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FRAGRANCE|6 mins

How Long Does Perfume Last?

Understanding The Shelf Life Of Your Scents With Our Experts

Finding your signature scent is process – especially if you’re buying online. A match with our Fragrance Finder, a few samples or a Discovery Set later, you finally meet ‘the one’ and never want to let it go. This precious bottle now takes pride of place on your dressing table, chest of drawers, or even your desk for an anytime spritz. So far, so smitten.

But what happens a few months, or even a year in? Is the intensity still there? The truth is, most people don’t know that perfumes have a shelf life. Read on for our guide, created with our in-house experts, on how to spot the red flags of an expired fragrance, how this differs for Eau de Parfum vs Eau de Toilette, and how to make your perfume last longer.

Does perfume expire?
Yes – but over time. As our Senior Fragrance Expert, Zacharoula, explains, ‘‘this is related to the fragrance composition, interaction with air (which leads to a chemical reaction called oxidisation), temperature fluctuation and conditions of storage. When fragrances expire, they begin to degrade in quality, altering the scent and potentially posing a risk of irritation to the skin.’’

How long does perfume last once opened?
‘‘Most fragrances last around 3-5 years from the moment the bottle has been opened,’’ says our Director of R&D, Zena Hasan. But of course, this also depends on the formula, type of notes, ingredients and conditions of storage.

How long does perfume last unopened?
If the fragrance is sealed and there is no interaction with air, it cannot truly expire. However, if it is stored incorrectly, it can. ‘‘If I kept an unopen bottle next to the radiator, it will go off or evaporate’’, says Zacharoula. Keep reading for our tips on storage.

Eau de Parfum vs. Eau de Toilette
Eaux de Toilette have a longer shelf life compared to Eaux de Parfum, and this is why: they have less fragrance oil concentration (10%), which means more alcohol. ‘‘Alcohol has been used as a preservative for fragrances since the 12th century,’’ explains Zacharoula. ‘‘It not only prevents raw materials from oxidisation, but it also stops the growth of microorganisms that might affect the quality and duration of the composition.’’

It’s worth noting that citrus, fresh floral and vanilla notes are more sensitive to oxidisation while amber-rich and woody notes last longer. Synthetic ingredients also tend to be more stable than natural ones.

Can you wear expired fragrance?
There is a chance of skin irritation when wearing an expired fragrance, warns our Cosmetic Scientist, Raj, ‘‘if you haven’t spotted any of the three signs from above but know the perfume is old, we suggest you spritz it on a small surface of your skin to patch test first.’’

How can you tell if fragrance has expired?

There are three simple signs to look out for:

1. The fragrance has changed colour
A change in colour is the most obvious sign the formula is losing its high quality.

2. The scent has changed
When a fragrance has gone bad, there’s a metallic/vinegary smell or no smell at all!

3. There’s less perfume in the bottle
This means the alcohol has evaporated and there’s only fragrance oil residue left.

‘‘When fragrances expire, they begin to degrade in quality, altering the scent and potentially posing a risk of irritation to the skin.’’

Zacharoula Lamprianidou, Senior Fragrance Expert

How to make your fragrance last longer

1. Store in a cool, dark space
Keep your perfume bottle at a consistent temperature and away from sunlight. Our fragrances are housed in rigid boxes, lined with black card, which helps shield them from light exposure and makes them easier to store in your drawers or a cupboard. Live in a hotter climate? Try storing your perfume in the fridge. ‘‘The fridge is also a good solution to extend the life of your fragrance,’’ suggests Zacharoula, ‘‘as a long as you don’t open the door regularly, which alters the light and temperature.’’

2. Avoid storing in the bathroom
Even if it makes your routine easier, the change in temperature and humidity affects the fragrance. ‘‘The shift from 25 to over 35 degrees when we have a shower can have the biggest impact on the fragrance formula,’’ explains Zacharoula.

3. Keep perfume in original bottles
Decanting the liquid into atomizers or smaller bottles will expose it to more oxygen and microorganisms, both of which can affect quality and shelf life. If you prefer more portable sizes, explore our Travel Fragrances.

4. Organise your fragrance collection by opening date
If you have an expanding fragrance wardrobe, we suggest ordering your bottles by age or when you opened them to help you keep track.

Fragrance Expiry FAQs

Does perfume go bad?
Yes, but expiration date depends on the formulation, ingredients and how the perfume is stored. As a general rule, fragrances last for 3-5 years.

What makes a perfume go off?
Regular exposure to sunlight, heat and oxygen lowers the quality of a perfume.

Is perfume still okay after 10 years?
Most fragrances, including Molton Brown’s, have a shelf-life of around 3-5 years.

How should I store my fragrances?
In a cool, dry and dark place away from direct sunlit and at a consistent temperature.

How can you find out when perfume expires?
If there’s a change in colour, a metallic/vinegary smell or no smell at all, and if there’s less fragrance in the bottle.

So, now you know how to maximise your time with your signature scent – just remember our three signs of an expired perfume and storage rules. For more pointers, read our guide on wearing perfume like a pro (including the benefits of spritzing your ankles) and our debunk of fragrance myths here.