Perfume expires: Is that right?

When it comes to perfume there are two types of people: those who always use the same perfume whatever the weather, and those who use different ones depending on their mood, the time of year or the places they go. If you fall into the second group, you are sure to have several bottles of perfume open at the same time over a long period. So, does perfume expire? Can we use different perfumes at the same time? How long does perfume last once it has been opened?

Does perfume expire?

Well yes, perfumes do expire actually. In fact, the “expiry” date is including on all packaging, which is usually between one and three years after the manufacturing date. However, this does not mean that it cannot be used after that date. 
The trick to make sure it lasts longer after opening is in how we store it.

• We should keep it out of the light. Despite the fact that many perfume bottles are so beautiful they deserve to be stored on display in the bathroom or bedroom, we should really keep them somewhere dark or in the box they came in. Light decomposes the scent molecules, meaning they become unstable and are susceptible to oxidation.
• We should avoid keeping them near to sources of heat. They should ideally be stored at a temperature under 15ºC. Heat decomposes the scent molecules, and therefore alters their chemical composition.
• We should never leave them open. Oxygen also increases the risk of altering perfume, which is why the bottles should be properly closed after each use.

Furthermore, depending on their components, some perfumes are more susceptible to oxidation than others. For example, perfumes with oriental or woody fragrances tend to last longer than citrus or floral fragrances. As a general rule, darker coloured perfumes such as incense, patchouli and amber last longer than paler colours, which tend to be citrus and/or floral scents.

How to know if perfume has expired

The best way to check if your perfume has expired is to spray some on a piece of paper to see if it has an unpleasant smell.
We can also look to see if the perfume has changed colour. If it is darker or has yellowed, this normally means that it has oxidised. 
In some cases, there may be some residue inside the bottle, which can be seen at the bottom or if we gently swirl it around.