Seamus Hammond
Perfumes can smell weird for a variety of reasons. One reason could be that the perfume has gone bad. This could be due to improper storage, causing the perfume to turn sharp, musty, dusty, rancid, or even smell like rotten citrus fruits. Another reason could be related to body chemistry and skin type. Dry skin, for example, absorbs more fragrance, while well-moisturized skin reacts better to perfume. Additionally, certain foods and drinks, such as alcohol and garlic, can alter the natural smell of the skin, causing the perfume to interact differently. Finally, external factors such as hygiene products, habits, and detergents can also influence how a perfume smells on an individual.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Smell | Rotten oranges/lemons, metallic, rancid oil, dusty, mouldy, celery, coriander leaves, sharp, musty, sweet, alcoholic |
| Colour | Change in colour |
| Skin | Dry skin, moisturized skin, oily skin |
| Body Chemistry | How much you sweat, wearing other topical products |
| Food and drinks | Alcohol, garlic |
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What You'll Learn
Perfumes can smell weird if they've gone bad
One of the most common indicators that a perfume has gone bad is a change in its scent. This can manifest in several ways, including a sharper, more chemical smell, reminiscent of alcohol, hairspray, or even rotten food. For example, citrus fragrances can take on the odour of rotten lemons or oranges, while others may develop a metallic or rancid odour. Some perfumes may simply lose their potency and smell weaker, or in some cases, not smell at all.
Changes in the colour of the perfume are another sign that it may have gone bad. This could indicate oxidation or the breakdown of the fragrance compounds. In some cases, the liquid may remain usable for a short period after the colour change, but it's important to monitor it closely and discard it if the smell becomes unpleasant.
Improper storage can also cause perfumes to turn. Fragrances should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. If exposed to heat or sunlight, the perfume's chemical composition can change, resulting in an odd smell. Similarly, if the bottle is left open or the nozzle is not properly closed, the fragrance can evaporate or oxidize, altering its scent.
While it's uncommon for a full-sized bottle of perfume to go bad if stored properly, smaller bottles or minis are more susceptible due to increased exposure to air and a larger surface area for evaporation. Additionally, if the perfume was not stored correctly before purchase, it may already be in the process of turning when you acquire it.
It's important to note that the scent of a perfume can be subjective and vary across different people due to factors such as body chemistry, skin type, and the use of other hygiene products or topical medications. However, when a perfume has gone bad, the off-putting smell is usually quite obvious and distinct from its original fragrance.
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Body chemistry can alter the scent of perfume
While there isn't a lot of scientific research to explain why a perfume can smell different on different people, "body chemistry" is often used as a catch-all explanation. This can refer to factors such as how much someone sweats, their diet, and whether they use other topical products that might alter the fragrance. For example, drinking alcohol or eating garlic can give your skin a noticeable alcoholic or garlicky scent. This is because when our bodies can't metabolise something quickly enough, it gets released into the bloodstream and eventually ends up in our sweat.
Another factor that can influence how a perfume reacts to your skin is skin type. Dry skin tends to absorb more fragrance, so it's recommended to moisturise before applying perfume. On the other hand, oily skin might react differently to certain scents, with sugary notes like vanilla becoming extra potent, while light citruses might work better.
In addition to body chemistry, other factors such as hygiene products, habits, and detergents can also alter the scent of a perfume.
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Dry skin can affect how perfume smells
Several factors can cause perfumes to smell weird, including skin chemistry, weather, temperature, humidity, and even the wearer's mood. Skin chemistry, in particular, plays a crucial role in how a perfume smells. The skin is a complex organ composed of water, fat, salts, sugars, proteins, fibres, and hairs, each of which interacts with the perfume differently. Skin type also influences how perfume smells.
Additionally, the environment can also impact how a perfume smells on dry skin. Humidity, or the amount of moisture in the air, plays a significant role. In high-humidity conditions, the moisture in the air can intensify the scent of a perfume, making it seem stronger. Conversely, low humidity or dry air can cause perfumes to evaporate more quickly, resulting in a shorter-lived scent.
To counter the effects of dry skin on perfume scent, moisturising with a light lotion is often recommended. However, it is important to be cautious as many unscented lotions may contain elements that cover up their chemical odour base, muting the effect of the perfume.
It is worth noting that skin chemistry is not the only factor influencing perfume scent. Fragrances are designed to interact with the skin, and each person's unique skin chemistry will affect how a perfume smells on them. However, other factors, such as diet, hormones, lifestyle choices (smoking, alcohol consumption, etc.), and overall health, can also play a role in the perfume's lasting power and how it evolves over time.
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Diet can change how your skin smells
If your perfumes are smelling weird, it could be that they have gone bad. Perfumes that have turned may smell like rotten oranges or lemons, or like metallic or rancid oil. They may also give off an alcohol or acetone-like smell, or smell like hairspray or cilantro/coriander leaves.
Now, on to how your diet can change how your skin smells. Diet is a factor that influences body odour and how people perceive it. Studies have shown that differences in diet are detectable in human sweat odours. For instance, a study by Havlicek and Lenochova (2006) found that female participants judged male participants' body odour to be more pleasant when they followed a non-meat diet, which was characterised by increased intakes of eggs, cheese, soy, fruits, and vegetables.
Consuming red meat can release odourless proteins through perspiration, which then mingle with skin bacteria and intensify in odour. Similarly, eating cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, and cauliflower can release sulfuric acid, which is intensified by sweat, breath, or gas.
On the other hand, a diet rich in fruits and vegetables can lead to more pleasant-smelling sweat, with floral, fruity, sweet, and medicinal qualities. This is due to the presence of dietary carotenoids, which are also associated with more attractive, yellower skin tones.
Other foods that can affect body odour include garlic, onions, and spicy or pungent foods, which can make your body smell stronger. Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water can help to flush out toxins and reduce body odour.
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Moisturising before applying perfume can impact its scent
There are many reasons why a perfume may smell weird. One of the most common reasons is that the fragrance has gone bad. For instance, the perfume may smell like rotten oranges or rotten lemons, or have a sharp, rancid, dusty, or metallic odour. Another reason could be olfactory fatigue, where you have been smelling the fragrance for so long that your nose gets desensitised to it.
If you want to moisturise before applying perfume, it is recommended to use an unscented lotion or petroleum jelly, as these will not interfere with the perfume's scent. Additionally, make sure to wait a few hours after moisturising before applying the perfume to avoid any potential interference between the moisturiser and the perfume's true scent.
It is also important to note that dry skin can cause fragrances to disappear quicker, so moisturising can help with the longevity of the scent. However, this may not be necessary for those who do not have dry skin.
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Frequently asked questions
Perfumes can smell weird because they have gone bad. Some signs that a perfume has gone bad include a change in colour, a strong alcohol or acetone-like smell, or a rancid odour.
Aside from an off-putting smell, other signs that a perfume has gone bad include a change in colour and a weaker scent.
Perfumes can go bad if they are not stored properly. Exposure to air, light, and heat can cause the fragrance to break down over time.
If your perfume smells weird, it's best to discard it and avoid using it. Exposing your skin to expired perfumes may cause irritation or other adverse reactions.
