Do Perfumes Expire? How To Store Keep Fragrances Fresh Longer Tell If A Perfume Expired Go Went Bad

[@boogiepimp78]

On the topic of an expiring fragrance, I wanted to add that sometimes one might smell as if it has turned (gone off) if you haven’t sprayed it in awhile. This happens when the amount that has been held in the plastic inner tube of the atomizer has held a few spray’s worth and sometimes as fragrance has oxidized in the actual atomizer cap. Before thinking to throw it away, it’s always best to spray it 3-8 times to clear it out. You can also remove the atomizer cap and run it under hot water to help remove any oxidized fragrance residue. If it still smells off after 10-15 sprays, then you’ll know for sure that it is. Even if you haven’t sprayed it in many months, it’s good to flush out those first 3 sprays as they can often smell different.

[@dr.claire.perfume]

This is a fab tip! Even I've experienced this and been amazed at the difference with having cleared the atomiser. This is certainly a thing when you first spray middle Eastern fragrances too! Removing the atomiser head and soaking it is a top tip for when it's blocked too! Thank you for your extremely useful comment!

[@sweetpeace5]

💯

[@jewelsbarbie]

Thank you so much for this brilliant advice! I am going to try this with one of my fragrances that I thought had turned. ❤

[@SueLloyd-bq6oc]

This happened to me with a vintage bottle of ‘Obsession’ by CK. There was a ‘petrol/burning rubber’ thing happening and I thought it was spoiled. After reading something on Fragrantica, I sprayed ten’ish hard presses outside into the air . . . Voila!! Sorted. This is also a fragrance which goes super dark with age, but never smells ‘off’ to my nose. I keep it for reasons of 80’s nostalgia 😊

[@david_allen1]

I have used household alcohol (70% isopropyl alcohol) instead of water to clean the atomizer. I typically remove the atomizer, put the tube in a capful of alcohol, and depress the plunger for several sprays (until the scent of the perfume is faint). You may find it is more effective with less effort as perfume oil may dissolve more readily in it compared to water.

[@Nikki7B]

My grandma, who has been gone a long time now, back in the 80s, used to tell me "when your a lady and have nice perfumes, dont forgot to put them in a dark cool place in their box" lol. She was such a well put together woman who I miss so much. She passed when i was a teen, back in the 90s. I always remembered that tip she told me, and have done just that when i started with perfumes. I've never had a perfume go bad.

[@dr.claire.perfume]

What a fab and wise grandma! She was spot on! ☺️ Thanks for watching 🥰

[@Nikki7B]

@dr.claire.perfume she was indeed. I love your channel, just found it a couple days back and subscribed. You are very knowledgeable about fragrance and the history of them. Thank you, cheers from Canada.

[@dr.claire.perfume]

@@Nikki7B thank you! I'm happy that you are enjoying it ☺️ that's lovely to read 🥰

[@momijiyamanishi4548]

You are blessed to have her for a role model. May she rest in peace. You will see her in the future.

[@m.h.1593]

Thank you for this confirmation. I keep them in their box because I have OCD lol, but if they have extra benefits, even better😁

[@TexasLyoness]

Based on what you’re saying it makes sense to buy a smaller bottle, especially for a very expensive scent that you won’t be going through fast.

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Absolutely! 💯 But yep, on the flip side there are discontinuations and reformulations so 😂

[@fratini.]

Great topic! I've become a little paranoid after seeing some fragrances that I love go bad due to bad storing about 7 years ago. And since then, I've kept all my 23 bottles inside their boxes, all the boxes inside an airtight hard case (with rubber seals) and the hard case inside a dark closet! Some people will say that that's a little extreme, but I never lost a bottle of perfume again!

[@dr.claire.perfume]

That sounds very sensible, I wish mine was half as good... I don't think people realise until they have smelt one that they previously loved and realised that it's gone bad. It's shocking and makes you totally rethink your storage. Thanks for watching 🥰

[@LaladaBeauty]

That fridge clip 😂😂🤣 You made such good points about storage, handling and traveling! I see people on KZbin vigorously shake fragrances and I’m always like, nooooo 😮😅

[@dr.claire.perfume]

One person I watched said how she always shakes them before spraying 🤦‍♀️ I did bother to write a comment but I just hope she watches the video 😊

[@LaladaBeauty]

@@dr.claire.perfume hahaha 🤣 It’s not fruit juice

[@dr.claire.perfume]

🤷‍♀️ I know that, you know that... Maybe this other lady was a bit mixed up? 🤣

[@silverliningfragrance1434]

Oh also, sometimes the perfume smell like it turned but only what is in the atomizer tube is "bad" and after a few spritzes the perfume is actually good. It happened to me with few perfumes that I wasn't using for a long time

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Yes! This is definitely a thing, it's always good to spray them a bit before you definitely decide they are off! 🥰

[@fionaH101]

You must've read my mind Dr Claire. My collection has grown to about 45 bottles (not my fault in any way of course 🤥) and it occured to me recently that I may be wasting my money as some may go off before I use them, even though I usually try to only buy 30ml bottles. So annoying that niche houses often do only 75ml and up. I've always stored them in their boxes in a chest of drawers well away from the radiator - a bit belt and braces I know! I learnt so much today and am very grateful for all your research and the fact that you explain things so clearly. Your students are very lucky to have you 💖

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Thank you Fiona! That's so kind ☺️ yes I hate when companies don't have a choice for smaller bottles or crazily overprice then per ml. It just puts me off. Your storage sounds pretty perfect 👍 you have the best chance of your fragrances staying fresh for as long as possible with that kind of dedication! Thanks for watching 😘

[@eddiemaxwell6949]

A TV show years ago showed tips from the housekeeper at a grand house. She sprayed fragrance onto candles. As the candle burnt, it gave off the scent. A possible use for fragrances you don't want to spray onto your body or clothes any more.

