Apparently, colognes and perfume spoil in the long run and there are actually a lot of factors affecting this process. Even though you purchase the most expensive brand of cologne and perfume, they do actually expire!.
Although they do not expire in the same principle as any food would spoil, they actually undergo different chemical and physical changes in the long run.
According to number one perfume site in the United States, They states that the average shelf life of a cologne and perfume is around 3 to 5 years in totality.
However, the life of a certain product may still vary especially if it’s not opened and used. Nevertheless, there are numerous factors why a cologne and perfume spoil and expire in the long run.
Hence, if you are to ask does cologne expire or not – you already know the answer.
Major Factors Affecting The Life Span of A Cologne
Almost all factors affecting the life span of certain cologne or perfume are external. Know that each and every bottle of cologne is manufactured differently. Hence, the proper ways of storing, caring, and maintaining varies for each.
Now, the number one variable that affects the total duration of cologne is the storage method.
As mention, each bottle of cologne being produced has its own ways on how to properly store them. When a certain bottle of cologne is not adequately stored and taken care of, the deterioration of the quality speeds up.
Secondly, another factor that largely affects the life span of a specific bottle of cologne is the temperature.
The ultimate enemy of perfumes and colognes is the heat. Heat can largely deteriorate the overall quality of the product because it makes the compounds loosen. Hence, the cologne and perfume looses its natural scent and fragrance.
While heat can apparently destroy and damage the cologne, you would probably store them somewhere that is cool. You may possibly place them on a refrigerator and freezer. However, these solutions can be as damaging as what the heat does.
Always remember to keep and store your colognes and perfume somewhere cool but not extremely cool.
Signs and Indications of Spoilage
When you purchase colognes and perfumes, you don’t actually see any expiration date. Although some bottles come with labels that state best to use within 12 months or even 24 months, there colognes and perfumes that can last shorter or longer.
So, how can you tell if you already need to toss away these bottles of cologne?
Fragrance
The very first indication of spoilage is the smell of the cologne. Over a period of time, the fragrance and pleasant smell fades away especially when stored for quite a long time now.
You could do a “nose test” to these colognes if you are not sure whether they are still usable or not.
Appearance
One of the most apparent indications and signs that your cologne is no longer usable is the appearance. The chemical change that occurs when a certain bottle of cologne expires can be seen on its physical appearances.
There are times that the colors change to darker hues and there cases that you can see a cloud-like formation on the very bottom of the bottle.
These mean that some of the compounds have already settled and the cologne is no longer pleasant to use.
So, does cologne go bad when they are expired? Apparently, that’s a yes!
Prevention Of Spoilage
Fortunately, you could actually prevent the spoilage in general. You could apparently do simple ways in order for you to maximize your cologne and prevent the sudden spoilage.
Some of these simple ways are to store your colognes and perfumes on a cool and dry place. You must avoid the excessive heat in this case.
In addition, you could prevent the tossing away and spoilage when you treat your colognes and perfumes as consumables. Always use the oldest first and consequently the newly purchased ones.
As always, prevention is so much better than cure!
