Colognes In Cars: Do They Go Bad?

Many people like to keep a bottle of cologne in their car for a quick refresh on the go. However, the extreme temperatures, sunlight, and UV rays inside a car can negatively affect the quality of cologne. The high heat can cause the fragrance to evaporate, lose its original scent, or discolour, and in rare cases, the bottle may even explode. The ideal temperature for storing cologne is between 12°C and 22°C, while a car's temperature can reach up to 46°C on average and even exceed 93°C. Therefore, it is not recommended to store cologne in a car.

Heat, sunlight, and humidity can damage cologne in a car

The constant movement and shaking of a car allow air to mix inside the bottle, accelerating the breakdown of the scent and reducing its lifespan and quality. High humidity can also encourage the breakdown of fragrance compounds. These factors can cause the cologne to lose its top notes and smell dull or off, with a more pronounced alcohol or vinegar scent.

To prevent damage to cologne stored in a car, it is recommended to keep it in a cool, shaded place, such as a glove compartment or centre console. It is also important to properly seal the bottle between uses and to avoid leaving it in direct sunlight or near heat vents. Additionally, airing out the car regularly by driving with the windows down can help extend the life of the cologne.

Cologne evaporation can be prevented by proper sealing

Leaving cologne in a car is not recommended, as it can negatively affect its quality. Heat and direct sunlight can alter the formulation and colour of cologne, and a car can get extremely hot, especially during the summer months.

To prevent cologne evaporation, proper sealing is essential. Here are some tips to ensure your cologne remains sealed properly and retains its fragrance:

Minimise Oxygen Exposure:

Limit the exposure of your cologne to oxygen as much as possible. Always keep the bottle's cap tightly closed when not in use. If the cap is lost or damaged, find a substitute that closes tightly, or use plastic wrap to seal the nozzle. Spray bottles are preferable to roll-ons or splash bottles as they reduce the cologne's exposure to air. Even spray bottles should have a cap to prevent evaporation through the spray nozzle.

Choose Bottles with Proper Atomizers:

Some cologne bottles feature spray mechanisms that cannot be opened and can only be sprayed, which is ideal for preventing evaporation. The atomizer should also have a small tube that extends into the liquid, creating surface tension and reducing the surface area for evaporation. Ensure the tube is always submerged in the liquid to maintain this protective seal.

Avoid Excessive Handling:

Each time you open the bottle, oxidation and evaporation can occur. Therefore, avoid opening and closing the bottle unnecessarily. If you need to travel with your cologne, consider purchasing a travel-sized bottle or transferring a small amount into a separate container to reduce the risk of evaporation in the main bottle.

Store in a Cool, Dark Place:

Direct sunlight and heat are detrimental to cologne. Store your cologne in a cool, dark place, such as a dresser drawer, a corner of your bedroom, or a closet. The original box that the bottle came in can provide additional protection against UV rays and oxygen.

By following these sealing and storage tips, you can effectively prevent cologne evaporation and maintain the quality and longevity of your fragrance.

Cologne lasts longer when stored in a cool, dark place

Storing cologne in a car is not recommended as it does not provide ideal storage conditions. However, if you are looking to maximise the lifespan of your cologne, storing it in a cool, dark place is essential.

The ideal storage temperature for perfumes is between 12°C and 22°C. A car's temperature can fluctuate wildly, reaching as high as 46°C to 93°C when parked in the sun. These extreme temperatures can rapidly deteriorate the quality of your cologne. By storing your cologne in a cool, shaded spot, you can help to preserve it and slow down the evaporation process.

Direct sunlight and UV radiation can also accelerate the deterioration of cologne. The fragrant compounds in the cologne break down over time, causing the scent to fade. Keeping your cologne in a dark, enclosed space like a glove compartment or centre console can prevent light exposure and preserve the scent.

In addition to temperature and light control, proper sealing of the cologne bottle is crucial. Leaving the bottle uncovered or with a loose cap allows the fragrance to dissipate faster. Tightly sealing the cap between uses prevents evaporation and locks in the scent.

Another factor to consider is oxygen exposure. Oxygen breaks down fragrance compounds over time. By storing your cologne in an airtight, enclosed space, you can restrict airflow and oxygen contact, helping to maintain the integrity of the scent.

While it is not advisable to store cologne in a car, following these guidelines can help prolong its longevity. However, even with proper storage, cologne will eventually deteriorate in the less-than-ideal car environment. Therefore, it is recommended to periodically check older bottles for changes in scent, colour, and texture, discarding them at the first sign of deterioration.

Spray colognes evaporate faster than roll-on colognes

Storing cologne in a car is generally not recommended, as heat and sunlight can negatively affect its quality. While this may not be a significant issue in places with mild climates, such as Southern California, it is still best to avoid exposing cologne to extreme temperatures. Additionally, keeping cologne in the car may encourage last-minute application, which can be overpowering for others.

To address the issue of evaporation rates between spray and roll-on colognes, it is important to understand the difference in their carrier bases. Spray colognes typically use alcohol as their carrier, while roll-on colognes tend to use oil. Alcohol has a much higher evaporation rate than oil, which gives the false impression that an alcohol-based cologne is stronger than it actually is. The high evaporation rate of alcohol also necessitates the use of strong, often synthetic, fixatives to prolong the scent. On the other hand, oil-based colognes have a slower evaporation rate, resulting in a more accurate initial impression of the scent.

The design of the bottle and application method also contribute to the evaporation rate difference. Spray cologne bottles have a small tube that extends into the liquid, creating surface tension that prevents evaporation when the bottle is upright. However, when the bottle is on its side, the surface tension is disrupted, allowing for faster evaporation. Roll-on colognes, on the other hand, have a smaller surface area exposed to the air, reducing the rate of evaporation.

In summary, spray colognes have a faster evaporation rate due to the high volatility of their alcohol base and the bottle design, while roll-on colognes use oil, which evaporates more slowly. Additionally, the application method of roll-on colognes further reduces evaporation by minimizing the surface area exposed to the air. Therefore, if you are concerned about evaporation rates, roll-on colognes are the better option.

Cologne with musk or woody scents tend to last longer

Keeping cologne in your car is a bad idea. Heat can negatively affect the quality of fragrances, and cars can get extremely hot in the sun. This can cause fragrances to spoil or expire faster.

If you're looking for a cologne that will last a long time, consider one with musk or woody scents. These types of colognes tend to have stronger and longer-lasting scents.

Musk is an ingredient secreted by male deer and used in perfumery, but it has also become a broader term for warm and woody scents, often with hints of florals or citrus. Musk colognes are expansive in terms of variety, ranging from those bottled with lavender to those with leather.

Woody colognes, as the name suggests, are derived from woods, leaves, and roots, and often include other natural aromas like spices or minerals. They strike a balance between being sexy and natural without being overpowering. Woody fragrances can be further categorised into spicy, earthy, and aquatic types.

Musk

• Parfums De Marly Haltane Eau de Parfum
• Chanel Le Lion de Chanel Eau de Parfum
• Penhaligon's The Tragedy of Lord George Eau de Parfum
• Tom Ford Ombré Leather Parfum
• Cremo Spice & Black Vanilla Cologne
• Kiehl's Musk Eau de Toilette Spray

Woody

• Terre d’Hermes Parfum by Hermes
• Bleu Noir for Him Parfum by Narciso Rodriguez
• Gentleman Society by Givenchy
• Endymion by Penhaligon’s
• Wonderwood by Comme Des Garcons
• Grey Vetiver by Tom Ford

Frequently asked questions