Cologne Storage: Keep It Dark, Here's Why

Cologne, like perfume, is delicate and can easily break down, causing the scent to change or disappear. To preserve its original scent for as long as possible, it is important to store it correctly. So, should cologne be kept in the dark?

Avoiding sunlight exposure

Sunlight can quickly degrade cologne, so it's important to keep it out of direct sunlight if you want to preserve the scent.

The ideal place to store cologne is a dry, dark area. A closet or cabinet works well for this. Some people even store their cologne in the fridge to prolong its life, although this is not necessary.

If you want to display your cologne, choose a spot away from direct light. Sunlight can damage the bottle, and the cologne will generally last longer when stored in a darker place. Perfume that comes in a colourful bottle may be less susceptible to light damage, but it's still a risk.

You can also store cologne in its original box. Boxes will further protect cologne from heat and sunlight.

If you're travelling with cologne, opt for a travel-sized bottle. This will reduce the risk of losing your cologne while travelling, and it won't be exposed to as much air when you open the smaller bottle.

Maintaining a consistent temperature

The ideal storage location for cologne is an area with a stable temperature, typically between 60 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit. A hallway or living room closet is often a good choice, as it keeps the cologne away from direct sunlight and maintains a relatively consistent temperature. Additionally, a bedroom with a dehumidifier is another suitable option, as it helps to regulate humidity levels, which can also impact the quality of the cologne.

While the fridge can provide a consistent temperature, it is not always practical and can be too cold, especially if drinks, fruits, or vegetables freeze inside. If you decide to store your cologne in the fridge, ensure it is not too cold to prevent potential damage.

Overall, maintaining a consistent temperature is essential for preserving the quality and longevity of your cologne. By storing it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperature changes, you can enjoy your cologne for an extended period.

Avoiding humid areas

Humidity is a significant enemy of perfume, so it's best to avoid storing your cologne in humid areas. Humidity can affect the quality of your cologne and cause unwanted chemical reactions.

The bathroom is the most common storage mistake for cologne owners, but it is not a good place for cologne storage. The bathroom has both extreme humidity and temperature fluctuations—the perfect blend for a cologne graveyard.

If possible, store your cologne in a room with a dehumidifier, such as your bedroom. A closet or cabinet in the living room or hallway is also a good option.

Keeping your cologne in its original box can also help to protect it from humidity. The cardboard may seem flimsy, but these boxes are designed to hold the aromatic elixir within.

Additionally, avoid shaking your cologne bottle. Shaking can introduce unwanted oxidation via bubbles and break delicate chemical bonds, leaving you with an unwanted science experiment instead of an attractive accessory.

Keeping the bottle sealed

Try to avoid opening and closing the bottle too often. Exposing the cologne to its environment damages it. If you are using an atomizer spray, this is preferable to other application methods as it reduces exposure to the air. If you are using an applicator, use a disposable one to avoid introducing bacteria and oils to the bottle.

Keep the cap on the bottle at all other times. Make sure the cap is firmly in place when putting it back on the bottle.

Using opaque bottles

Cologne should be stored in opaque bottles to protect it from light damage. Direct sunlight can quickly degrade cologne, so it's best to avoid clear glass bottles. Opaque bottles, on the other hand, can help keep the cologne in good condition by blocking out sunlight. Some colognes are packaged in dark or opaque bottles, which can be left out, but it's generally recommended to store cologne in a dark place.

Opaque bottles are also useful if you choose to store your cologne in a refrigerator, as the fridge light can be harmful to the cologne. However, it is not necessary to store cologne in the fridge, and a closet or cabinet works just fine. Keeping cologne in its original box can also help protect it from light damage, in addition to providing a stable temperature and preventing oxygen from getting inside the bottle.

In addition to using opaque bottles, it is important to store cologne in a cool, dry place, away from heat and humidity. The bathroom is not a recommended storage location due to temperature and humidity changes. Instead, a bedroom or hallway closet is a better option. It is also important to keep the bottle sealed when not in use, as oxygen can cause the scent to dilute and become oxidized.

Frequently asked questions