In This Article
Alongside its scent, lifespan is extremely important when selecting the best perfume. If you’ve ever had a fragrance for a long period of time, you may have asked yourself does perfume expire? This article explains the reasons for perfume expiration and shows you how to determine if a perfume has expired.
Does Perfume Expire?
Yes, perfume does expire. The rate at which perfume degrades depends on factors such as its specific ingredients and how it is stored. The shelf life of a perfume generally ranges from 2 to 5 years. Unlike expired food products, expired perfume poses no risk to your health. An expired perfume is simply dissimilar to its original state.
Reasons That Perfume Expires
Oxidisation
Perfumes are complex mixtures of essential oils, ethanol and other compounds. Over time, these ingredients can degrade due to oxidisation. Oxidisation is the name for when a perfume’s composition is altered as a result of coming into contact with air. Naturally, as a perfume is used, the place which was occupied by liquid becomes filled by air.
Every perfume will respond differently to the presence of oxygen with some more prone to oxidisation than others. Essential oils, for example, are particularly susceptible to degradation caused by air.
Light Exposure
Direct sunlight can break down a perfume’s chemical structure, reducing its lifespan.
Temperature
Extreme temperatures can destabilise a perfume and cause it to deteriorate faster.
Amount of Preservatives
Perfume types which contain more ethanol (such as Eau de Toilette) can have a longer shelf life as ethanol acts as a preservative.
Signs That Perfume Has Expired
Changes in Scent
An off smell is a clear indicator that your perfume has expired. The top notes are usually the first to go, followed by the middle and base notes.
Changes in Colour
If a perfume becomes darker than usual, changes to its scent may have occurred and it may have expired.
Formation of Crystals on the Dispenser
If you see crystal deposits forming on a perfume’s dispenser, it is indicative of perfume oxidation.
Separation of Ingredients
If a perfume’s liquid separates into layers or develops sediment, it is no longer in peak condition.
A Change in Transparency
If a perfume’s appearance has transitioned from a clear liquid to a cloudy state it is a sign of oxidation.
Does Perfume Expire if Unopened?
An unopened perfume which is stored correctly should not start to degrade until it is exposed to oxygen. Once a perfume has been opened you can use its PAO (Period After Opening) number to determine its shelf life.
To find a perfume’s PAO number, look on the bottle or box for an open jar symbol with a number on it. This tells you the number of months the perfume remains usable after opening. Generally, you have about 30 months (two and a half years) to use a perfume once opened.
How to Extend a Perfume’s Lifespan
Proper storage and care can extend the lifespan of a perfume. Here’s how to maintain the character of a perfume’s fragrance.
Choose a Cool, Dark Place
The first step in extending a perfume’s life is choosing the right storage location. Avoid places with fluctuating temperatures and sunlight, such as bathrooms or window ledges. A cool, dark cupboard or a dedicated perfume storage box is ideal. If you live in a particularly hot climate, you should consider storing your perfume in a refrigerator.
Use the Original Packaging
Try to keep perfume in its original box. This adds an extra layer of protection against light and temperature variations.
Avoid Shaking the Bottle
Shaking a perfume bottle can introduce air into the liquid, which can degrade the quality of the fragrance. A gentle tilt is all that’s needed to mix the perfume before use.
