Seamus Hammond
Cologne can smell better after being opened due to the process of oxidation. Once a bottle of cologne is opened, it is exposed to oxygen, which causes chemical changes in the liquid. While oxidation can sometimes make the scent worse, it can also improve it. The artistry of distilling and perfume-making comes into play here, as perfumers can design their products to be at their best once exposed to more air. Additionally, the top notes of a cologne tend to be the most appealing, and oxidation can bring out these notes. Other factors that can affect the scent of cologne include storage conditions, age, skin chemistry, and the presence of other scents.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reason for change in scent | Oxidation, temperature, humidity, light exposure, skin chemistry, stress, diet, medication, age, exposure to air, evaporation of alcohol |
| How to prevent | Store in a cool, dry, dark place, away from direct sunlight |
| How to identify if expired | Change in scent, colour, consistency, presence of vinegar scent, skin irritation, allergic reaction |
What You'll Learn
Fragrances with heavier base notes last longer
Base notes are very rich and heavy and are long-lasting fragrance notes. They kick in after about 30 minutes and work with the middle notes to create the fragrance's scent. Since base notes sink into your skin, their scent lingers the longest. Can last for six hours or more.
Popular base notes include vanilla, amber, musk, patchouli, moss, and woody notes like sandalwood and cedarwood.
The top notes of a fragrance are the scents you detect first after spraying. They usually consist of lighter and smaller molecules, which evaporate quickly, lingering for only the first five to fifteen minutes. Their main purpose is to give off an initial scent and then transition smoothly into the next part of the fragrance.
Heart or middle notes are the scents you smell once the top notes have evaporated. They usually consist of a wide variety of ingredients, including florals, spices, and fruits. They make up around 40-80% of the final fragrance and are considered the 'main character' of a perfume.
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Oxidation changes the scent
The oxidation process can be accelerated by heat, humidity, and light, which will break down the cologne faster and change the composition of the scent. Therefore, it is important to store cologne in a cool, dry, and dark place, such as a bedroom drawer or closet, and to keep it in its original box to minimise exposure to air.
The artistry of distilling and perfume-making comes into play as perfumers understand that the initial chemical process will not be the majority of the wearer's experience. A good perfumer will design their product to be at its best once it has been exposed to more air. This is why the scent of cologne can change over time, revealing top, middle, and base notes as the liquid oxidises.
Additionally, the unique chemistry of an individual's skin can also affect how a cologne smells on them. Factors such as stress, diet, medication, and age can influence how a scent interacts with the skin, causing it to smell different over time.
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Heat, light, and humidity affect the cologne
Heat, light, and humidity affect cologne in several ways. Firstly, storing cologne in a hot, steamy bathroom or exposing it to direct sunlight accelerates its breakdown through oxidation, causing the top notes to become mustier and the overall composition of the scent to change. Heat breaks down the chemical structure of cologne, reducing its potency. Similarly, humidity can also interfere with the chemicals in cologne, and high temperatures can cause the alcohol in the cologne to evaporate more quickly.
Additionally, sharp temperature changes can negatively impact cologne. Removing cologne from a cold environment to a room-temperature environment can be just as damaging as excessive heat. Therefore, storing cologne in the fridge is not recommended. Instead, cologne should be kept in a cool, dry, and dark place, such as a bedroom drawer or closet, to maintain its chemical balance and slow down the evaporation of alcohol.
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Skin chemistry can change the scent
Skin chemistry can drastically alter the scent of cologne. The skin is a complex organ made up of water, fat, salts, sugars, proteins, fibres, and hairs. When cologne is applied, it interacts with these components, causing the scent to differ from person to person.
Dry skin, for instance, can cause the cologne to evaporate more quickly, resulting in a shorter-lasting scent. Conversely, rough skin can trap fragrance molecules in the contours of the hand, helping to retain the scent. Skin with higher oil content, or sebum, generally produces a more pleasant version of the scent. The amount and smell of sebum produced can be influenced by factors such as stress levels, lifestyle choices, and diet.
The pH of the skin also plays a role in how a cologne scent is expressed. Skin with a lower, more acidic pH tends to absorb and retain the scent better than skin with a higher, more alkaline pH. Additionally, the temperature of the skin can affect the intensity of the fragrance notes, with higher temperatures intensifying the scent. Skin temperature can be influenced by both the environment and one's emotional state, with moods such as anger causing an increase in body heat and, consequently, skin temperature.
The environment can also impact how a cologne scent is perceived. Humidity, for instance, can cause a difference in scent expression. Background smells, such as those from a barbecue, wedding, or cinema, can also affect how the nose perceives the cologne.
Furthermore, oxidation can cause the cologne to change over time. The more surface area the liquid has to interact with oxygen, the faster it will oxidize, potentially altering the scent. This is why cologne may smell different when first purchased compared to after it has been used several times.
Thus, it is evident that skin chemistry, influenced by factors such as skin type, pH, temperature, and environment, can significantly impact the scent of cologne.
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Storing cologne in a cool, dry, dark place makes it last longer
Storing cologne in a cool, dry, dark place is one of the best ways to make it last longer.
Perfumes are delicate and can easily break down, causing the scent to change or disappear. Heat, light, and humidity are the three main aggressors of perfume, so it's important to protect your cologne from these elements as much as possible.
Keeping your cologne in a cool place is crucial. Heat can break down the chemical bonds that give a cologne its scent. Direct heat is particularly harmful and can even warp or melt plastic bottles. It is important to keep cologne away from heat vents or radiators.
Storing your cologne in a dark place is also important. Direct sunlight can quickly degrade the perfume. Even artificial light can break down a scented liquid's makeup. Therefore, it is best to keep your cologne in a place free of both natural and artificial light.
Finally, it is important to store your cologne in a dry place. Humidity can affect a perfume's makeup and cause unwanted chemical reactions. If you live in a humid environment, consider storing your cologne in a room with a dehumidifier.
By storing your cologne in a cool, dry, dark place, you can help protect it from heat, light, and humidity, making it last longer.
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Frequently asked questions
Once opened, the cologne is exposed to oxygen, which can alter the molecules of the fragrance and affect its scent. This process is called oxidation.
An opened bottle of cologne can last anywhere between three months to five years, depending on the scent's construction, packaging, and storage conditions.
To extend the lifespan of your cologne, store it in its original container, in a cool, dry, and dark place, like a bedroom drawer or closet. Avoid exposing it to direct sunlight or temperature fluctuations, as these can break down the chemical structure and cause it to expire faster.
