Why is the smell of my regular perfume different or non-existent. Could it be a bad batch or something else.

It is not uncommon for perfumes and fragrances to deteriorate over time, as they do contain molecular particles that may decompose due to their organic make up. If perfumes are stored correctly however, they should last for a number of years and their shelf life should not be hindered in any way. Exposure to direct heat and sunlight can also aid in the deterioration of fragrances, and it is therefore always advisable to store perfume containers correctly at room temperature, or in a cooler environment when travelling, and preferably in their original packaging.

Another reason for an alteration in the scent of your regular perfume may be due to your own chemical composition being altered. If for example one was to take up drinking or drink more frequently than before, or perhaps smoke, whereas they had not smoke before; this would affect the scent of their fragrance. Not only would the body’s chemical composition, which would now contain flavonoids from the alcohol, or nicotine from the cigarettes, contribute to the change in scent, but also the olfactory senses would be altered. Cilia which are tiny hairs inside the nose and which assist in the sense of smell may become damaged due to excessive inhalation of cigarette smoke, leading to an impaired sense of smell. The tongue, and taste buds, which have a direct link to the nose and sense of smell, are also altered by the inhalation of smoke, or intake of alcohol, which would all lead to a deterioration and assumed alteration of a particular fragrance. Medication would act in a very similar manner, where chemicals in the body are released through the pores, and any application of perfume to the affected pores would also result in a change of aroma. Always keep your skin in top condition, and your fragrances stored at the correct temperature.