[@dr.claire.perfume]

I guess that would work and could be a good use, but yes I'd monitor it carefully if you do that as perfume is very flammable because of all the ethanol. 🥰

[@b25mech]

Makes so much sense about roller balls or dabbers. Note to self, use them up.

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Yes 😬 I think a rollerball was one of only two fragrances I've had that went off towards the end of my using it. I hadn't had it many years either. They definitely need prioritising. 🥰

[@annarzepka1206]

Some of my perfumes are 10 year old and smell amazing. They are discontinued now and I'm so happy that I still can enjoy them. I store them I'm my closet darkest and coolest room in our house ❤

[@dr.claire.perfume]

That sounds perfect! It just goes to show that fragrance can really last a long time with great storage. I need to give my perfume storage an overhaul I think! Thanks for watching ❤️

[@EaudeJane]

It’s really difficult to recycle single use perfume bottles! Been a big fan of refillable bottles lately and I hope everyone in the industry follow suit somehow 🙏🏼

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Yes they are good but only really if you always want the same fragrance. I guess there could be some wash out / cleaning scheme though. 🥰

[@avb4987]

I’ve bought refills of fragrance and put them in other bottles. I collect angel refillable bottles just to do that. I save money each time.

[@EaudeJane]

@@avb4987 Yes! I repurpose refillable spray bottles - fill them up with other perfumes ❤

[@dr.claire.perfume]

I guess it just needs you to swill the bottle and pump the atomiser with ethanol to clear them.

[@thomaswang225]

lol, a refillable fragrance bottle means not sealed perfectly and means you can’t store that for long periods of time

[@leahmiranda8359]

I’m very new to having more than one fragrance. I wore the same fragrance for years. I kept it in my bathroom! But it was never around long enough for degradation to be a concern. Now I have about 50 fragrances. I store them on my dresser in my bedroom. I have shutters on the only window to keep the Arizona heat out. They are always closed. My house is at a constant 78 degrees F. in summer and 68 degrees F. (or less) in winter The room is dark 23 hours a day. I think I’m doing the best that I can possibly do to prolong the life of my fragrances. I’ve had a miniature bottle of Opium over 30 years. It has always been in a drawer, and still smells great! I really appreciated this video, since I haven’t had my fragrances very long. It seems that I’m doing things right.😊

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Yes it sounds like you are sorted! For sure, when you have one that you constantly reach for, keeping it in the bathroom is likely not a problem at all because you go through it fast, but yes a larger collection needs some thinking about. I hope you can enjoy your fragrances for as long as your bottle of opium! Thanks for watching 🥰

[@CeylonCleo]

Perfumes do indeed expire but it's rare for a perfume to go bad that quickly. 😊The only one that expired in my collection before I could get a chance to completely finish it was J'Adore Dior.

[@dr.claire.perfume]

I can imagine that being quite a sharp one once it's turned. That's a shame, I need to try mine again, I rarely wear it.

[@missbexy89]

Thank you for this helpful video. It's a reminder for me to slow down my fragrance shopping and enjoy what I have. It takes alot longer than you think to even use up a 30ml! So glad I found your channel- loving your videos 👍

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Thank you! Yes I've not bought anything since November for this reason and a few others. I just want to enjoy what I have and sample things. Thank you for watching, I hope you have a fab weekend 🥰

[@missbexy89]

@@dr.claire.perfume thank you, you too 😊

[@Elena-er7zp]

Enjoying my vintage 1980s Poison today. This bottle is great but I have bought one that went off. You are right, You know from the first sniff if something has gone off, you don’t need a second opinion. It is extremely apparent. I store my collection in a dresser drawer, unboxed. I keep several on top the dresser, particularly ones with large dents I want to empty.

[@dr.claire.perfume]

It's really disappointing when something you've just bought is off, but sadly that's a thing with secondhand and vintage. I've found it's pretty rare thankfully 🙂 I think your storage is similar to mine these days. I'm trying to keep my fragrances accessible but in good condition and this seems the best solution. 🥰

[@bryanryan4504]

Fragrances are all shaken up just by normal picking up the bottle and spraying yourself and putting it down. Also, all fragrance bottles go through tremendous agitation from shopping between manufacturer to retailer, and then from retailer to you.

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Yes, I think though when fragrances are originally shipped there is only so much air in the bottles. After you've used them, there is more air in the bottles and each use adds to and exchanges that air a little. So shaking fragrances over the longer term will affect their quality. I have literally seen people shake them like a deodorant can 😂

[@BLARG09]

If I put it in the box is never use them. I put the off season ones in the dark.

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Same! I'd just forget or not be bothered to open them up to use them because I'm always running late in the morning. 😂 I do think I should rotate like you though. 👍

[@m.h.1593]

Thank you for the Check Fresh link and the symbol. I had no idea it determined the life span of a perfume. Edit: I look at the perfumes I have on my Fragrantica profile to remind myself what I own because most of my fragrances are in their box. They say “out of sight, out of mind.” Not when I go on Fragrantica😂

[@dr.claire.perfume]

The Period After Opening (PAO) open jar symbol tell you how long the product should be stable for after it's been opened, but with fragrance it's much more likely to be longer than that as the symbols have a maximum of 3 years I think, as they are really meant for cosmetic products such as body lotions and makeup. I find it mad that they are on fragrance at all! Yes Fragrantica is a fab way to see everything at once, even when your collection is boxed or out of sight in drawers and cupboards! Thanks for watching 🥰

[@sebouquin2430]

