Anisha Riggs
Many perfumes turn yellow with age due to oxidation and light exposure. This is a natural process and does not necessarily indicate that the perfume has gone bad. Natural ingredients in perfumes are unstable, and their molecules break down and evaporate over time, leading to changes in colour and scent. UV light can break down the chemical bonds in aromatic compounds, causing degradation and discolouration. Prolonged light exposure can also lead to accelerated oxidation and other chemical reactions that alter the perfume's colour. Additionally, exposure to heat can accelerate these chemical reactions. While discolouration may be concerning, it is important to judge a perfume by its ingredient list and certifications rather than its appearance.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Colour change | Perfumes may change colour, usually turning yellow or brown, due to oxidation and exposure to light and temperature variations. |
| Effect on scent | Colour change does not always affect the scent. Some perfumes may smell stronger or muskier, while others may lose their scent or smell unpleasant. |
| Ingredient susceptibility | Natural ingredients such as vanilla, vanillin, heliotropin, coumarin, citrus oils, and jasmine are more prone to oxidation and colour change. |
| Storage recommendations | Store perfumes in a cool, dark place, preferably in dark or opaque bottles, to minimise exposure to light and slow down oxidation. |
| Preservatives | Perfumes that do not change colour may contain strong preservatives and chemical stabilisers, such as phthalates, which can affect hormones and overall health. |
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What You'll Learn
Colour change doesn't necessarily indicate spoilage
Oxidation is one of the primary reasons for colour change in perfumes. Oxidation occurs when compounds in the perfume come into contact with oxygen, either from the air or from the empty space in a bottle as the perfume runs down. Oxidation can also be accelerated by exposure to UV light, which breaks down the chemical bonds in the aromatic compounds, resulting in degradation and colour change. Prolonged light exposure can also cause other chemical reactions that alter the perfume's colour. Additionally, exposure to heat can accelerate these chemical reactions caused by light and oxidation.
Certain ingredients, such as vanillin and citrus oils, are more prone to oxidation and colour change. For example, perfumes with vanilla notes often get darker over time, turning from clear to brown or amber. Blue or violet colourants may also turn brown or yellow. However, this darkening does not necessarily affect the scent and can even make the fragrance deeper and stronger.
Therefore, it is important to judge a perfume by its ingredient list and certifications rather than its colour. If you want to slow down oxidation and colour change, it is recommended to store your perfume in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight, and in a well-sealed bottle to minimise exposure to oxygen.
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Oxidation and UV light exposure cause yellowing
It is common for perfumes to change colour over time, and this is usually due to oxidation and UV light exposure. Oxidation occurs when compounds in the perfume are exposed to oxygen in the air, resulting in a chemical reaction that changes the structure of the compound. Oxidation rates increase over time and with usage, as more air is introduced into the bottle. Common aromatic compounds used in perfumes, such as vanillin and citrus oils, are particularly prone to oxidation and will cause the perfume to get darker or lighter.
UV light exposure can also break down the chemical bonds in the aromatic compounds, leading to degradation and colour change. Prolonged light exposure can further accelerate oxidation and other chemical reactions that alter the perfume's colour. This is why many perfume brands use dark or opaque bottles and recommend storing perfumes in a dark space to minimise light exposure.
Heat exposure can also accelerate the chemical reactions caused by light and oxidation, and it may also alter the scent of the perfume. Therefore, it is generally recommended to keep perfumes in a cool, dark place to preserve their colour and scent for longer.
While colour changes can be concerning, they do not necessarily indicate that the perfume is spoiled or unsafe to use. It is common for natural ingredients in fragrances to change colour over time, and these colour variations can even occur during the production process. In some cases, the aged versions of perfumes with colour changes may be preferred, as the fragrances can become deeper and richer.
However, it is important to note that the scent of the perfume can also provide insight into whether it has turned bad. If the perfume smells like alcohol, stewed celery, mustiness, or general unpleasantness, then it has likely gone off.
