Lance Carson
Knowing the manufacturing date of a perfume can be helpful, especially if you're dealing with a vintage fragrance. While some perfumes can last from 20 to 40 years, others may have a shelf life of only 24-36 months after being activated (sprayed). One way to determine a perfume's age is by understanding when it was first launched; some perfumes were produced for many years after their initial release, while others were sold only briefly. Additionally, you can look for batch codes, which indicate the production date. Websites like CheckFresh.com can help interpret these codes, although not all manufacturers are covered, and codes are often repeated every ten years. Other indicators include the style of signatures, labels, and bottle designs, which can be researched online or in books.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Batch code | Check the batch code on the perfume bottle or packaging. Use a website like CheckFresh.com or CheckCosmetic.net to determine the production date. |
| Bottle markings | Look for specific markings on the bottle, such as signatures, logos, or patent numbers, which can indicate the time period in which the perfume was produced. |
| Barcodes and symbols | The presence of certain barcodes and symbols can help determine the production date. For example, an EAN barcode indicates a production date after 1989, while the Green Dot recycling symbol indicates a production date after 1992. |
| Shelf life | Unused perfumes can last for many years due to their alcohol content. Once opened, the typical shelf life is 24-36 months, but some perfumes can last longer. |
| Vintage perfumes | Vintage perfumes can still be good to use. People often seek out vintage perfumes and pay high prices for older formulations. |
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What You'll Learn
Check the batch code online
To check the batch code of a perfume online, you can use a website like CheckFresh.com. This website allows you to check the date of manufacture of perfumes and cosmetics by reading the production date from the batch code.
To use CheckFresh.com, first find the batch code on your perfume bottle. The batch code is usually stamped or printed on the bottom of the product package. It may be printed using a dot-matrix printer, so look out for this. A batch code is an identification code assigned to a batch of cosmetics and may contain information such as the manufacturer's code and production date.
Once you have found the batch code, go to CheckFresh.com and select a brand to see instructions on how to interpret the batch code for that specific brand. Follow the instructions to interpret the batch code on your perfume bottle and determine the date of manufacture.
It is important to note that you should not confuse the batch code with the catalog number of the product (Ref.) or the EAN/UPC number (barcode). These numbers are also printed on the packaging but are typically printed in a standard way, while batch codes are applied later to the already printed package.
By following these steps, you can check the batch code of your perfume online and determine the date of manufacture.
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Identify the bottle style
Identifying the style of a perfume bottle can help determine its age. Here are some ways to identify the style and period of a perfume bottle:
Design and Ornamentation
The design and ornamentation of a perfume bottle can provide clues about its period and style. For example, the Art Nouveau style, characterised by curved and natural forms, generally dates from the early 20th century (1900-1920s). This was followed by the Art Deco style, which was popular in the mid-1920s to 1940s. The psychedelic style, with its bold and colourful designs, emerged in the late 1960s to early 1970s. Additionally, the Rococo style, known for its ornate and asymmetrical designs, originated in France in the 1730s and can be found in perfume bottles from that period.
Labels and Packaging
The style and content of labels and packaging can also help identify the age of a perfume bottle. For example, cellophane packaging started to be used regularly for perfume boxes in the late 1930s. The presence of revenue stamps on imported perfumes indicates they entered the United States before the early 20th century. Warning labels about deliberate inhalation indicate the perfume is from 1975 or later, while the term "hypoallergenic" indicates a date after 1975. The word "dram" was commonly used in the 1930s and 1940s, and the size of the bottle can also be indicative of that era.
Signatures and Marks
Signatures and marks on the base of a perfume bottle can be indicative of its age. For example, Lalique perfumes feature signatures that changed over time. Bottles marked "R. Lalique" in block lettering are older, while those signed "Rene Lalique" or "R. Lalique" date up to 1945. Bottles marked simply "Lalique France" are post-1945. An embossed entwined "HP" mark on the base indicates the bottle was made by Pochet et du Courval in France after 1930. A "S" or "SGD" mark on the base indicates manufacture by Saint Gobain Desjonqueres in France after the 1950s.
Caps and Closures
The style of the cap or closure can also provide clues about the age of a perfume bottle. For example, a gold tone screw cap may indicate a perfume bottle from the 1920s or 1930s. A plastic facing on the cap liner may indicate a more modern bottle, as this material was introduced later and can disintegrate over time.
Mountings and Attachments
The presence of certain mountings and attachments can also help identify the age and style of a perfume bottle. For example, a finger chatelaine (attached chain) is a feature of older bottles, particularly those from the 17th to 19th centuries. Metal mountings and hinged caps, possibly made of brass, are also indicative of older bottles.
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Look for a patent number
One way to determine when a perfume was made is to look for a patent number. Patent numbers can be found on the base of the perfume bottle, and these patent dates were frequently found on bottles from the 1930s and 1940s. English Registry Design numbers can also be found on perfume bottles from the United Kingdom. These numbers can be searched online to determine the date of the patent.
Older bottles from the 1930s and 1940s may have lot numbers, bottle shape numbers, or patent numbers embossed into the glass base. By the 1970s, cosmetic companies began stamping coloured numbers on the bottom of their products, indicating the year and month of production. These numbers are known as "batch codes" and can be used to look up the production date of the perfume. It is important to note that batch codes may not cover all perfume manufacturers, and some perfume houses repeat their codes every ten years. Additionally, some older bottles may have etched matching numbers on the base of the bottle and the bottom of the stopper.