You bring up recycling… I’m a notorious blind buyer, so I risk buying things I won’t like. However, I absolutely REFUSE to return a fragrance knowing it’s just going in the trash. 😞 I can either learn to like it or find it a new home. There is so much waste in the fragrance industry. It’s kind of alarming. Enjoyed the video. There are a lot of misconceptions out there, so I appreciate the science lesson to help people understand these things. Hope you’re having a great weekend!😊

[@dr.claire.perfume]

In the UK it's not a thing to be able to return opened fragrance, so I find it weird when I hear people say that they returned stuff they didn't like. If I don't like something, I just sell or gift it on if I still don't love it after a few months of trying it. It's annoying but just part of trying stuff, I also do a lot of blind buying. 🙈 I think putting PAO symbols designed for cosmetics is a backwards step, it's meaning people think things might be off when they aren't at all 🤷‍♀️ thanks for watching ❤️

[@Michelle-Eden]

I appreciate your advice not to shake perfumes. An obvious exception, however, would be Bond No. 9 fragrances, which should always be shaken not stirred.

[@dr.claire.perfume]

🤣 well of course, the perfect exception! 🥰

[@Xena395]

I didn’t know that, why they need to be shaken?

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Sorry bad joke 🤣

[@Xena395]

@@dr.claire.perfume I was asking is it true the bond no9 fragrances need to be shaken.

[@dr.claire.perfume]

No it was a joke, because they are called Bond, i.e. Shaken not stirred.

[@Kbaltrush]

I’m hanging desperately into the last bit of the 2011 miss Dior Cherie. It was my only fragrance for ages, but I worked in an industry in which fragrance is not permitted, so I wore it very infrequently. When I went to repurchase is when I discovered it was long discontinued and began my hunt for my new signature scent. That’s how I became a fragrance junkie in 2023. It’s holding up well, but I do need to use it. And now that the new Miss Dior parfum is out, I’m more confident using up my oldie. Gotta get my nose in the new one. But the old one is still kicking!!

[@dr.claire.perfume]

I think Dior have caught a lot of people out with their random discontinuations and relaunches with the same name... I tried the new parfum, it's what I imagine a mix between Cherie and the 2012 version would smell like. I only have a clone of Cherie but own 2012. Let me know what you think 😊

[@susansscentstreet8043]

Yesss! I cringe when I see fragrance reviewers jostling and shaking their fragrances as they talk about them. Also, I have recently bought travel atomizers that you pump directly in to the travel atomizer from the stem of the perfume bottle so that I am not throwing my whole bottle into my purse so I can top off my scent later. I want to reduce the oxidation my perfume in its original bottle is exposed to.

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Sounds a fab idea! Those little travel atomisers are really handy and easy to use ❤️ thanks for watching, I hope you have a lovely week 😊

[@LuSlovakia]

Great video👏 I used to have Sofia by Sofia Vergara, and the juice turned from shade of pink to nasty green😳 i didnt like the scent anyway, so i gave it to my mum and she put it in toilette as air freshener🙈 few years passed, and lately i found perfume still there, tried it and it actually smelled damn good🤯😅

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Yeah colour is really not the greatest indicator. You really need to smell them. I can sometimes be the vanilla content darkening and combining with the colour of the dye in the perfume to make a strange colour. Thanks for watching 🥰

[@Mah_fb]

I looooove geeking out on perfumes and science. This video was great to watch

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Thank you! I had been thinking about this video for a good long while! I wanted it to be comprehensive! 😊

[@Xubanqueen]

Love your channel and HONESTY REVIEWS. THANK YOU ❤

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Thank you, have a lovely day 🥰

[@VIVIANAMUDD]

Hi Claire, I discovered you through Veronica Says and I've been binging on your videos. I've been collecting perfumes since I was a teenager (I am 53 now). I have the old, expired ones on boxes because I usually buy a fragrance for a special occasion or on duty free when I go on a trip and I since they say that the sense of smell helps you remember things when you are older (so I've been told) I want to associate smells and memories for later on. I am lucky that I have a walking closet the size of a NYC studio and it has no windows but it had a a/c vent so they are never warm or get sunlight. So I had made a full area for the perfumes and the top (ceiling) I have the expired/really old boxes perfumes. I try to keep the atomizers and the bottles dry and clean.

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Thank you! That's lovely to read and Veronica is very kind and supportive. Wow, I would love that much storage! That sounds absolutely ideal for your fragrances and keeping them in boxes is the way to go. Sounds like you are pretty sorted for keeping them as well as possible. Yes scent memory is huge, it can take you to places and times and people instantly! Thanks for watching 🥰

[@ScentedByMwendi]

Such an informative video. I always hated roller balls and splash bottles because they are such an inconvenience but this makes me hate them even more. I keep my fragrance boxes. I find them easier to store too.

[@dr.claire.perfume]

I need to be like you and keep my perfumes out of season in boxes. It's so much better to do that! Your collection always looks so well kept and in fab condition 😊

[@ScentedByMwendi]

@@dr.claire.perfume Thank you 😁 I try.

[@NubianStone]

Hi Dr Claire. Thanks very much for the video. I have a few decants and did not think about the oxidation factor. I will definitely using them up. Thanks 😊

[@dr.claire.perfume]

No worries! Thanks for watching! 😊 And yes it's a shame isn't it, but better to enjoy them than them go off. 🥰

[@pinkfabulous248]

I never had a perfume go bad … yet 😂🌸

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Lucky you! Your storage must be tip top! 🥰

[@Monicalala]

I wore Gucci Rush in the early 2000s. My bottles would turn, but never considered the bottle design played a role in that. Very interesting!

