How Long Should Perfume Last? *

-This post is in collaboration with Copy Cat Fragrances-

How Long Should Perfume Last?

The concept of how long perfume lasts can be examined in a cross-section of ways.  This includes the fragrance formulation, its concentration, application, expiration date and even how it is stored. Below, you will find a detailed overview of each point.

Fragrance Formulation And Concentration

When you are trying to pinpoint how long your perfume will last, this is the first factor you should consider. When you look at the fragrance concentration, this is a good indicator of how long your perfume will last upon application.  Parfum holds the highest fragrance oil concentration and thus, it lasts longer. Eau de Fraiche on the other end holds the lowest concentration and therefore, lasts less long.

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Typically, parfum contains anywhere between 20 to 25% fragrance oils and will last up to 24 hours. Eau de parfum contains 15 to 20% fragrance oils and will last anywhere from 8 to 12 hours. Eau de toilettes contain 10 to 15% fragrance oils and will last for several hours and so will eau de cologne, which is normally a lighter variant of Eau de parfum, with up to 5% concentration. Eau de Fraiche, also known as fragrance water or body mist, boasts the lowest concentration at 3 to 5%.  

Eau de Fraiche will last you within the hour. In addition to the fragrance concentration, the perfume formulation itself also determines how long the perfume will last as well as how it will interact with the surrounding storage environment.

Shelf Life AKA Expiration Date

Generally, most perfume makers recommend retiring your perfume anywhere between one to three years after usage. Yet, the special formulation of perfume doesn’t resemble that of food. Thus, using it beyond the recommended period will not result in any dire consequences.  As such, there are several ways you can preserve your perfume so it can last longer.

Your perfume will not alter its intensity yet; you will notice a slight change on the scent after it has been used for long. The scent becomes a tad bit acidic or metallic. This is because, over time, more and more oxygen enters the bottle to oxidize it. This is especially quite significant for perfumes that integrate citrus notes or other similar aromatics. You will also notice an accelerated dry down rate of your perfume.

 Fragrance Types And Longevity

Certain fragrance types will naturally last longer than others. Stable fragrance types such as woody, amber or leather fragrances tend to last longer due to their chemical stability. Additionally, natural ingredients tend to be less stable than synthetic ones. You will not notice significant changes in these fragrance types even after the recommended years of use.

In addition, perfumes that bear higher alcohol content tend to also last longer. This is because the increased alcohol content delays the rate at which aromatics are oxidized. Consequently, it is regarded as an important preservative for perfumes. So, you can expect perfume types such as eau de toilette and eau de cologne to last longer than Eau de parfum and parfum.

Fragrance types such as clean alcohol free, oil-based and patchouli or citrus-based fragrances on the other end will have a shorter shelf life or scent intensity. So you have to choose to prioritize either the clean aspect of the fragrance or a longer lasting shelf life and intensity.

Environmental Factors

In addition to the ingredients and fabrication, you should also consider external factors to the longevity of your perfume.

Light

Light plays a great role in the longevity and intensity of your perfume. You will also notice on your perfume package or bottle that it says, store in a cool and dry place. Thus, as much as it looks attractive on the window area with natural light coming in, it is not a good idea to store your perfume under direct light, this is because the light rays will break down the perfume molecules, ultimately affecting the scent. This is because the breakdown of the molecules makes it unstable and more susceptible to oxidation.

Heat

Just like light, you should also avoid storing your perfume in places that are too warm. Avoid areas such as your bathroom cabinet, even though it looks appealing. Your perfume should be stored in an area that boasts a temperature of not more than 15 degrees Celsius. This is because excessive heat is more likely to alter the chemical makeup of your perfume and ultimately making it susceptible to oxidation.

 Stick To One Bottle

As much as it is difficult, it is advised to stick to one perfume bottle until it is empty. It is not always easy to do so. On average, many people have at least two to three different fragrances they are using simultaneously. Yet, leaving your perfume idle for too long also increases the risk of alteration by the already absorbed oxygen. Especially for highly concentrated fragrance, it is a good idea to stick to one until it is finished.

How To Improve Longevity

Apart from its chemical makeup and concentration which cannot be altered, you can still enhance the longevity of your fragrance through storage.  As mentioned above, you should always store your perfume in cool and dark areas.

Store Your Perfume In A Close Space

Your closed cabinet and the closed section of your dresser were probably built just for this.  These spaces make an excellent place to store your perfume as they effectively shield it from direct sunlight. you can even invest in those cute vanity boxes or leave it in its original packaging if you want an element of décor in your room.

Store Your Perfume In a Chilled Area

You want to maintain your storage temperature. there's no point in shielding the perfume from light if the alternative storage space is too hot. If you reside in warm climates, then adopt a DIY craft to further preserve the perfume.

For example, before tossing it into its box or vanity box, you can wrap it with aluminium foil. You can even store it in a refrigerator if it’s safe for your household. Remember, this can be hazardous if you reside with a child in your home. and you don't have to worry about it freezing thanks to the alcohol component. 

In addition to the storage, you should also adopt other practices that help to preserve its longevity even during application. For example, avoid rubbing it during application and apply it to pressure points for longer lasting results.