All You Need to Know About the Shelf Life of Perfume

 

Have you kept a perfume with you for several years and noticed its potency has reduced? Or maybe it started to smell off with time? If so, these are the signs of a perfume surpassing its shelf life. Now you may be wondering – does perfume expire? Yes, they do. However, there are certain things to keep in mind to enhance its shelf life or lifespan. The quality of perfume and how it’s stored have a huge impact on making a perfume last longer.

In this article, we cover everything you need to know about perfume expiration and how to make it last longer.

Does Perfume Expire?

Well, by now, you know that perfumes can expire or go bad. However, their longevity often depends on the perfume’s chemical composition. Most perfumes, particularly from reputed brands like Marc Jacobs, Chanel, etc., don’t come with a hard-and-fast expiry date. However, in general, some perfumes can expire within a year, whereas others last for up to 10 years.

Typically, three to five years is the average shelf life of perfumes.

As per experts, fragrances for men and women with heavier bases are likely to last longer. Some people even compare perfumes with fine wine, as they notice perfumes getting better with age. Some examples of perfumes with heavier base notes are those with amber and patchouli.

On the other hand, perfumes with lighter base notes are more volatile. For instance, fragrances with floral, citrus, and green apple base notes don’t last much longer.

How to Store Perfume to Make it Last Longer

Here are a few tips to keep in mind to make your perfumes last longer:

1. Keep Perfume Away From Light:

While it may look nice to store your perfume on a window sill, it is the worst place to keep a fragrance. To preserve its integrity, never keep perfume on a window sill. For, light can get into the bottle and break down its molecules and make its composition prone to oxidation and unstable.

2. Store Perfume Away From Humidity and Heat:

Heat also tends to break down the molecules of perfume and alter its chemical composition. Experts suggest keeping perfumes below 15 degrees Celsius. Also, try not to keep perfumes in a bathroom, as the place is humid and not good for perfume storage.

3. Use a Perfume Bottle Unless It’s Empty:

When half empty, there is a higher risk of oxygen altering the composition of fragrances. If you have a huge perfume collection, make sure to first use the lowest juice bottles and then use the full ones. It will ensure that half-empty bottles are not at risk of alteration.

4. Store Perfumes in a Cool Place:

It is best to keep your fragrances in a cool place like a fridge. However, experts recommend wrapping perfume bottles in aluminum foil before putting them in a fridge. Or simply keep it in a freezer. Since perfume includes alcohol, it won’t freeze. Moreover, it will stay refreshing at such a cool temperature.

How Long Can Perfume Last if Unopened?

Many people have this question in mind, as a perfume bottle comes with no expiration date. So, it’s hard to tell. But as per Givaudan perfumer Jacques Huclier, who is behind the formation of many perfumes for brands like Hugo Boss, Gucci and Thierry Mugler, a perfume’s unopened bottle may last for many years depending on how you store it.

Another best way to make a perfume last longer is to finish one bottle first before starting another one. It will preserve the shelf life of the unopened perfume bottle. So, you can keep it in your wardrobe for as long as you want.

Are Expired Perfumes Safe to Use?

It depends. Experts say that some oxidization products could irritate your skin. And, some old perfumes can even start staining your clothes. Therefore, it is best to do a patch test on your wrist. It checks whether or not your skin reacts to a perfume within 24 hours. You can apply it cautiously at your risk. 

If a perfume starts irritating your skin, do not apply it directly to your skin. Instead, use it to scent the clothes only. For instance, use it to scent a scarf, trousers, inside hem of a skirt or handkerchief. Hence, it is easier to use an expired perfume without harming your skin.

Final Notes

Taking good care of perfumes for women and men is crucial to maintaining their longevity. Moreover, with proper storage of perfumes, you get the most out of your scent. Also, avoid rubbing fragrances on pulse points, as body heat can also evaporate some notes from it. It is best to apply perfumes on damp, moist skin to lock the scent within the skin for a long duration.