In addition to patent numbers, other markings on the bottle can provide clues about its age. For example, bottles with the markings "Gaillard," "J. Viard," or "J. Villard" indicate that the bottle was made between the 1900s and the 1920s. Lucien Gaillard was a contemporary of Lalique and designed Art Nouveau perfume bottles for notable French perfume houses. Julien Viard was a French glass designer in the 1920s who designed bottles for various perfume houses.
Another way to identify the age of a perfume is to examine the style of the box or label. For example, the Art Nouveau style is generally associated with the period between 1900 and the 1920s, while Art Deco styles were popular in the mid-1920s and carried into the 1940s. Psychedelic styles were common in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Additionally, bottles with labels marked "Made in Occupied Japan" were produced between September 1945 and April 1952.
While fragrances can be patented, it is a complex process that requires specialised expertise. Fragrances must meet specific requirements to be patented, including being utile, novel, non-obvious, and having a written description of the item being patented, including the manufacturing process. Obtaining a patent can be costly, depending on various factors such as testing, equipment, and production volume. As a result, some companies choose alternative methods to protect their fragrances, such as trademarking or obtaining trade secret protection.
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Examine the signature
Examining the signature of a perfume can be a helpful way to determine its authenticity and approximate age. Here are some key considerations for inspecting the signature on a perfume bottle:
Label and Engravings
Pay close attention to the labels and engravings on the perfume bottle. Authentic perfumes often include key information such as serial numbers, batch codes, manufacturing dates, or brand logos. These details may be printed, etched, or engraved on the bottle or its packaging. Compare the information on the bottle with the original brand's specifications to ensure alignment. Counterfeit products may have hastily printed or smudged information that appears imprecise.
Signature Styles
Some perfume manufacturers, like Lalique, have used signature styles that have evolved over the years. For instance, older Lalique perfume bottles may be marked with "R. Lalique" or "Rene Lalique" in block lettering, indicating a production date before 1945. After 1945, Lalique bottles were simply marked "Lalique France." Knowing the historical signature styles of a particular brand can help you approximate the age of the perfume.
Manufacturing Marks and Symbols
Look for manufacturing marks and symbols that indicate specific factories or time periods. For example, an embossed entwined "HP" mark on the base of a bottle signifies production by the Pochet et du Courval glass factory in France after 1930. Similarly, an "S" or "SGD" mark on the base indicates manufacturing by the Saint Gobain Desjonqueres glass factory in France after the 1950s. These factory marks can provide insights into the approximate age of the perfume.
Barcodes and Recycling Symbols
The presence or absence of certain barcodes and recycling symbols can also help date a perfume bottle. If the box has an EAN barcode, it indicates the perfume was produced after 1989. The Green Dot recycling symbol started appearing on perfume boxes from 1992 onwards. An "e-sign" or "estimated sign" next to the volume suggests the perfume was manufactured after 1976. These symbols and markings can provide a rough timeframe for when the perfume was made.
Packaging and Presentation
While not directly related to the signature, the overall packaging and presentation of the perfume can also offer clues about its authenticity and age. Authentic perfumes typically use high-quality materials, including a luxurious bottle and box. Consistency in branding, typography, and logo reproduction is also indicative of authenticity. Counterfeit perfumes may exhibit inconsistencies, such as flimsy boxes, cheap plastic wrap, or uneven printing. The quality of the glass bottle itself is also important—genuine perfumes often use high-quality, heavy glass, while counterfeits may feel light and appear thin.
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Check for symbols
Checking for symbols is a great way to identify when a perfume was made. The batch code, also known as a batch number, production code, or lot number, is a set of letters and numbers printed by manufacturers on the packaging during the production process. It is used to identify the production batch and is a crucial clue in determining the manufacturing date and shelf life. The batch code can usually be found on the outer packaging box, on the bottle or its bottom, on the product label, or at the product seal.
The batch code can be used with a batch code decoder to calculate the production and expiration dates. However, it is important to note that these decoders do not cover all perfume manufacturers, and some perfume houses repeat their codes every 10 years. Therefore, it may be necessary to refer to other sources, such as vintage advertisements in old magazines, to compare your bottle with those featured in the ads.
Other symbols that can indicate when a perfume was made include the EAN barcode, which indicates the perfume dates to after 1989, and the Green Dot recycling symbol, which has appeared on boxes since 1992. If there is an e-sign next to the volume, it indicates the perfume was made after 1976. The Period-after-opening symbol (PAO) has been used since 2005 and depicts an open cosmetics pot with a written number of months or years to indicate the useful lifetime of the product after it has been opened for the first time.
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Frequently asked questions
You can determine the manufacture date of your perfume by its batch code. Check the bottom of the container or product packaging for the batch code or lot number. Then, use an online cosmetic calculator to determine the manufacture date. Keep in mind that batch code sites don't cover all perfume manufacturers, and some perfume houses repeat their codes every 10 years.
Cosmetics and perfume brands often do not indicate the production or expiration dates in a clear, human-readable form. Instead, they use batch codes or lot numbers, which are convenient for the company but do not provide information to the consumer.
If not sprayed, perfumes have a very long shelf life. Once "activated" by spraying, they usually last 24-36 months with rare exceptions. However, some natural perfumes may expire sooner.
Yes, old perfumes are likely still good to use. People specifically seek out vintage perfumes and pay high prices for some formulations of older fragrances.
