- in Colognes by Jason Hall
How to Store & Protect Perfumes - Prolong Shelf Life
Whether you apply perfume daily or only on special occasions, you want it to last for as long as possible.
What’s the best way to store perfume? How long can you keep perfume before the scent changes or the perfume expires?
In this article you'll learn how to store, protect and care for your perfume to keep it in the best condition for the longest period of time.
Can Perfume Go Bad or Expire?
Yes, definitely!
After a certain amount of time perfumes can expire. The original scent of a perfume can become diminished or changed.
If you'll apply an expired perfume it may have bad aroma and can cause skin irritation.
Most perfumes will have a small expiration date on either the bottle or the box. Generally, this will be a symbol of a small drawing of a round container along with a number and letter. For instance, 24 M means the perfume is best for 24 months.
The expiration date goes into effect as soon as the bottle is first opened. An unopened perfume bottle can sit without issue for years and years. As soon as the bottle is opened, oxygen is introduced into the perfume, and the scent slowly starts to degrade.
The average shelf life of a perfume is around 3 - 5 years.
Dos & Dont's for Storing Perfumes
Here are some dos and dont's that will help you prolonging the shelf life of your perfume or cologne.
1. DO: Avoid Light
Light is a big no-no for perfumes. Repeated exposure to both natural and artificial light will degrade the scent of the perfume quicker than just about anything else.
An easy solution is to keep your perfume in the original box. They’re designed to keep light out. For extra protection, put the boxed perfume in a cabinet, drawer or cupboard.
While perfume bottles can look elegant, avoid keeping your bottles on display in the light.
2. DON’T: Store Bottles in the Bathroom
Aside from light, you’ll also want to avoid extreme temperature shifts. The bathroom is actually one of the worst places to store perfume. A typical bathroom has wild fluctuations in both temps and humidity levels.
Hot steam, condensation and other factors will change the molecular structure of your perfume, eventually souring the scent.
Another common storage space you want to avoid is the inside of your car. The temperatures in your car can really heat up at times.
A room with a consistent, somewhat cool room temperature is usually best. Bedrooms and offices are often ideal spots.
3. DON’T: Open and Close the Bottle Excessively
As much as possible, avoid exposing the perfume directly to the environment. The best bottles use an atomizer to spray the perfume and can’t be opened at all. When not in use, keep the cap on and the bottle sealed.
4. DO: Just Apply It, It's Not a Maraca
Don’t shake the perfume bottle before use. Perfumes are actually very carefully mixed. Shaking actually moves air throughout the bottle which contributes to scent breakdown.
Store the bottle upright and avoid excessive movement. This keeps the perfume properly mixed and also helps prevent accident breakage. Perfume bottles can be very fragile so you want to be careful when handling.
5. DO: Buy Travel Size Bottles
Leave your main bottle of perfume at home when traveling. Instead, buy a small travel size bottle to take on vacation.
Travel involves movement, temperature changes and other non-ideal conditions. A small bottle is less likely to break and easier to store. Plus, any adverse conditions will only affect a small batch of perfume. Your main bottle at home will remain safe.
Final Thoughts
Many people aren’t aware that perfume can expire. Understanding how to store perfume is the prevent accidental alteration of the scent.
Store your perfume in a cool, dry place away from light and humidity. Avoid shaking or opening the bottle excessively.
Just a few simple storage tips can help keep your favorite perfumes smelling great for a long time.
