Winter Woes: Cold Car, Cologne Conundrum?

It is not recommended to leave cologne in a car, whether it's hot or cold outside. This is because the car's constant movement and shaking allow air to mix inside the bottle, accelerating the breakdown of the scent and reducing its lifespan and quality. Additionally, a car does not provide ideal storage temperatures or protection from sunlight, UV rays, and humidity, which can all negatively affect the delicate chemistry of the cologne.

Heat and cold affect cologne

Heat and cold can affect cologne, and it is generally not recommended to leave cologne in a car due to temperature fluctuations and exposure to sunlight and UV rays. However, the extent of the damage caused by temperature fluctuations depends on several factors, including the duration of exposure, the temperature range, and the composition of the cologne.

Firstly, let's discuss the impact of heat. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can accelerate the oxidation process and negatively affect the delicate chemistry of the cologne. The heat can cause the cologne to evaporate, lose its original scent, or even discolour. In extreme cases, the heat may cause the cologne to spoil or explode, especially if the bottle is exposed to direct sunlight. However, brief periods of exposure to high temperatures, such as a few hours, may not cause noticeable damage.

On the other hand, cold temperatures can also impact cologne. While cold temperatures may not cause the same safety concerns as heat, they can still affect the quality of the cologne. Extreme cold can cause the liquid to freeze, which can lead to separation or alteration of the chemical composition. Additionally, the constant movement and shaking of the bottle in a car can accelerate the breakdown of the scent, reducing its lifespan and quality.

To maintain the integrity of cologne, it is recommended to store it at a consistent temperature between 12°C and 22°C in a cool, dry, and dark place, such as a closet. This range is significantly lower than the average cabin temperature of a car parked in the sun, which can reach up to 46°C to 93°C. Therefore, leaving cologne in a car, whether hot or cold, can create an unfavourable environment for the preservation of the cologne's original scent and quality.

While some individuals have shared experiences of their cologne being unaffected by extreme temperatures, it is important to note that the potential for damage exists. The impact of temperature fluctuations may vary depending on the specific cologne and its packaging. As such, it is advisable to avoid leaving cologne in a car to prevent any potential deterioration in quality or scent.

The ideal storage temperature for cologne

Extreme temperatures can damage cologne, and a car is not a good place to store it. However, cologne does not need to be stored in a refrigerator either. The ideal storage temperature for cologne is between 10°C and 22°C (50°F and 72°F).

Cologne should be stored in a cool, dry, dark place, away from sunlight and UV rays. A closet or cabinet is a good option. The temperature should be consistent, and not fluctuate too much, as this can also damage the cologne.

Oxygen, light, and heat are the enemies of cologne, in that order. Heat is the least concerning factor, and cologne can withstand temperature fluctuations better than it can handle oxygen and light exposure. However, heat can still cause damage over time, especially when combined with oxygen exposure. Sealed bottles are better protected from heat damage than unsealed bottles.

If you are worried about your cologne freezing, this is unlikely to happen at normal winter temperatures. However, if you live in an extremely cold climate, you may want to take extra precautions, such as storing your cologne in a drawer or cabinet.

Sunlight and UV rays affect cologne

Leaving cologne in a cold car will likely not ruin it. In fact, heat is a much bigger enemy of fragrances than cold. However, if the cologne is left in a hot car, even for a few hours, it is still unlikely to be damaged.

Now, onto the main issue at hand: how does sunlight and UV radiation affect cologne?

Sunlight and UV Rays

Ultraviolet (UV) rays, which are present in sunlight, can break down the chemical compounds in fragrances. This can lead to colour changes and a weakened scent. Even artificial light can have this effect, although to a much lesser degree, as it generates less heat and has lower energy.

UV light consists of UVA, UVB, and UVC rays. UVC rays are filtered out by the Earth's atmosphere, but UVA and UVB rays are what cause sunburns and skin damage. Standard window glass blocks out nearly all UVB rays but does little to block UVA rays. About 75% of UVA rays can pass through window glass, which is not ideal for cologne. However, if the bottle is stored away from direct sunlight, such as on a shelf, the UV rays become weaker and are unlikely to penetrate the bottle in any significant way.

Other Factors Affecting Cologne

In addition to sunlight and UV rays, there are other factors that can affect the longevity of cologne:

• Oxygen exposure: Oxygen is a perfume's enemy. Exposure to air causes the fragrance molecules to react with oxygen, altering their chemical composition. This process, known as oxidation, can lead to a change in scent, often resulting in a less pleasant or even rancid aroma.
• Temperature fluctuations: Changing temperatures can cause the delicate aromatic compounds in perfumes to expand and contract, leading to evaporation, degradation, and a loss of the fragrance's original character.
• Humidity: Moisture is another possible reason for fragrance spoilage. The presence of water provides a source of oxygen for oxidation degradation.
• Metal impurities: Metal impurities in the bottle can promote oxidation via metal free radicals, leading to radical oxidation reactions.

To preserve your cologne, it is best to store it in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight and temperature fluctuations. Keep the cap tightly secured when not in use to prevent oxygen from getting in.

Humidity and cologne

However, this is not to say that brief exposure to humidity and heat will ruin your cologne. Indeed, cologne is often shipped and transported in trucks that are not climate-controlled and are left sitting in warehouses, so it can withstand some temperature variation.

If you are storing cologne, it is best to keep it in a cool, dry, dark place, such as a cupboard. You can also use desiccants to absorb moisture from the air and keep the cologne in optimal conditions.

If you are concerned about the effects of humidity and heat on your cologne, there are some signs of spoilage to look out for. Discoloration, cloudiness, and an oily appearance are indicators that your cologne has been damaged. You can also smell the cologne—if it smells more like alcohol or vinegar than its top notes, then it has likely been affected by the heat.

Shaking cologne

Exposing cologne to oxygen will degrade it over time. Shaking the bottle will introduce more oxygen into the liquid, which will negatively affect the fragrance.

In addition, shaking cologne may not offer any benefits. The part of the cologne that is applied to the skin is already in the sprayer tube, so it will not be affected by shaking the bottle. Furthermore, if the oil were settling, there would likely be a visible effect, especially in clear bottles, but this is not the case.

However, some people believe that shaking cologne can increase its scent concentration by mixing the oils, making it more effective and balanced. Others suggest that shaking cologne is a relaxing activity.

Overall, it is generally advised not to shake cologne to avoid potentially damaging the fragrance.

Frequently asked questions