nose.

LOOK AT THE VOLUME

Your perfume may be evaporating without you using it. A perfume with a higher concentration of alcohol may evaporate faster and damage to it's container, cap or atomiser may be exposing the scent to air, speeding up the evaporation process.

Leaving a perfume unopened may increase its shelf life as it prevents it from coming into contact with air, the main catalyst for a perfume's expiration. However every perfume, no matter how well constructed or stored, will eventually lose its original appearance and aroma.

How to preserve your fragrance

Whilst it won't last forever, there are a few good practises that will give your perfume the best shot at a long, happy life in your possession.

Storage

Keep your fragrances in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight and drastic temperature changes.

Keep the Cap On

Always ensure the bottle is as sealed as is possible, to reduce exposure to oxygen when not in use.

Avoid Heat

Refrain from storing your fragrances in hot areas, as high temperatures can speed up oxidation. Likewise it is best to avoid areas where the temperatures fluctuates regularly such as a bathroom.
Some people advise keeping your perfume in the fridge, however this will not necessarily increase the perfume's shelf life. In fact, it may do the opposite, as in order to use it, you have to bring it out into room temperature.

Can I stop my perfume from expiring?

Unfortunately, you cannot fully stop your perfume from expiring. Whilst you can delay degradation by choosing a good quality scent and storing it well, all perfumes have a finite lifespan.

Can a perfume improve with age?

You may have heard of the term 'maceration' which is the process of allowing fragrant oils to blend together and create a unified, complete scent. Perfume maceration is a crucial step in the perfume-making process where the mixed raw materials and essential oils are allowed to rest and blend over a period of time. This resting period can last from a few days to several months, depending on the complexity of the fragrance and the desired final scent.

Most fragrances aren't available to purchase until they have macerated to the perfumer's satisfaction, but in rare cases you may experience a very subtle shift in the scent profile as the perfume continues to mature over time.

During it's initial maceration, several chemical reactions occur. The molecules of different ingredients interact, which can result in subtle changes in the fragrance. Some components may become more pronounced, while others may mellow out. In some rare cases, this process continues after the product is made available for sale, resulting in a scent that subtly morphs as it ages.

Many perfume ingredients are prized for their ability to age over time. If your fragrance contains some such ingredients, aspects of your perfume may age like a fine wine.

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