Remember when you picked up your granny’s perfume that was 20 years old and still smelled exactly like her? This is no fluke, some perfumes can last a really long time. Archaeologists have found perfumes in Egyptian tombs that were hundreds of years old…and still had a fragrant aroma!
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So, does perfume expire?
The short answer is yes — but don’t throw anything away too hastily — perfumes can last longer than you think! That said, perfumes can slowly lose sparkle over time but don’t worry, we’ve listed the signs to look out for and the top tips to make your scents stand the test of time.
Factors that influence a perfume’s expiry date
If you love having a range of fragrances on rotation, here are the most important factors to consider to ensure you get the most out of your perfume collection.
1. Hitting the right chemistry
Perfumes aren’t associated with romance for no reason! The chemistry or chemical composition of a fragrance plays a crucial role in how long a fragrance will last. Perfumes are typically made up of 70 to 90% alcohol mixed with perfume oil — and the percentage of alcohol used has a significant impact on the shelf life of a scent. A quick rule of thumb: the higher the alcohol content, the longer your perfume will last.
Also, keep in mind that some perfume ingredients simply last longer than others. Base notes like amber, leather, woods, and vanilla are structurally more stable and will outlast lighter, aromatic, and citrusy notes that are more volatile and sensitive to oxidation.
Another factor that influences a scent’s shelf life is the use of synthetic or natural ingredients. Usually, synthetic molecules are more stable than their natural counterparts, but this can change depending on how the fragrance is formulated and other preservatives present.
2. No time for a breather
Oxygen is not always a good thing. Why? Because: oxidation. As mentioned, alcohol content has a big impact on the shelf life of a fragrance. This is one of the primary reasons alcohol is so commonly used in perfumery: it is extremely effective at keeping oxidation at bay. Once you start using a fragrance, more and more oxygen enters the bottle, accelerating the oxidation process. A formula with a high alcohol percentage will preserve your perfume and slow down the oxidation process.
3. Keeping things cool
How you store your perfume collection matters! Oxygen and light are the biggest culprits when it comes to shortening your perfume’s lifespan. The best bet is to keep your collection out of direct sunlight, as UV rays break down the chemicals in the formula. A cool, dry place like a cupboard or drawer makes great storage, ensuring a long and happy perfume life.
The ideal storage temperature for perfumes is around 52 degrees Fahrenheit, so if you live in humid conditions, the fridge may be the best place to safeguard your perfumes from humidity and slow the evaporation rate. If you collect perfumes and you’re not planning to use them soon, keep them in their original packaging — closed and sealed — this will further protect your fragrances from oxidation.
Has my perfume expired?
Here are some signs that your perfume may not be in top condition:
Changes in the composition
As your perfume ages, look for any changes in the smell, color, and composition. Sometimes, you may find that a fragrance has changed slightly over time, but if you still like it, spray away! You may only be left with the base notes, which isn’t always a bad thing. If, however, a scent starts to have a vinegar or metallic-like smell, it is time to bin it.
Other signs your fragrance may be past its sell-by date are changes in color and consistency. Also; while skin irritations from expired scents are rare, this is another sure sign that it is game over for your fragrance.
The expiration date
Most perfumes come with a Period After Opening (PAO) label; you’ll find it on the bottom of the box or bottle with the logo of an opened jar and a number. This will give you a precise indication of how many months your scent will be at its best after opening — but like we’ve said, good quality and well-cared-for fragrances can easily outlast their sell-by dates.
Perfumes with lasting power
Build your fragrance wardrobe with high-quality perfumes that will outlast their shelf life. Here are three trusted favorites we recommend for your long-lasting scent collection.
1. Gucci Bloom EDP
Gucci formulates their perfumes with cutting-edge ingredients to create expertly crafted fragrances. Gucci Bloom EDP delivers on the brand’s luxurious image with top-class florals like jasmine, tuberose, and Rangoon creeper that are blended to perfection. Add Gucci Bloom EDP to your scent collection and savor the opulent aromas for years to come! Try Gucci Bloom EDP NOW!
2. Tom Ford Black Orchid EDP
Tom Ford fragrances are timeless in their appeal and shelf life. Few perfumes symbolize the designer’s enduring allure quite like his first fragrance, Black Orchid EDP. The scent makes an impact with notes of black truffle, dark chocolate, patchouli, and vetiver. The unique fragrance formula revolutionized the industry with its exotic composition — but it also sets itself apart by delivering a long shelf life with many happy spritzes. Try Tom Ford Black Orchid EDP NOW!
3. Prada La Femme EDP
Prada La Femme EDP makes an impact with its high-quality, inviting florals. Not only do the florals last all day…but the fragrance will also outlast its shelf-life. Prada La Femme EDP enfolds you in statement-making aromas like frangipani, ylang-ylang, vanilla, and tuberose — ensuring you will smell amazing for years to come…if you can keep yourself from finishing the bottle! Try Prada La Femme EDP NOW!
* Now that you know the answer to “Does perfume expire”, discover how you can smell good ALL the time, or learn how to neutralize an aroma you don’t like.
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