Perfume is not just an accessory for most people, but often also a statement. But how long does the scent remain vibrant and smell as expected? And how should one best store perfume to maximize its longevity?
In this article, we answer your questions about perfume longevity and provide tips on proper storage, care, and use, so that your fragrance can become a good and not a shocking statement!

The durability of perfume varies depending on the brand, the quality of the ingredients, and the fragrance concentration. High-quality perfumes, such as Eau de Parfum and Extrait de Parfum, tend to have a longer durability than, for example, Eau de Toilette or Eau de Cologne. This is because their fragrance oil content – that is, the actual scent of the perfume – is higher than in the other variants (here we will take a closer look at the differences between the various types of perfumes and their fragrance oil content). Furthermore, scents that are generally described as heavy and opulent last significantly longer than, for instance, delicate citrus scents or light, floral perfumes.

The specific durability of perfume can vary depending on storage, usage, and type. It is also important to note that the scent can change over time without this meaning that the perfume has spoiled or that its durability has been exceeded.

Additionally, perfumes often have a durability indication printed on the bottom or underside of the perfume bottle or the outer packaging. This indication can be recognized by the symbol of the 'opened cream jar'. Next to it, there is a number, such as 12M, 24M, or 36M, which describes, as a guideline, the number of months the perfume is durable after the bottle has been opened (for example, here 12, 24, or 36 months).
Since this indication can often be missing, you can refer to the following rule of thumb for the durability of perfumes in such cases:

Extrait de Parfum (up to 40% fragrance oil content) → Up to 6 years
Eau de Parfum (10-15% fragrance oil content) → Up to 5 years
Eau de Toilette (5-10% fragrance oil content) → 1 to 3 years
Eau de Cologne (2-4% fragrance oil content) → 1 to 2 years
Eau Fraîche (1-3% fragrance oil content) → 1 to 2 years

Perfume does not have a classic expiration date and does not spoil like food, but it can lose intensity over time or even "go off" and may then develop a solvent-like, alcoholic smell in some cases. Basically, one can say that if the smell changes dramatically or becomes unpleasant, there is a high probability that the perfume has spoiled, meaning it is no longer usable. Another indicator that the perfume has "gone off" is the color. A perfume that was originally light and has darkened significantly, perhaps due to poor storage, will most likely not smell the way one is used to. However, as long as the perfume bottles are stored properly, perfume often remains usable for years.

One reads it here and there, but you should not store perfume, contrary to some claims, in the refrigerator. The extreme temperatures and humidity that the perfume is exposed to affect the quality of the scent and can even influence its consistency.

Perfume should be stored at room temperature, ideally between 15°C and 25°C. Avoid extreme temperatures as well as large temperature fluctuations, as they can alter the chemical composition of the fragrance and thus change the scent, shortening its shelf life.

Perfume should be stored in its original bottle or an opaque container to minimize contact with light. Keep it in a cool, dry place and avoid direct sunlight. Suitable places include, for example, the bedroom (due to usually good temperature conditions) or the wardrobe. Additionally, perfumes should be protected from excessive movement. Because, as silly as it sounds, perfumes are sensitive to movement. They are like little divas wrapped in glass.
Professionals keep the original box and note the date when the perfume was opened. Furthermore, you should always make sure to close it with the cap. This way, the alcohol contained in the perfume cannot evaporate, and no oxygen enters the bottle.
Since almost all perfume bottles are made of glass, it is advisable to protect them from falls. This means they should not necessarily be stored on the top shelf, as there is a greater risk of "falling" and thus breaking.

As mentioned above, a perfume, under optimal storage conditions (cool temperature, little light, minimal movement), can be stored for several years even after the bottle has been opened. The higher the concentration of fragrance, the longer it can be stored. Extrait de Parfum and Eau de Parfum can last up to 5-6 years under such conditions, thus remaining “fresh” the longest.

If the conditions under which a perfume is stored are optimal, there is hardly any difference between opened and unopened bottles. At least when it comes to the question of how long one can store perfume.
Unopened perfume is generally better protected than already opened, that is, used perfume. The spray nozzle has not yet released any liquid, and the spray head – that is, the opening from which the perfume comes out – is still completely dry. This favors storage. As soon as liquid escapes from there, it is exposed to external conditions and air, which can change its chemical state and thus make it more likely to 'go off', or spoil. Although it is only a fraction of a milliliter. If the perfume is not used regularly afterwards, these few milliliters can change the scent so significantly that it affects the remaining perfume that will come out of this opening in the future.

We have briefly compiled a few tips for you that can help you make your perfume last as long as possible.

1. Quality matters. The higher the quality, meaning the higher the concentration of fragrance oils, the longer you will enjoy it. Choosing Extrait de Parfum and Eau de Parfum can pay off here.

2. Store perfume dark, dry, and cool – ideally between 15°C and 25°C.

3. If you are not 100% sure about the scent or if it might be a seasonal fragrance, then smaller bottles (e.g., 50ml instead of 100ml – here you can find more information about the durability of different bottle sizes) can help ensure that you use the perfume down to the last drop: What is gone does not go bad!

4. Regular cleaning: Keep your perfume bottles clean by occasionally wiping them with a dry cloth. Important: Also wipe over the sprayer. This not only keeps the bottle itself clean, but it also prevents residues from affecting the scent.

5. Perfumes with sprayers – that is, spray bottles – last longer than perfumes in dropper bottles (also called shaker bottles), as there is no skin contact with the bottle, preventing other substances, fragrance oils, or even bacteria from getting into the perfume.

6. We recommend noting the opening date on the bottom of the bottle or on the original box. This way, you'll know which of your fragrances has been open the longest and when it's starting to become critical and should be used up.

7. Stop, do not shake! Do not move or shake perfumes too much. Calmness extends their lifespan.