Heidi Norton
Fragrances can go bad, and it's important to know when they do to avoid skin irritation or an allergic reaction. The most obvious way to tell if a fragrance has gone bad is to test its scent. If it smells vastly different from when you first bought it, or if it has developed hints of vinegar, it has likely gone bad. Another way to test is to look at the colour. If the fragrance is darker than it initially was, or if it looks murky, it has likely gone bad. Fragrances should be stored in a cool, dry, and dark place, as sharp temperature changes and exposure to light can mess with the delicate chemistry within the bottle.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Scent | If the perfume smells different or has hints of vinegar, it may have expired. |
| Potency | If the perfume's strength has lessened, it may be nearing its expiration date. |
| Colour | If the perfume is darker than before, it may have gone bad. |
| Consistency | If the perfume has a different consistency than when it was bought, it may have expired. |
| Expiry date | Check the bottom of the perfume bottle or the box it came in for an expiration date. |
| Storage | If stored in warm or hot places, perfumes can go bad. |
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What You'll Learn
Check the colour: Has it darkened?
Checking the colour of a perfume is a good way to determine if it has gone bad. Perfumes tend to darken over time, so if the liquid has darkened or looks murky, it's likely that it has expired and should be thrown out.
Perfumes that are stored correctly will last much longer than those that are not. Exposure to air can upset the chemical balance and accelerate the evaporation of alcohol in the perfume, so it's best to keep it in its original container. The best place to store perfume is in a cool, dry, and dark place, such as a bedroom drawer or closet. Many people store their perfumes in the bathroom, but this is not ideal as the temperature and humidity levels can fluctuate, causing the perfume to spoil faster.
Even if stored correctly, perfumes do not last forever. Over time, the top notes of a fragrance will be replaced by the smell of harsh alcohol, which can be more pronounced in fragrances composed mostly or completely of aromachemicals. A well-made and well-blended perfume may get better with age, but after a certain point, it will start to smell flat, dull, or sour.
To test if a perfume has expired, spray it on your hand and leave it at arm's length. Wait for it to dry, and then bring your hand closer to your nose. If you can't smell it, move your hand in small increments closer to your nose until you detect the scent. If the perfume smells different from how you remember, it has likely expired.
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Test the scent: Does it smell different?
One of the most obvious ways to tell if your perfume has gone bad is to test its scent. If you notice a significant change in the concentration of the original scent, it might be expired. For instance, if the scent is significantly different from the one you started off with, or if it doesn't smell like it used to, it's likely expired.
Some perfumes may contain vegetable oils, which are known to expire over time, so if your perfume smells of vinegar, it might be time to toss it. However, if your perfume is from a well-respected brand like Chanel or Marc Jacobs, it may not have a hard-and-fast expiration date and could last upwards of 10 years.
To test the scent, you can spray the perfume on a paper card or fabric. You can also give the perfume a quick whiff to see how it smells, then walk around for about an hour, putting your nose close to your skin, and give it one last smell. If you notice that the smell has changed from when you first sprayed it on, it's likely expired.
It's important to note that the shelf life of a perfume depends on its chemical composition and how it is stored. Storing your perfume correctly can help to keep it in good condition for longer. For best results, store your perfume in its original container in a cool, dry, and dark place, as exposure to air can upset the chemical balance and accelerate the evaporation of alcohol.
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Expiry dates: Check the packaging
Expiry dates are an important indicator of a fragrance going bad. It is important to check the packaging for any signs of expiry. Most perfumes will have an expiry date printed on the bottle, usually on the bottom. However, some perfumes do not have expiry dates, and you may need to look for other indicators.
The packaging may also have a batch code or a Period After Opening (PAO) number. These are typically found on the bottom of the perfume bottle or printed on the box. A batch code is an identification code that specifies when and where a perfume was produced, and it usually consists of a series of numbers and sometimes letters. PAO numbers are indicated by a small symbol of an open jar with a number next to it, which represents the number of months a perfume can be used after opening before it expires. According to EU law, the manufacturer must put an expiration date on cosmetics with a shelf life of less than 30 months. The typical recommended usage time is 30 months after opening, so it is advised to start testing your fragrance after this time period to see if it has expired.