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Yes, it's amazing really because that design is so striking but not having a cap is really not great for the fragrance. Thanks for watching ❤️

[@AnnaFeltina-ov8dx]

Really, you have the best perfume content I have listened to in intenet! Thank you!

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Thank you, that's very kind 😊 have a fab Sunday 🥰

[@MarcelGomesPan]

I keep mine in the original box in a dark warderobe. I do,however,travel with them. I also buy 50 ml bottles so i have a chance to get through them.

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Yes, I think occasional travel is not going to be an issue, especially if you use them with a year or so and keep them in the dark. Sunlight is the really big one to avoid. Have a good week and thanks for watching 🥰

[@jas000n]

Oh damn, I always love shaking my perfume and watching the bubbles 😅

[@dr.claire.perfume]

🤣 well stop it 😂

[@sandybeachlane1528]

The oldest perfume I own is kenzo flower which is at least 15yrs old. It hasn't gone bad at all. I have others that aren't quite as old but at least 10yrs. I keep my perfumes in their boxes and hide them where the sun don't shine.😁 The ones that I didn't store in their boxes because we moved and were too bulky didn't last long, even if I stored them in the same closet.

[@dr.claire.perfume]

That's really interesting. Ok, you are making me want to move mine back into their boxes 😂 thanks for the tip. 🥰

[@tdsollog]

Fantastic tips. I store as many as I can in their boxes and I store my off season ones in a carton in my closet.

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Sounds perfect 👌

[@jaxbeautifulyou]

I’ve had a few fragrances that have gone off. You can def tell, sometimes they just smell rotten. Good informative video!

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Thank you, yes, sometimes it's immediately noticeable and distinctive! 🥰

[@ambermoon5720]

I thought I had a fragrance go off that I hadn't used in a long time, but I tried spraying several sprays on a kleenex to flush it out and it worked! So it must have been what was in the atomizer? I keep mine in their boxes in a drawer, except for what I have in rotation, which I keep on a dresser in a dark room. Great video, Claire! It's a good reminder for me to use up my samples!

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Thank you ❤️ This is a fab tip! This also happened to me. It's good to try fragrances for 10 sprays before you do decide whether they are off or not because yes, if you didn't use it for a while, it could just be the stuff that was in the nozzle. Your storage sounds great! I need to get better at keeping fragrances in their boxes and think about doing rotations 😊 samples are something I also need to get using, I have so so many! Thanks for watching ❤️

[@rinsscentcloset47]

Your video is exactly what i needed, i have prada candy gloss that i was wondering if it went bad after i revisit it again, i thought theres just something wrong with my nose that time i tried it because it doesnt smell like how it was before i was reallllyyy sad 😩 because i paid for a retail price for it, i bought it in 2020 i did'nt know it will go bad so fast. Then i still keep it in my drawer i was hoping the scent will change when the weather becomes cold again, then you have this video and after i watched it, i tried the tips i read in the comments, the scent did not change it has a sour smell in the opening but it still smells good in the middle and drydown but it is not as good as before 😔. Thanks for this educational video i got tips on how to preserve my baby bottles 😅♥️

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Oh that's a real shame Rin. I do think there are particular fragrances that seem to go off faster than others and I think Prada candy is one. I also had a Prada fragrance go off on me. Two to three years is not a long time for a fragrance to go bad at all really. It's amazing that they can turn that quickly with preservatives. I hope your others are ok! ❤️ Thanks for watching ☺️

[@chinami6534]

I do the rotation thing where I keep summer frags in cupboards during winter and vice versa. 😌 It does prolong their lifespan. Also I like dark/dyed bottles because they help the frag keep well. I also buy cheaper frags to keep in my bag because then if they go bad it is not the end of the world but I can reapply. I also layer my cheaper ones during the day on top of ly beasts that are more important to me and keep those home.

[@dr.claire.perfume]

I need to start rotating my winter and summer fragrances 🙈 I take little travel sprays with me mostly but yes I guess the cheaper ones are the ones to choose for your bag. Good tips 👍

[@MrVoayer]

Important and valuable info every fragrance novice and afficionado as well, must know! A must see video! Thank you for sharing it so generously!

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Thank you! 🥰

[@TheShumoby]

5:30 I'm going to have to put my big bottles of Cool Water and Burberry Touch in the fridge. 😊

[@dr.claire.perfume]

😂 good plan!

[@bluematrix5001]

Great Video, and yes, Perfumes expire!, my Father gave me more than 10 unopened Perfumes (in sealed original boxes) , from Gucci to Hermes, he had them in his closet under lets say a weather that was cool... and all of them had a common after smell that was a bit rancid over the fragance.... surprise me that all those Perfume expert that have collections of hundreds of Perfumes do not notice that off smell.... how can they actually be experts if their nose can not notice that Perfume expire!

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Yes, I don't get it either. They don't last forever. I have been trying not to let my collection grow too much precisely because I want to be able to enjoy them before the fragrances go off. I think for some channels, it's more about physically having a bottle to hold up in videos, I know that's ridiculous, but I think most channels only wear a small percentage of their collections. Also for larger channels, a lot of fragrance will have come via PR, which is something, to a certain extent, channels can't control once they get on those mailing lists. Thanks for watching 🥰

[@annoleary387]

I have had perfume go off on me and some smell like chicory or vinegar and others have no smell at all. Instead of buying more perfume I need to use up what I have. I don't want them all going off as I have a huge amount of perfume. My husband tells me that buying more perfume is like throwing money down the toilet. I'm definitely on a no buy for 6 months. Thanks for this information Claire!

