Seamus Hammond
Perfume does expire, and when it does, it can smell different and look different. While some expired perfumes smell faded, sour, or musty, others have been described as smelling like vinegar, nail polish remover, or even urine. The change in smell is due to the degradation of the perfume's chemical composition, which can be accelerated by certain storage conditions. To increase the lifespan of your perfume, it is recommended to store it in a cool, dark, and dry place.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Does perfume go rancid? | Yes, perfume can go rancid and expire. |
| How does rancid perfume smell? | Rancid perfume can smell like vinegar, nail polish remover, rotten citrus fruits, alcohol, or sour/acidic notes. |
| How long does perfume last? | Depending on the quality and storage, perfume can last between one and ten years. High-end perfumes can last even longer. |
| How to identify if perfume has gone bad? | Check for changes in colour, scent, and concentration. |
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What You'll Learn
How to tell if your perfume has gone rancid
Perfumes do not have a hard-and-fast expiration date. Some will begin to expire in less than a year, while others will last upwards of 10 years. However, it is crucial to regularly check your perfumes for signs of expiry to ensure a delightful olfactory experience.
- Check the scent: The most obvious way to tell if your perfume has gone bad is to test its scent. If your perfume smells of vinegar, dusty or rotten vegetables, rotten citrus fruits, or there is a significant change in the concentration of the original scent, it might have expired. Some perfumes may contain vegetable oils which are known to expire over time. Scents containing no fat (like essential oils) are considered the longest-lasting perfumes.
- Check the colour: Observe the colour of the liquid. If it is darker, more opaque, or amber in colour than when you bought it, it may have expired.
- Check the consistency: Discoloration, a thicker or watery texture, or a change in consistency could be a sign that your perfume has gone bad.
- Check the volume: Over time, scents with large alcohol concentrations may evaporate. An expired perfume will often have less perfume in the bottle than it did the last time you checked it.
- Check the batch code: All original, branded perfumes should have their own batch code, which specifies when and where a perfume was produced. These can be used to identify a bad batch of perfume. The batch code usually consists of three to 12 numbers and may include letters. For example, the batch code for Chanel is 5002, and for Christian Dior, it is 1N03.
- Check the expiration date: Many perfumes will have some sort of expiration date on their packaging, which can come in the form of a batch code or a PAO (Period After Opening) number. These are typically found on the bottom of the perfume or printed on the box it comes in.
If your perfume has gone rancid, applying it could result in an unpleasant smell, skin irritations, or—in extreme cases—an allergic reaction.
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Why oxygen is the enemy of perfume
Perfumes are made up of a blend of essential oils, aroma compounds, and solvents, and their chemical composition is incredibly complex and sensitive. Oxygen is the "natural enemy" of perfume, according to French perfumer Francis Kurkdjian. This is because oxygen breaks down the scent's molecules, altering its composition.
The process by which oxygen affects perfume is known as oxidation, which can lead to a change in scent, resulting in a less pleasant or even rancid aroma. Oxidation occurs when oxygen enters the bottle, usually when the perfume is sprayed, and interacts with the fragrance. Over time, oxygen will continue to enter the bottle and interact with the fragrance, gradually altering its composition. This is why perfume that is only partially used or left on a shelf will go bad over time.
To prevent oxidation, it is important to store perfume in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and temperature fluctuations. Keeping the cap tightly secured when not in use also helps to prevent oxygen from entering the bottle and interacting with the fragrance. Additionally, it is recommended to use older perfumes first, as they have a shelf life and can deteriorate over time.
Some signs that a perfume has gone bad include a change in scent, such as a vinegar or celery smell, a significant change in concentration, or a darker colour. Applying expired perfume can result in an unpleasant smell, skin irritations, or even allergic reactions. Therefore, it is important to test older perfumes before use and store them properly to prevent oxidation and maintain their freshness.
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How to store perfume to extend its lifespan
Perfumes can indeed go rancid and start smelling like urine, vinegar, nail polish remover, or rotten oranges, among other unpleasant scents. To prevent this from happening and extend the lifespan of your perfumes, follow these storage tips:
Avoid the bathroom and kitchen
Exposure to steam, heat, and humidity from the shower, bath, or sink can cause oxidation and chemical reactions that alter the scent of your perfume. Therefore, it is best to avoid storing your perfumes in the bathroom or kitchen.
Store in a cool, dry, and dark place
The ideal storage condition for perfumes is a cool, dry, and dark place, such as a closet, cabinet, or wardrobe. Avoid direct sunlight and fluorescent lighting, as exposure to light can cause the fragrance structures to break down.
Keep the bottle closed
Once you have opened and used your perfume, keep the bottle closed until you are ready to use it again. Opening the bottle to test the scent or for any other reason can initiate the oxidation process, reducing the lifespan of your perfume.