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Some perfumes are more prone to yellowing
It is common for perfumes to change colour over time, and this does not necessarily indicate that the perfume has gone bad. However, some perfumes are more prone to yellowing than others.
Perfumes that contain vanilla notes, for example, are known to get darker over time. This includes fragrances such as Pink Sugar, Cozy Sugar, Kayali Vanilla, and Love Don't Be Shy. The vanilla in these perfumes can turn from a clear brown sugar colour to a darker brown or amber shade. This ageing process is often considered desirable, resulting in a deeper and richer fragrance.
Citrus-based perfumes are also prone to discolouration. The citrus notes can break down over time, causing the perfume to turn brown or yellow. However, this does not always indicate a change in the scent, and the perfume may still be usable.
Additionally, blue or violet fragrances are particularly noticeable when they turn yellow or brown. Examples include Angel and Hypnose, which can change colour without a noticeable difference in scent.
While discolouration can be concerning, it is important to judge a perfume by its ingredient list and certifications rather than its appearance. Natural ingredients in perfumes are unstable and can change colour over time, especially when exposed to variations in sunlight or temperature. Storing perfumes in a cool, dark place can help slow down the oxidation process and preserve their original colour and scent.
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The scent of old perfumes may change
While the colour of a perfume may change over time, this does not necessarily indicate that the scent has changed. Many fragrances contain natural ingredients that are unstable and highly volatile, meaning that their molecules are breaking down and evaporating, creating a scent. As a result, these perfumes may get darker or lighter, especially when exposed to variations in sunlight, temperature, or oxygen. For example, common aromatic compounds such as vanillin, heliotropin, coumarin, and citrus oils are prone to oxidation and will darken over time. This process is accelerated by UV light, which breaks down the chemical bonds in the aromatic compound, resulting in degradation and colour change.
However, some fragrances may also contain strong preservatives and chemical stabilisers to extend their shelf life, which can prevent colour changes. These additives are often not listed on the label and can be hidden under the "fragrance" umbrella. Thus, a perfume that has not changed colour over time may be a red flag, indicating the presence of these chemicals.
Ultimately, the best way to determine if a perfume has turned is to smell it. If it smells good, it is likely still safe to use, regardless of any colour changes. However, if it smells like alcohol, stewed celery, mustiness, or general unpleasantness, then it has likely gone off.
To slow down oxidation and colour change, it is recommended to store perfumes in a cool, dark place, minimising their exposure to light, heat, and oxygen.
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Store perfumes in a cool, dark place
While the colour of a perfume may change with age, this does not necessarily indicate that it has turned bad. For example, pink fragrances often turn yellow with age, but this colour change does not affect the scent and may even help the perfume last longer. Similarly, vanilla-based perfumes tend to get darker over time, but some people prefer the deeper and richer scent that results from this ageing process.
However, to prevent perfumes from turning bad, it is important to store them in a cool, dark place. Light, especially direct sunlight, can break down the chemical structure of perfumes, leading to changes in both scent and colour. UV rays are particularly harmful and can degrade fragrance compounds. Therefore, it is recommended to store perfumes in lightproof containers, such as dark glass bottles, and to keep them away from direct sunlight and other sources of light.
The ideal storage location for perfumes is a cool, dry, and dark place with a consistent temperature, such as a bedroom drawer, a cupboard, or a closet. It is important to avoid places where the temperature fluctuates frequently, such as near windows, radiators, or in the bathroom, as these can affect the fragrance balance. Storing perfumes in their original boxes can also help prolong their life.
By following these simple guidelines, you can keep your perfumes smelling fresh for years to come!
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is common for perfumes to change colour over time, including turning yellow.
The discolouration is caused by oxidation and light exposure. UV light breaks down the chemical bonds in the aromatic compounds, resulting in degradation and discolouration.
The colour change does not mean that the perfume has gone bad. It is safe to use unless the smell is off. However, prolonged light exposure can result in other chemical reactions that could alter the perfume's scent, which is more undesirable than the colour change.
To slow down oxidation and colour change, it is recommended to store perfume in a cool, dark place, away from sunlight and heat.