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Well if it helps, I've been on a no but since 1st December, I will only do 2 months as a certainty, but I needed a break. I want to enjoy what I have and not always be chasing the new stuff! I hope you can enjoy your fragrances on the no buy and maybe even finish a few 😊 have a lovely weekend 🥰

[@Scentolutions]

Thank you so much for this. I didn't know the degradation happened layer by layer. That explains some of my perfumes that smelled different in the opening after a while, but still dried down ok. Also thanks for the tip on check fresh!

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Yes, it's weird when the first 30 minutes are just a bit off and the rest of the fragrance fine. 😂 And I used checkfresh a lot for other cosmetics too, it's really handy to check if a lipstick is already really old in a discounters for example. 🥰

[@smoochyscoop]

I have a 13 year old bottle of Armani Code pour femme, and a 9 year old bottle of Miss Dior Blooming Bouquet. They both still smell great. I keep all my perfumes in a drawer of my dresser.

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Yes! They can last many many years when kept well. That sounds perfect 👍 thanks for watching ❤️

[@TexasLyoness]

Very informative! I am guilty of shaking the bottle because I thought it helped to mix the perfume better. I will have to stop doing that.

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Well it's cumulative I think, these things are all minute effects (apart from sunlight and heat, those are the biggies). 🙂

[@LaladaBeauty]

I find the natural or clean brands to go bad quicker. Kind of like food, the less preservatives the faster it will go bad. Actually that’s the kind of food I try to buy lol

[@dr.claire.perfume]

I've not tried many natural marketed fragrances, but I would imagine they are something you need to keep an eye on and use up if you love them and want to fully enjoy them. 🥰

[@jibjadoo]

I'd wondered if I was being weird for keeping some of my currently unused perfumes in the fridge. Thanks for this informative video!

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Not at all 🙂 you are way ahead of the curve, I guess as long as the humidity in the fridge is relatively low (so no veg, fruit or liquids in there, or even one of those moisture absorbing sachets) then it's perfect! 🥰

[@BatmanBateman.]

Please do a video on hazardous chemical substances and how they negatively affect our endocrine system. Fragrances get reformulated each time, most probably because there was a new substance found to damage your health. I like to spray 5 sprays of perfume on my skin every day. So, I'm the exception compared to other people, who come in contact with perfume way less. So, I have to be sure, NONE of the ingredients impair my fertility or create cancer cells over time. That's the reasom why I'm even contemplating stopping wearing perfume completely. On top of that, fragrance companies can use hidden, harmful chemical substances and merely label it as "parfum" on the ingredients list. Please telld me your opinion. How can I find out which substances have already been identified to be harmful and whether I should stop wearing perfume entirely, because having children in 15 years is very important to me.

[@dr.claire.perfume]

I do think that fragrance companies should be made to fully list their ingredients lists, I don't see why they can't since anyone with gas chromatography can work out what chemicals are in their fragrances. 🤷‍♀️ However I do think the industry is highly regulated and that the industry regulator IFRA are quick to act if any study suggests any issue with any ingredient. I also think US, UK and EU agencies are also quick to legislate. Regarding a video, I don't think I know anywhere near enough about the ingredients used in fragrances to make such a video. Also I think the amount of endocrine disruptors and carcinogens you are exposed to on a daily basis through other sources, would far outweigh any exposure from fragrance. If you drink milk, eat meat, use detergents, eat greens, drink alcohol, breathe air, these things are all carcinogenic or endocrine disrupting to some degree or another. Also if you give up fragrance, will you also give up scented soaps, shower gels, detergents, scented candles? Because those also contain the same chemicals as fragrances. Personally I am more concerned by the risk of driving a car or crossing the road, rather than concerned with exposure to potentially dangerous chemicals through fragrance use. Nothing in life is 100% safe and literally anything will be carcinogenic or harmful at the right dose, e.g. broccoli is the classic example with cancer (there was a classic study where rats were fed only broccoli) and salt the classic example with poisons (even a 50 grammes can be deadly) Everything depends on dose and exposure and I really wouldn't want to unnecessarily alarm people.

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Tuxedo is looking like a relatively big part of your risk profile then given your lifestyle. I get why you would want to know what's in it 🙂

[@Gracie.Gardener]

I’ve only had 2 Jo Malone perfumes go off (they were kept in my bathroom medicine cabinet) but it was enough to make me change my habits. Now, I keep cheaper, smaller perfume bottles in the bathroom and all others in go in my closet in their boxes.

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Ouch! Those are pricey ones. Yes, one going off makes you reassess and think about it, it does sound like you have you storage sussed now though. Thanks for watching ❤️

[@julieg_quebec-julesselivre8641]

I had a Hermès turned on me… I had bought it in a discount store and I have been very careful since then. I do believe they sell very old stuff… Very helpful video Claire! 👌🏻 I store my fragrance in my wardrobe but the only problem is that my wardrobe doesn’t have a door! 🤦🏻‍♀️😆

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Hi Julie! Yes, I've checked makeup there and it can be 5 or 6 years old 😳 for lipstick, that is a complete no no! Haha, well I bet it looks pretty and I'm sure the wood does cut down some light 🙂 thanks for watching ❤️

[@Naturallyliz41]

Hey Claire. I’m going to start wearing both of my MFK’s more. I have a bad habit of not wearing perfume to preserve it because of the price.

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Me too! I think it's natural to want to keep your expensive ones for special occasions or to wear them less often but it would for sure be a shame not to get to enjoy all of them. 🥰

[@fabiolaarauz4439]

I recepived s D&G perfume before the psndemic, and since we never went out, I believe it went bad in 2 years OR my sense of smell took a very long time to recover after getting covid myself.

