From the time you buy a perfume or cologne to the time you use it, many factors influence its composition. Long story short, perfumes and colognes do expire. Like other beauty products, fragrances are not designed to last forever. A common indication of fragrances nearing their expiry date is that they become less potent with time.
While many brands use natural ingredients in their formulations, they often require synthetic materials, like alcohol and essential oils. These ingredients are prone to degradation, decreasing the shelf life of your fragrance. If you have bought a perfume or are looking to buy one, this is a simple guide to understanding the longevity of perfumes.
What is the shelf life of a perfume or cologne? Things to keep in mind
The shelf life of a fragrance can be influenced by many factors, including the quality and how you maintain it. Most colognes don't come with an exact expiration date. While some fragrances can last years, others can expire within a year. Some perfumes with heavier base notes, such as leather and amber, can age with time. This makes the notes more intense and adds to the richness of the fragrance. However, even these fragrances are vulnerable to environmental damage.
After the bottle of the cologne opens, it can slowly start reacting with oxygen. This can influence the original chemistry of the perfume, making the scent acidic, sour, or even metallic. If not the appearance, you can determine that the opening notes of the fragrance change with time.
According to fragrance experts, colognes with citrusy and patchouli top notes are at the highest risk of expiry and oxidation. When one invests in a fragrance, it is natural that one would want it to last for a long time. Here are some things that you can do to increase the longevity of your fragrances:
- Keep your fragrances away from bright light and sun. Any bright light can expedite the oxidation process of cologne.
- Keep using your fragrances, especially if they are lesser in quantity.
- Prefer cool storage for your fragrances that preserve the natural notes.
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Due to their composition, fragrances do expire. However, the expiry date can change from brand to brand and depends on how you maintain them. Like any other beauty product, fragrances are experienced the best when new. Without proper care, they are prone to environmental damage and can lead to a negative experience.
What do you do to increase the longevity of your colognes? Tell us in the comments below.
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