Perfume can indeed go bad – even if it doesn’t “spoil” in the classic sense like food, it does change over time. Every fragrance has a limited shelf life, which can vary greatly depending on its composition, storage and quality. As a rule of thumb, a perfume lasts around 3 to 5 years, although some fragrances can last significantly longer if stored properly.
A perfume primarily “goes bad” when the chemical structure of the fragrance compounds changes. This can be caused by light, heat, oxygen and moisture. UV radiation, for example, can break down sensitive fragrance molecules and cause the perfume to spoil – it then often smells sour, musty or completely different from the original. The colour can also change: a clear fragrance suddenly turns yellowish or brownish – a clear sign that oxidation has set in.
Perfumes with natural ingredients such as citrus notes or fresh herbs are particularly delicate – these evaporate or change more quickly. Woody, oriental or heavy fragrances with resins or amber generally last longer.
To extend its lifespan, perfume should be stored as cool, dark and dry as possible – ideally in its original packaging and not in the bathroom, where temperature fluctuations and humidity are high. A cupboard or drawer at room temperature is ideal. The bottle should also be opened as little as possible to minimize contact with oxygen.
If a perfume suddenly smells strange, stings in the nose or its color has changed significantly, it is probably no longer at its best. It is rarely harmful to your health, but the enjoyment of the scent is usually gone. If you love your favorite fragrances, you should treat them a little like treasures – with a bit of care, they often last much longer than you might think.