Store upright and avoid shaking
Store your perfume bottles upright to prevent leaks and maintain the integrity of the fragrance. Avoid shaking the bottle to maximise the scent, as this can cause oxidation due to the formation of bubbles, potentially ruining chemical bonds and diluting delicate hints in the perfume.
Let it breathe
While you should keep the bottle closed, it is also important to let your perfume breathe. Hold the bottle at a slight angle so that the scent can seep into the air. This will help extend the lifespan of your perfume.
Avoid transferring to decorative bottles
While it may be tempting to transfer your perfume from its original bottle to a decorative one, this can cause the scent to sour. This is because decorative bottles have not been designed with fragrance preservation in mind.
Other tips
- Consider storing your perfumes in the refrigerator to extend their lifespan, ensuring they are tightly sealed and placed in a separate container to prevent food odours from seeping in.
- Purchase smaller bottles to enjoy the fragrance while it is at its best if you switch between perfumes frequently.
- Label your perfume bottles with the date of purchase to keep track of their shelf life.
- Avoid touching the nozzle to your skin or clothing when applying perfume to prevent contamination and maintain the fragrance's purity.
- Clean the nozzle periodically with a soft cloth or tissue to prevent clogs and ensure a smooth, even application.
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Perfumes that are more prone to going rancid
Perfumes can indeed go rancid and start to smell unpleasant. However, it is rare for them to smell like urine. The most common signs of perfume deterioration are changes in scent, colour, residue or sediment formation, and spraying irregularities.
Some perfumes are more prone to going rancid than others, and this is influenced by various factors, including the quality of the perfume, its scent family, and how it is stored. For example, perfumes with vegetable oils are known to expire over time, whereas those without fat, such as essential oils, tend to have a longer lifespan.
Additionally, improper storage can accelerate perfume deterioration. Exposure to extreme temperatures, humidity, and direct sunlight can all negatively impact a perfume's shelf life. Therefore, it is recommended to store perfumes in a cool, dry, and dark place, away from direct sunlight or extreme heat sources like radiators.
Some specific perfume brands that users have reported going rancid include Sucreabeille, Darling Clandestine, and Van Cleef & Arpels Collection Extraordinaire Orchidee Vanille. However, it is important to note that some people may be more sensitive to scent changes than others, and skin chemistry can also play a role in how a perfume smells and wears over time.
To prolong the life of your perfumes, it is advisable to rotate your collection, store them properly, and pay attention to signs of deterioration, such as changes in scent, colour, or residue formation.
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What to do with rancid perfume
Perfumes can indeed go rancid and expire. This can be due to a variety of factors, such as the quality, scent family, and storage methods. While some perfumes can last upwards of 10 years, others may expire in less than a year.
If you have a bottle of perfume that has gone rancid, there are several things you can do:
Test the perfume
Firstly, it is important to confirm that the perfume has indeed gone rancid. Check for any changes in scent, appearance, and concentration from when you first bought it. If the perfume smells of vinegar, alcohol, or nail polish remover, or if it has a significantly different scent or colour, it has likely expired.
Reach out to the seller
If you believe you have received a rancid bottle of perfume, especially if it is a new purchase, consider reaching out to the seller. They may be able to offer a replacement or an explanation. It is helpful to provide detailed information about the issue, including how the perfume smells and how long you have had it.
Dispose of the perfume safely
If the perfume is confirmed rancid, it is best to dispose of it safely. Do not pour it down the drain or into the trash as it may be harmful to the environment. Instead, look for hazardous waste disposal facilities or recycling programs in your area that can handle expired perfumes. Some communities have specific drop-off locations or events for hazardous waste.
Reuse or recycle the bottle
After disposing of the rancid perfume, you may choose to reuse or recycle the bottle. Some people like to keep the bottles as collectibles or for memory's sake, especially if they are from well-known brands or have unique designs. Others may opt to sell the empty bottles online or give them away to friends or charities. If you decide to recycle the bottle, ensure that it is thoroughly cleaned and dried before placing it in the recycling bin.
Store remaining perfumes properly
To prevent future issues with rancid perfume, it is essential to store your remaining perfumes properly. Keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Ensure the caps are tightly secured to prevent leakage and minimise air exposure. Additionally, consider purchasing smaller bottles to reduce the risk of waste if the perfume does expire.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, perfume can go rancid. The oxidation of a perfume can cause it to smell sour, acidic, or metallic.
Rancid perfume can smell like rotten oranges, old dusty wood, vinegar, nail polish remover, or even urine.
Most perfumes will last between three to five years if stored properly. However, high-end fragrances can last over ten years, and some can even last decades.