[@dr.claire.perfume]

That's a shame! Did you spray it a bit to clear out the atomiser? Sometimes the fragrance itself is not actually off, just the few sprays contained in the atomiser. Thanks for watching 🥰

[@pennymcpherson8372]

This was great info, I owned two roller balls, one use to be one of my favorites, the other my hubs favorite, in the last 6 months I just can’t stand them…thought my nose changed! But it did inspire me to go on the hunt for great new scents!!😅

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Thank you! ❤️ Well yes 😂 it's a good excuse isn't it?! Rollerballs are convenient for carrying around but they do seem to go off quickly sadly. Thanks for watching 🥰

[@TheEagleslover]

Happy Saturday Dr. Claire. Great topic. As the owner of a seventy plus year old bottle of Chanel No 5 I can attest to the changes fragrance goes through. The juice is extremely dark and the fragrance is very strong from the cap. However it’s never been opened or exposed to light. It belonged to my mother so I keep for nostalgia. But I’ve also owned some newer fragrances that when they are off they are way off and it’s not very pleasant.

[@dr.claire.perfume]

That's lovely, owning someone's special fragrance, especially one they treasured and that was a treat for them is very special. I have one that belonged to my grandmother. I think Chanel no5 ages relatively well actually. It just gets stronger and stronger! I agree, some of my relatively young fragrances have gone off badly after only a few years. I need to improve my storage really. Thanks for watching Faith, have a fab weekend 🥰

[@LaladaBeauty]

Hello beautiful! This is a great topic! I’ve had fragrances go off or bad and I immediately smell it 😅

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Yes, sometimes it's unmistakable, especially if you know and love the fragrance and haven't smelt it for a while. 🙂

[@summerrain3251]

Thank you. I hope for more people to be educated and take better care of their fragrances. ❤

[@dr.claire.perfume]

You're very welcome! 🥰 Me too! I wonder how much fragrance gets thrown away Vs what's used and enjoyed?!

[@katjack2780]

It wasn't until I got a dupe of the original formula of Mitsouko that I realized my small parfum bottle had been missing its top notes of bergamot and citruses. I was anxious to see how they may have differed. My bottle is probably vintage or earlier (I was given it by a co-worker who was clearing out a storeroom of duty-free objects that were no longer used.)

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Wow, yes, that's really interesting, you could think something smelt completely differently without try the copy of the original! I bet that was revelatory! What a find too! A bottle of vintage Mitsouko, I bet those are very rare.

[@signorasforza354]

@@dr.claire.perfume I have some cologne from 80s. Still beautiful.

[@orlanjoyagolibart6489]

I am use to a3Ttaars / Attars (middle east and pakistani-indian perfume oil, in a nutshell) and I do own grandpa one and it's as fresh as "brand new". But another way to check out if a fragrance is off could be a little "irritation" when applied to the skin. But it depends firstly in the way we storage it and what kind of perfume it is because the Attar long last in time more than an EDT. ❤

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Yes storage is crucial! And also the integrity of the bottle and seals 😊 some fragrances can definitely last very well and still smell amazing.

[@skinscentsforfusspots]

Lol I’m such a hoarder that I’m sure some of mine will go off before I even make a dent in them 😅 I’ve definitely bought a couple from EBay that have gone bad…. To me, perfumes always seem to smell like white pepper in the top notes when they’ve gone off.

[@dr.claire.perfume]

That's a good description actually. It's just so unpleasant isn't it? I've bought a few from eBay that have been off. The worst was that davidoff cool water in a bundle, but another really bad one was a 100ml bottle of Prada Iris, that had top notes that were really off! I just resold it as an empty perfume bottle 🤷‍♀️

[@headless.scents]

Yes exactly proper storage is so critical! I've only experienced one perfume go off (doesn't smell bad, it just smells completely different and watered down), because I had exposed it constant light using it as a bureau decoration years ago. I still have it, but it definitely changed and I quickly learned my lesson 😣

[@dr.claire.perfume]

I think I need to learn mine and convert a cupboard that I have for storage. The bottles do look so pretty and it's so tempting to leave them out though 🤷‍♀️ thanks for watching ❤️

[@BLARG09]

@@dr.claire.perfume bring some out on a monthly tray. You can always change them out sooner. But you can have a beautiful tray and keep the rest safe. I keep mine in a bathroom that I don't use. Do you think that's ok? It doesn't have a window.

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Yes I think that's probably quite good. It's probably always cool if you don't use it 👍

[@michellebastiani6470]

I love the information you supply us with! This was a very informative video. I'm someone who has a larger collection and I put certain ones away in winter/summer, it was great to hear that I'm actually doing something worthwhile lol. Thx so much Claire 🫶

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Thank you ❤️ I'm happy it was useful! For sure! That is a great thing to do! If you aren't going to wear them for 6 months then it's fab to store them. 👌

[@HappinessSparkles]

I agree traveling with fragrances is just not good 🤦‍♀️I only take decants when I travel ! Thank you Clare for such great information and have a wonderful weekend ❤

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Decants are a great idea and much lighter too! Allows you to take more choice with you as well! I hope you have a fab weekend too ☺️

[@brookesosa5032]

This was such a wonderful and informative video, Claire! I find it interesting that they still use the 36M icon on fragrances although, more times than not, that doesn’t really apply. I wonder how many people have tossed perfectly good fragrances after seeing that icon. 😫 I usually go by the general rule of thumb (which you mentioned) - if it smells funny or particles are forming, it might be time to go! Thanks again for gathering this info and presenting it in such an easily digestible way! 💗

[@dr.claire.perfume]

I think there's huge misunderstanding what that PAO logo means and it seems really inappropriate to use it for fragrances when it was designed for makeup and bodycare, as atomiser fragrances are effectively isolated from skin contact before application. I agree that just trying fragrances a few times will tell you more about whether they are good or not compared with any PAOs on bottles 😊 I hope you have a great week Brooke 🥰

[@perfumesbeauty]

Thank you for this amazing video Claire and reminding us about the fact that fragrances, even if they have alcohol, they will do expire at one point, or change their scent or color.

