What is the shelf life for perfume.

In order to get the best out of your perfume or fragrance, always store it at room temperature, and away from direct sunlight. Despite the myths, keeping fragrances in the fridge will not increase the perfumes longevity or shelf life. In general, perfumes that are stored correctly, and preferably in their original packaging should last the duration of a number of years, although some like to replace their perfumes once a year to be assured of a fresh fragrance, although this is not necessary. Perfumes and fragrances exposed to direct light and heat may alter in color and this would be the first indication that a change has occurred in the chemical compounds and colorants. Although the colorants do not add to the scent, the process of discoloration may be the first of a number of chemical reactions taking place in your bottle of perfume.

If your fragrance has only altered in color, but has retained the scent and not oxidized, or become cloudy; simply move the receptacle to a cooler place, out of the light. If however, the perfume has taken on a cloudy hue, after discoloring, try spritzing a small amount on a test area like the inside of your arm, to guage any changes in aroma, or astringency. Do not continue to wear any perfumes and fragrances that display signs of having gone rancid or sour. Keep containers completely airtight, and any perfumes applied with a roll-on or bottle stopper directly to the skin, should be wiped with an unscented sanitized and lint-free cloth, to keep from spoiling the contents. Remember too that when travelling, excessive heat in a vehicle or mode of transport can cause the contents to expand, resulting in a broken perfume bottle. It is therefore advisable to retain fragrance and perfume bottles in a cooler, to prevent this from occurring.