Does cologne go bad?
Yes! Cologne has a shelf life; however, there are ways to extend its longevity and get the most out of it. Learn how to preserve your favorite scents below.
What is Cologne?
Cologne, or Eau de Cologne, is a type of perfume that originated in Cologne, Germany.
Associated more with masculine fragrances, such as earthy and musky tones, cologne is defined as containing two to four percent perfume oil, diluted into alcohol, with the best brands providing a long-lasting aroma. However, compared to other scents, cologne has a light concentration of perfume oils.
As it is mixed with alcohol, you may be wondering can cologne expire? In short, yes, it can, and here, you will be guided through how to prevent it, as well as the best storage options and how to detect if your cologne has gone off.
How To Prevent Cologne From Going Bad
As is the case with many things, if cologne is stored or used incorrectly, it can accelerate the oxidation process, causing it to expire more quickly.
So, if you want to keep your latest purchase of Lacoste Red lasting longer, how can you prevent it from going off?
Use a Spray Bottle Instead of a Screw Top
Screw-top bottles need to be opened, which exposes the cologne to oxygen, which can speed up the breakdown of the alcohol within the spray. With a spray bottle, this doesn't happen and keeps the scent and compounds in the cologne fresh for longer.
Keep The Lid on Tight
It may be the case that your spray bottle top has become loose. If it has, try to transfer the contents to a new vessel. This will, again, prevent oxygen from hitting the liquid, keeping the cologne in top-notch condition.
Don't Shake It!
Do you remember seeing your dad shake his cologne before he put it on? As fun as it may seem, don't do that! Even in its contained state in the bottle, shaking the liquid mixes it with the air, which speeds up the oxidation process.
Keep It Cool
Many people assume it is fine to keep cologne in their bathroom, or even proudly display it on their bedroom windowsill. Simply put, for cologne to retain its full lifespan, it should be stored in a dark, cool place, away from sunlight. This will prevent it from evaporating, and will also preserve the alcohol content within the liquid.
Keep It In The Original Container
There is a reason why the new Curve Crush bottle is so flashy. It is so that you, the person who bought the cologne, will keep it in that bottle. Why? The container has been designed to hold the product and extend its lifespan.
How To Spot If Your Cologne Has Gone Off
Aside from taking note of the expiry date and using the cologne within this time period, which brands like Givenchy Blue Label are noted to include on the box, there are some other ways to spot if the cologne in your closet has gone off.
- The Smell: When asking does cologne go bad, one of the key indicators to check for is the smell. Has your once favorite bottle of Tommy Bahama started to smell sour, instead of fruity? A key sign that any perfume has expired is that it smells different. When that happens, it's time to replace it, or you may get a rash.
- The Color: OK, this can be tricky, as many Colognes come in bottles made from colored glass. However, when you spray it onto your skin, does it look darker? Colognes and perfumes that are aging become opaque and darker, due to the breakdown of the preserving alcohol in the bottle.
- Reactions: If you spray the cologne onto your skin and you begin to itch, or later notice a rash that never occurred previously, then this is a sign that the cologne has expired.
Storing Cologne
Most colognes have a lifespan of between three to five years, with brands like Ralph Lauren Polo being noted as having a span that can extend to six years if kept correctly.
So, you may be curious about how to store cologne to ensure you get your money's worth.
- Try to find a dry, dark place in your home. Many people store their colognes in wardrobes, as this prevents direct sunlight exposure.
- Try to keep the bottle closed until you aim to wear it. This will prevent it from becoming oxidized, which can lead to faster degradation.
- Yes, many people store their cologne in the bathroom, but this is not ideal due to the extreme humidity and inconsistent temperatures.
- If you can, try to keep the cologne in the original box. They may not seem important, but the boxes are designed specifically to hold the cologne and can help with temperature regulation.
FAQs About Cologne
Can Cologne That Has Expired Cause Skin Irritation?
Expired cologne and perfume can cause skin allergies, leading to rashes in many people. There are some cases of people using expired colognes or perfumes who develop a more extreme reaction, due to the breakdown of chemical components. To prevent this, always ensure that the cologne you wear is up to date, or, in a pinch, spray it on your clothing rather than your skin.
Should I Keep My Cologne In The Fridge?
Simply put, yes, it is wise and ideal to store your cologne in a fridge. Why? The fridge will maintain a stable temperature, which will prevent oxidation and chemical degradation, helping your cologne to last longer. Some Colognes contain animal fat, and if stored in a warm area, it can accelerate the breakdown of fats, thereby speeding up the expiry. So, check for the fat content of the cologne and aim to keep it in the fridge.
Where Is The Best Place To Store Cologne in a Bathroom?
Ideally, you shouldn't store cologne in a bathroom. Changes in temperature and humidity can accelerate the oxidation process, causing the cologne to expire more quickly.
Long story short, when asking does cologne expire, yes it does but you can increase the shelf life, which will keep you smelling great for longer. Who doesn't want that?
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