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Yes it's sad but hopefully with storage they can last a good long while 😉 thanks for watching ❤️

[@kara8911]

I had that thought about rollerball and started to decant them. I do t want “skin” in my perfume.

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Me neither... it's yuck isn't it? 🤢 That's the way I've been going too! ☺️

[@tobiasnagel2767]

Everyone knows *light* is bad for fragrances, but is it just wonder... is it just the UV part of light? Or is it any kind of light which breaks down molecules?

[@dr.claire.perfume]

I think it's all light, because really it's energy isn't it? That's what light is. So UV is more damaging, although some bottles have UV filtering glass and UV protectants within the perfumes themselves. Visible light is a longer wavelength and so lower energy, but will still have some effect, same with infrared. Thanks for watching 🥰

[@johannajuutilainen4779]

Yes, the perfume industry should do something about recycling!

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Yes! In the UK, the Perfume shop recycle perfume bottles, but that's about the only scheme I know of. Refill schemes are a thing now for a few brands, but I'm not sure how many people do that?

[@50Scents_uk]

Thankfully I’ve never experienced a perfume go off , I don’t think I have them long enough lol, not the way I spray 😂 really interesting subject though. I’ve definitely experience colour change on some and I haven’t noticed any difference in the smell 👌🏽

[@dr.claire.perfume]

I think it's easier to cycle through them if you have daughters stealing your fragrances too 😂 yes colour change with vanilla, and even jasmine is sometimes very striking and can be quite sudden!

[@Spikypotato.]

The cuuuuurls😻 this was just the info I needed! Very interesting🤓

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Haha, thank you! 🥰

[@Spikypotato.]

@@dr.claire.perfume I literally tried to get a perm like that once, with the best perm-guy in town. Still didn’t look even close to your curls😂🙈

[@dr.claire.perfume]

What can I say?! It's just creme and finger curling.

[@sunnyscents1818]

Hi Dr Claire! I certainly just experienced this with fresh cream! I store pretty well but this one definitely changed! From the most delicious scent it became flat! 🥴 love how to the point you are ❤️

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Thank you! ❤️ Oh that's a shame! I do think I need to step up my storage games, I feel like having them all out all of the time is a complete no no now I have so many. 🥰

[@sunainabelgrave8361]

The answers I was looking for. Thank you

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Thanks for watching 🥰

[@m.c.5011]

This was quite informative and great content on fragrance maintenance. I absolutely love this video and gained much knowledge from it. I was a shaker, but after watching this, I plan to stop. I actually thought of purchasing a wine chiller for my fragrances, but then thought that might be overkill. So, I keep my fragrances in the spare bedroom/office closet in their boxes. Here in the U.S., the majority of master bedroom closets are now in or connected to the bathroom, of which, the door is usually left open. I would avoid using that closet again due to the humidity. Also, you've confirmed my theory on purchasing testers with caps only to maintain the longevity of the fragrances. You also mentioned about the longevity of decants, I was one that felt that decants didn't give an accurate depiction of what the fragrance smelled like, but now I see more stores taking the decant sample from the testers. Anyway, thank you for the great content!!!

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Thank you! A spare room to store your fragrances seems perfect. I do think all of these things makes small differences to how long a fragrance will keep well for but clearly heat, light and humidity are the major things that will make the biggest difference. Shaking will over a long time accelerate degradation so definitely good to stop! 😊 I also try to buy testers with caps, but I have so so many decants and samples! I need to find a better way to store them. 😊 Thank you for watching! I'm really happy that this was useful!

[@VeritasVincitFragrancesVeritas]

Hello my friend, thank you very much for the amazing video, I always learn very much in your channel, thank you !!!♥️ I know people who left perfume in the bathroom and the perfumes went off, they smelled sour, like vinegar. I find roll-on products disgusting🙆‍♀️🪱🦠😝😁 Great video my friend !!!

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Thank you! Oh yes bathrooms are the worst, they are usually really bright rooms too and the risk of dropping the glass on the tiled floor 😱 yep, I agree, I avoid rollerballs as much as possible, the two I have were won or gifted by a friend. I would never choose one, but all of those fragrances are beautiful. Thanks for watching ❤️

[@agnesmeszaros-matwiejuk8783]

I had my perfumes for years in the bathroom and nothing happened to them, I think it also depends if and how good ventilation you have in the bathroom.

[@tobiasnagel2767]

Thank you for this fantastic video! This is the most comprehensive video on fragrance storage I have ever come across on YT. Very helpful! Great content!

[@dr.claire.perfume]

No problem! I'm a scientist in real life so I tend to really research stuff before I make a video. 🤓

[@nela3934]

Great video (as always ;-)). I try to store my perfumes in a closed drawer and if possible I put the summer perfumes into their boxes and store them separately during winter in another drawer which I don't open for the half of the year 😂. My only perfume of mine that gone off (after 4 years I guess) was Chanel Chance Eau Tendre. Now when I hear what you say I think it might be because of the citruses in the opening🤔.

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Thank you! Yes citruses are the main culprits. I have a grapefruit fragrance that is a little off, but by the drydown it smells great again so I keep it but I'm trying to finish it before it deteriorates more... It's a fab idea to keep your summer and winter ones separately 👌 I love that!

[@VictoriaNewis]

This was very informative! Usually my perfumes end before noticing them going off 😁

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Thank you! Yes it's a problem! 🥰

[@yvonnefranceschi5290]

Good morning Claire! I usually keep my perfumes in their boxes and in a dark armoire. And away of the sunlight. Yes some have degraded, also you could smell alcohol when they change not in all but you perceive it. I usually have eau de toilette and they last longer.