Online shops may sometimes remove additional labels that contain information about the country of manufacture and the expiration date. There are online tools available, such as CheckFresh, that can help you determine the manufacture date and shelf life of your perfume by entering the batch code or lot number.
It is worth noting that the lifespan of a perfume depends on various factors, including storage, quality, and scent family. Storing your perfume in a cool, dry place can help increase its lifespan.
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Storage: Keep in a cool, dry, dark place
Storing your fragrances in a cool, dry, dark place is crucial to preserving their quality and longevity. Here's why:
Keep it Cool
Avoid storing your fragrances in places with extreme temperature fluctuations or excessive warmth. The ideal storage temperature for fragrances is cool to room temperature. Extreme temperatures can alter the delicate chemical balance of the perfume, affecting its scent and potentially causing it to spoil.
Choose a Dry Location
It is best to keep fragrances away from humid environments, as humidity can cause unwanted chemical reactions and affect the perfume's makeup. This includes bathrooms, which are often humid due to showers or baths. Instead, opt for a dry closet or cabinet outside the bathroom to store your fragrances.
Opt for Darkness
Exposure to light, both natural and artificial, can break down the scented liquid's composition. It can also cause discolouration and degradation, leading to a bad-smelling perfume. Therefore, it is essential to store your fragrances in a dark place, such as a closet or a cabinet, away from direct sunlight or any light source.
Additional Tips
- Storing fragrances in their original boxes can help increase their longevity. The boxes provide an extra layer of protection from light and can help maintain a more stable environment.
- If you live in a humid climate, consider using a dehumidifier in the room where you store your fragrances to mitigate the effects of humidity.
- While some people suggest storing perfumes in the fridge for maximum longevity, this may not be practical for everyone. However, you can consider this option if you want to go the extra mile to preserve your fragrances, especially for colognes and eau de toilettes, which have more robust chemical compositions.
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Skin irritation: Do a patch test
Skin irritation is a common issue with fragrances, and it is important to perform a patch test to ensure a fragrance is safe for your skin.
Firstly, check the fragrance for any signs of deterioration. If the colour has changed, especially if it has become darker or murky, do not apply it to your skin. If the fragrance looks okay, the next step is to test the aroma. Spray the perfume on a piece of fabric or paper and smell it. If the scent has changed or smells odd, like vinegar, it is best to discard it.
If your fragrance passes these initial checks, you can proceed with a patch test. Apply the product to a small area of skin on your forearm. You can apply a 5cm by 5cm patch, twice daily, for one week. This is a recommended method to test for any potential allergic reactions. If you experience any redness, itching, or discomfort, wash the area with soap and water and do not use the fragrance.
It is important to be cautious, especially if you have sensitive skin or a history of allergies. Fragrances can cause allergic contact dermatitis, and positive patch test results for fragrance allergens range from 9.8% to 13.8% in some studies. Some common allergens found in fragrances include oak moss, isoeugenol, eugenol, and cinnamic aldehyde.
If you are unsure about a fragrance, it is best to err on the side of caution and avoid using it. Always perform a patch test with any new fragrance and be mindful of the expiration date and storage conditions, as these can impact the quality and safety of the product.
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Frequently asked questions
The most obvious way to tell if your perfume has gone bad is to test its scent. If your perfume smells different, has a vinegar-like smell, or if its potency has lessened, it has likely gone bad. You can also check for a change in colour—if the perfume has turned darker, it has probably expired. Additionally, most perfumes have an expiration date printed on the bottle or the packaging.
Fragrances can go bad due to their chemical composition and how they are stored. Sharp changes in temperature and humidity can mess with the delicate chemistry within the bottle. Exposure to air can also upset the chemical balance and cause the alcohol in the perfume to evaporate faster.
To make your fragrances last longer, store them in a cool, dry, and dark place, such as a bedroom drawer or closet. Keeping the perfume in its original container can also help slow down the expiration process.
