Look For These Signs To Know If A Fragrance Has Gone Bad

Can perfume go bad?

We’re not the ones to beat around the lavender bush, so here’s the verdict: No matter how expensive or high-quality a fragrance is, yes, it still can go off. Three to five years is the average shelf life of a fragrance, but there are various factors that can prolong or shorten it significantly. 

Keep reading to learn more about fragrance expiration, and how to prolong the shelf life of your favorite scent.

Understand the fragrance composition and how it influences the fragrance expiration date

Fragrances are typically alcohol, water, or oil-based, consisting of top, middle, and base notes. In oil-based perfumes, the main carrier for the fragrance extracts are fractionated coconut, jojoba, apricot, and kernel, you’re guessing right, oils. When you remove the cap and spritz the fragrance for the first time, the scent comes in contact with air which can alter the molecules of the composition, and oxidize the oils and some of the fragrance notes. 

So, it’s safe to say that oil-based perfumes have a shorter shelf life when compared to alcohol-based perfumes. Usually, roll-on perfumes are oil-based. 

Yes, we know that alcohol in the beauty industry has gotten a bad rap and you want to avoid it, but in the fragrance industry and shelf life, is eau contraire. The higher the percentage of alcohol, the longer the fragrance will last. Here’s a quick read on how to understand different fragrance compositions: https://www.scentbird.com/blog/eau-de-parfum-eau-de-toilette-eau-de-cologne-myths-reality/

Some researchers conclude that specific fragrance notes such as citruses, aromatics, patchouli, and even florals have a shorter life span and are more susceptible to oxidizing than others. 

We’ll be covering the do’s and don’ts of proper storage later, however, it’s worth noting that the most renowned perfume experts are suggesting storing the citrus and chypre fragrances in the fridge, especially in the hottest months. 

On the same note, fragrance notes such as woody, especially oud and amber are more resilient to oxidation. 

Also, this is very important, as you use the fragrance and the bottle fills with air, it speeds up the oxidation process. If you have a favorite fragrance and you’re saving the few remaining drops, don’t. Either decant it to a travel spray vial or spend it. Life’s too short for saving fragrances for a special occasion.  

Storage matters

When kept in the right conditions, most things in life thrive, which rings true to fragrances as well. 

If you leave your perfume in direct sunlight or someplace warm, some of the compounds in your perfume will dissolve early, leaving you with a perfume that stinks. Badly. 

Make sure to keep your fragrances in a cool, dark area, ideally out of the bathroom. Light, heat, humidity, and fluctuations in temperature break down the fragrance, decreasing its lifespan. We recommend that you store them in the original box or the Scentbird atomizers after each use, then place them in a drawer or a wardrobe closet. 

Signs That It’s Time to Replace Your Fragrance

Can perfume go bad? Yes. Can you tell if it’s gone bad? Yes again. Trust us, if a perfume is off, you’ll notice it right upon the first spritz. It will smell sour, off, and different than what it normally smells like. You cannot miss this. If the perfume bottle is translucent and you see the liquid has changed its color, gotten yellowish or brown, that’s another sign that your perfume is off. 

The common belief that your perfume has expired when its longevity has decreased is in fact a myth. 

Can you still wear a fragrance after it has expired?

So you now know the answer to the question can perfume go bad, but you’re left with an even more puzzling one. There’s no straight answer here, so we’ll go with: It depends. Certain molecules may trigger an allergic reaction, so we advise that you do a patch test inside your wrists and wait for 24 hours. If the smell doesn’t bother you and you’re certain that you’re not having any reaction to it, wear it at your own risk. But it’s something we don’t recommend doing. 

Why Choose Scentbird?

With 600+ premium designer and niche fragrances to choose from, conveniently sized in 8 mL vials that last around 30 days, and stored in gorgeous atomizer cases, we think the risk of a perfume turning bad is pretty minimal. Plus, you’ll want to use up your scent before the next one comes in the mail, so we’ve lowered the risk even further. We’re good like that. 

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