Expired perfume: can you use it? How to tell

A perfume almost never has a real expiration date, but over time it can change: you can tell by the opening, which becomes sour or alcoholic, by the color, which darkens, and by the longevity, which shortens. A well-preserved perfume, kept away from light and heat, stays good for years.

How to tell if it has changed

• The opening. If the first few seconds smell like vinegar, metal, or alcohol, the top notes have altered.
• The color. A perfume that darkens significantly may have changed, but not always: some raw materials, such as vanilla, darken on their own.
• The base. If after an hour everything remains flat, or disappears, the perfume has lost something.

The open jar

Many cosmetics have the symbol of an open jar with a number, for example "36M": these are the recommended months of use after opening. In perfumes it is not always there, and well-preserved perfumes often last longer. It is the same symbol we talk about for sunscreens in last year's sunscreen.

What makes it age

Light, heat, temperature fluctuations, and air. The bathroom, with the steam from the shower, and the windowsill in the sun are the worst places. All the tips are in how to store perfumes.

If it has changed

An altered perfume is not dangerous in itself, but it no longer gives the result you were looking for, and on sensitive skin it can cause discomfort: it is better not to use it on the skin. The empty bottle is separated and recycled as glass, where indicated.

Frequently asked questions

How long does an open perfume last?

Well preserved, usually several years. Citrus and lighter ones change first; amber and woody ones last longer.

The perfume has changed color: should it be thrown away?

Not necessarily. Smell it: if the scent is still the same as always, it can be used. If it is sour or metallic, it has changed.

Does perfume last longer in the fridge?

It is not necessary: a cool, dark place without temperature fluctuations is enough. The fridge, with the opening and closing, can create fluctuations and condensation.