Understanding Fragrance Lifespan: Oxidation And Longevity Explained

Fragrances are subject to oxidation over time, which can cause some notes to change, diminish or disappear. This process can be slowed by decanting the fragrance into a dark bottle and filling it with argon, but even with these measures, fragrances will still oxidise over decades. The speed of oxidation depends on the ingredients used, with some darkening more than others. The volume of the bottle can also impact the speed of oxidation, as a fuller bottle will slow the evaporation process.

The effect of oxygen on fragrance

Oxygen can have a significant effect on fragrances. Once a fragrance is exposed to air, some notes can be oxidised, causing them to change, diminish or even disappear. This process can occur quickly or slowly, depending on the ingredients used in the fragrance. Liquid ingredients, for example, can macerate when introduced to a carrier oil or alcohol solution, which can take a few weeks.

The rate of oxidation is also influenced by the amount of air in the bottle. A fuller bottle will slow down the evaporation process, as the evaporated alcohol will quickly saturate the air left in the bottle, preventing further evaporation. Conversely, a half-empty bottle will experience a more rapid decrease in volume due to the higher proportion of air space.

Additionally, the colour of the fragrance can darken over time due to oxidation. This process can take years or even decades, and the rate of change will vary depending on the specific ingredients in the fragrance.

To minimise oxidation, some people recommend decanting fragrances into dark bottles and filling them with argon gas, similar to the practices used by the osmotheque. This method can help preserve the fragrance and slow down the oxidation process.

The speed of fragrance oxidation

Liquid ingredients can also macerate when introduced to a carrier oil or alcohol solution. This process can take a few weeks.

Fragrances can be preserved for longer by decanting them into dark bottles and filling them with argon, as is done by the osmotheque.

The impact of bottle size on fragrance oxidation

The speed at which fragrances oxidise depends on a number of factors, including the ingredients used, the amount of air in the bottle, and the size of the bottle.

Once a fragrance has been exposed to air, some notes can be oxidised, causing them to change, diminish, or even disappear. This process can occur quickly or slowly, and some ingredients are more susceptible to oxidation than others, causing them to darken.

The size of the bottle can impact the rate of oxidation, as a larger bottle will have more surface area exposed to air. However, the volume of the bottle does not seem to matter as much as the amount of fragrance in the bottle. A full bottle will oxidise more slowly than a partially empty one, as there is less space for the evaporated alcohol to saturate. For example, a 95/100ml bottle that is 95% full will only have 5% space, so the fragrance will quickly stop evaporating once the air is saturated with ethanol. On the other hand, a 50/100ml bottle that is 50% full will have 50% space, allowing for much faster evaporation.

To slow down the oxidation process, it is recommended to decant fragrances into dark bottles and fill them with argon, as is done by the osmotheque.

The role of ingredients in fragrance oxidation

The speed at which fragrance oxidises depends on the ingredients used. Once there is air in the bottle, some notes can be oxidised (changed or diminished or even disappear) totally or partially, quicker or slower, or the smell of some ingredients of the perfume oil can be changed by this oxidation. The fuller the bottle, the slower the evaporation process. For example, in a 95/100ml bottle, there is only 5% space, so the evaporated alcohol will quickly saturate the air left in the bottle, and the fragrance will quickly stop evaporating. Liquid ingredients macerate when they are introduced to the carrier oil or alcohol solution, which can take up to a few weeks.

The safety of using oxidised fragrance

Perfume can oxidise when it comes into contact with air, which can cause some notes to change, diminish or disappear. This process can take place over decades, so it is not something that happens quickly. However, it is important to note that the rate of oxidation can vary depending on the ingredients in the perfume, as some darken more than others.

To slow down the oxidation process, it is recommended to store fragrances in dark bottles and fill them with argon. Additionally, keeping the bottle full can help to slow down the evaporation process, as there is less space for the alcohol to evaporate into.

While it may be safe to use a perfume that has oxidised, it is important to consider the potential changes in the fragrance. The smell of the perfume may be altered, and some notes may disappear entirely. Therefore, it is advisable to use perfumes within a reasonable timeframe and store them properly to maintain their quality.

Overall, while fragrance oxidation is a natural process that can occur over time, proper storage and usage can help maintain the integrity of the fragrance and ensure its safety for use.

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