Do colognes expire? As much as we like our fragrances to stay good for years and till we finish the bottle to its last drop, the fact is that fragrances do come with an expiry date. There are many reasons that contribute to its declining longevity – oxygen that dulls the allure of smell, UV rays that breakdown the fragrance and even temperature fluctuations play a role in changing the scent of the cologne. While you spray a cloud of it all over you, remember that even the most luxurious scent comes with shelf life. Here are the indicators to look out for to know if your fragrance has lost its charm 

Change in Scent 

One of the most evident signs that it’s time to break up with your fragrance is the change in its original smell. If you’re an avid scent collector, you’ll be able to notice that an old scent now has dull top notes or base notes losing their richness. This change could be subtle or easily noticeable, however it’s the main indicator that the fragrance has run its course and is not alluring anymore as it used to be no matter which olfactory it is from. 

Change in Colour 

Another noticeable change to let you know that the fragrance is done for a replacement is a change in its original colour. Reaction to air, fluctuation in temperature and light exposure can make the fragrance change its colour to a darker-coloured liquid or with cloudy appearance. It’s important to note here that some fragrances change their colour with time, but we are talking about drastic changes like the liquid turning brown or into a different hue. 

Change in Longevity 

Your fragrance that stayed on for 24 hours when you bought it now evaporates after a few hours should be a reason enough to let you know that it has lived its shelf life. Over time, fragrance loses its power to linger on the skin due to the degrading of fragrance compounds.  

Change in Texture or Consistency 

Over time, the liquid in your fragrance bottle goes through changes that can affect its uniformity. It can go thicker or develop a syrupy consistency. One may also notice its sediments settling at the bottom of the bottle or separation of particles and ingredients. The best way to test this is by shaking the bottle and checking if the liquid comes back to its original form. 

Make sure you keep the packaging of the perfume with you. There’s a reason that the label on the perfume bottle comes with a manufacturing and expiry date. It’s enough to tell us that the product is not going to stay forever. It is equally important to care for the proper storage of the bottle, storing it in a cool place away from the sunlight can slow down the process of its ageing. In some cases, using a perfume beyond its expiration can result in skin irritation and allergies. If that happens, make sure to discontinue the use and check with a doctor immediately.