Seamus Hammond
Yes, cologne can turn funky if it's old. Scent is extremely volatile, and something as simple as storing it in a steamy bathroom can cause it to turn. Heat, humidity, and light will break down cologne faster than anything else, usually making the top notes mustier and changing the composition of the scent through oxidation. Cologne can last up to five years if stored properly, but it's probably time to say goodbye if it's been longer than that. You'll know it's turned if it changes colour (usually getting darker), smells sour, or if you need to apply more to achieve the desired strength.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Average lifespan | 3-5 years |
| Colour | Darker |
| Scent | Faded, sour, musty, like old body spray, like rotten fruit, like celery, like alcohol, like vinegar, like stale water, like parsley, like steamed vegetables, like acetone, like hairspray, like nail polish remover, like rancid oil, like coriander, like cilantro, like rotten lemons or oranges, like metallic, like old wood |
| Other signs | Need to apply more to achieve the same effect |
What You'll Learn
Cologne can turn funky if stored in a hot, steamy bathroom
The best way to prevent cologne from going bad is to keep it in a cool, dry, and dark place. Keep the cap on and store the bottle in its box, only taking it out when you intend to use it. Avoid storing cologne in the bathroom, as the humidity can speed up its expiration.
In addition to proper storage, it is also important to consider the size of the bottle. Fragrances will oxidize and smell off if there is too much empty space in the bottle. Therefore, it is better to buy a smaller bottle and repurchase it when needed.
By following these simple tips, you can help prolong the life of your cologne and ensure that it maintains its intended scent.
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It's turned if it's been there since high school
If your cologne has been sitting in your cabinet since high school, it's probably time to say goodbye. Stored properly, cologne can last about five years, sometimes less. You'll know it's turned when it changes colour (usually getting darker), when it smells sour, or when you need to apply more to achieve the same level of scent.
If your cologne has turned, it might smell like rotten oranges or old wood, or even like celery, steamed vegetables, or parsley. It might also smell like pure alcohol, hairspray, or nail polish remover.
To prevent your cologne from going bad, keep it in a cool, dry, and dark place. Don't store it in the bathroom, as humidity can speed up its expiration. Keep it in its box, and take the bottle out only when you intend to use it.
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It's been exposed to oxygen
As soon as you open a new bottle of cologne and expose it to oxygen, the countdown to its expiration begins. Oxygen in the air can alter the fragrance's molecules, causing the scent to turn sour. This process is called oxidation, and it can affect both the scent and the colour of the cologne.
How to Prevent Oxidation
To slow down the oxidation process and extend the lifespan of your cologne, store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or heat sources. The original box is a good option, or you could keep it in a drawer. Avoid storing it in steamy bathrooms, as heat and humidity will speed up the breakdown of the fragrance.
Most colognes will last for two to five years with proper storage. However, some fragrances can last for up to 10 years or more. To determine if your cologne has expired, pay attention to any changes in colour, scent, or volume. If the cologne appears darker, smells weaker or different, or there is less liquid in the bottle, it's probably time to replace it.
The Bottom Line
If your cologne has been exposed to oxygen, it will eventually expire and turn funky. Proper storage can delay this process, but eventually, you will need to part with your favourite scent and find a new one.
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It's been mixed with other scents
If your cologne has been mixed with other scents, it can definitely turn funky. The top notes of a cologne are the most fragile, and when combined with other scents, they can break down and change the composition of the original cologne. This is especially true if you mix cologne with strongly scented products like body wash, deodorant, or lotion. The result can be an unpleasant combination of scents that didn't exist in the original cologne.
To avoid this, it's best to streamline your scented products. Try to use unscented versions of products like body wash, deodorant, and lotion, or opt for products that are infused with the same scent as your cologne. This way, you avoid any potential clashes that could result in a funky smell.
Additionally, the quality of the cologne and its storage conditions can also impact its scent when mixed with other fragrances. Lower-quality colognes or those that are stored improperly, such as in a hot and humid bathroom, are more likely to break down and react unpredictably when mixed with other scents.
Furthermore, skin chemistry can also play a role in how cologne reacts when mixed with other scents. Factors such as stress, diet, medication, and age can subtly change the way cologne smells on your skin. This means that even if a particular combination of cologne and another scent worked well for someone else, it might not yield the same pleasant results for you.
In conclusion, mixing cologne with other scents can indeed cause it to turn funky. To avoid this, it's best to streamline your scented products, opt for higher-quality colognes, store them properly, and be mindful of how your unique skin chemistry might impact the final scent.
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It's not suited to the season
Colognes are designed with the season in mind. A heavy, musky winter fragrance might be too intense for a hot summer's day, while a light, zesty summer cologne might be overpowered by the rich, spicy scents of winter.
It's not just about the temperature outside, either. The time of year can affect your skin's chemistry, too. Stress, diet, medication, and age can all impact how a scent interacts with your skin. So, a cologne that worked for you in the past might not be suitable anymore.
The solution? Keep at least two colognes in rotation so you can adapt to the changing seasons and your skin's needs.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, cologne can turn funky if it's old.
Depending on the quality of ingredients and storage methods, most colognes remain potent for three to five years.
The first thing you’ll notice is that the colour gets a little weird-looking — it may look like old beer instead of a glass of champagne. The biggest sign, however, is the scent: It can smell faded, a little sour, or musty.
Old cologne can smell like rotten oranges, metallic, or rancid oil. It can also smell like steamed vegetables, parsley, celery, hairspray, nail polish remover, or acetone.
Keep your cologne in a cool, dry, and dark place. Keep the cap on in the box, and take out the bottle when you intend to spritz.