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Yes, that alcohol smell can also be a distinctive sign of some change, perhaps weakening of the fragrance. Your storage seems pretty sorted. I guess some just degrade and there's not much we can do but try to use and enjoy what we have. Thanks for watching Yvonne 🥰

[@EnglishProfStyle]

I love your jumper! It's very cute. You always choose such interesting topics within fragrance, I love learning something new!

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Thank you! It was a charity shop find. I love shopping secondhand. Happy you enjoyed the video ☺️

[@silverliningfragrance1434]

Great topic! My 2 cents that all perfume expire but there are 2 "ways": some gradualy loose their power and nuances - I think it has got to do more with age and ingridients quality. Some are flat out - off, like you said about cool water, you know it's off even if you didn't smell this perfume before. I think that it has to do with bad storage. I've experienced both, even with body mists but they just smell like rubbing alcohol as if all the scent has gone.

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Yes the definitely off ones are distinctive and disgusting to smell, plastic, sticky bitterness or vinegar are the typical scents. Losing power is a bit of funny ones, because it's not the same but maybe you just think it's how you applied it or the weather conditions? 🤷‍♀️

[@silverliningfragrance1434]

@@dr.claire.perfume No, when perfumes lose all their scent they smell very alcohol-ey and after it pass, you smell very very faint the smell they had (but it's so weak), I tried them multiple times and it's always the same. It's like the alcohol had broke them down.

[@sterben9]

I bought a 1960s splash Mitsouko edt and when I took the cap off I was hit with a pure vinegar smell. Strangely though when it's on my skin it smells fine in a few minutes.

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Yeah, it's the top notes isn't it? That's what you smell from the bottle and what dissipates on skin, so the base is fine, just the top isn't good. I'm happy that there was some aspect of this that you can enjoy still! Thanks for watching 🥰

[@chloeheart28]

Very informative!!! Thank you. You have gained a subscriber. ☺️😜

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Thank you for subscribing! Welcome! 🥰

[@VeronicaSays]

Hey Claire! Yes, girl! Thorough, no BS overview here. Well done! I've definitely had top notes go flat in a few fragrances and citrus ones get weaker over time. It happens.

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Thank you! Yes! It's something you just learn to accept I think. Citrus is so sad though, I love the zingy notes but when they are flat it feels so disappointing 🤷‍♀️

[@moonstone4074]

I had perfumes go completely off. They had smelled like Maggi. All of them were woody, ambery ones. Second hand Dune bottle, last 1/4 bottle of Prada Tendre and Eau des Marveilles decant.

[@dr.claire.perfume]

That's really interesting, I used to have a mini of tendre, that's quite a delicate green scent, I can imagine that being susceptible to going off. A beautiful fragrance though, sadly long discontinued. 🥰

[@luziiluizth.8742]

Amazing amazing video sharing dear friend 😊❤️☺️ I love love it ❤️💞😍

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Thank you 💕

[@Naturallyliz41]

Hey Claire! I have a walk-in closet I store the majority of my fragrances . I really enjoyed this video. I’ve already been thinking about the amount of fragrances I have and how I use them. Your video really pushes me to make changes

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Thank you! Wow, a walk in closet sounds perfect for fragrance storage! I would love that! 👌 I think doing this video has made me think about my storage too, I have a shelf in a shoe cupboard that I hope to convert to fragrance storage. Thank you for watching ❤️

[@silverliningfragrance1434]

I keep all my perfumes in their boxes because of my cats, but I'd probably would keep them in the boxes even if I didn't have cats because of dust. I keep all the boxes in a closet but still get little dust around mists I don't use often😫

[@dr.claire.perfume]

I need to clear my shoe cupboard and start using it for fragrance. Perfume is more important than shoes. 😂 Oh yes I bet the cats love perfume bottles, smelly and breakable, what a combo of excitement for them! 🐈

[@silverliningfragrance1434]

@@dr.claire.perfume LOL Def more important than shoes. I got a one door closet that is mostly for my perfumes and other "cosmetics". Oh yeah cats are also infamous of getting into places they KNOW they aren't allowed

[@ChantelTiffany]

Hello! I’ve had fragrances expire in the past and they do absolutely stink. I’ve also got fragrances that are very old and still smell amazing. I think it definitely depends on how they are stored and the composition of the fragrance. I really enjoyed this topic, great video as always ❤️

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Thank you! Yes, I agree it's both of those things. The ones that have gone a bit weird for me have been light florals and greener ones. The deeper darker ones seem to keep better. And yes expired perfume smell is so distinctive and so bad. I sprayed one in house once, omg, the smell was awful for days 😂

[@PerAllwin1963]

Great video. I have a vintage bottle of the men’s fragrance Antaeus Pour Homme from 1981, the year it came out. For 42 years it has sat in a bedroom closet in the basement, where it’s dark and cool year round. When I opened it for the first time last December 2022 and sprayed it on myself, it still smelled really good and potent. I’m thinking because Antaeus is such a powerful fragrance to begin with, and because the bottle has been sitting in my basement closet in its original box and still sealed with cellophane, this has retained most of the fragrance’s original qualities?

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Thank you ❤️ and... Wow! That is VINTAGE! 😂 I bet you are right! I bet it smells even better for sitting there. Enjoy it 👍

[@headless.scents]

Claire! I just got the ylang ylang espresso and I Love it! So good!

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Fab! Really happy to read that ❤️

[@melbert3795]

This is a weird subject. I have an inexpensive bottle I got last year that is 'on the turn' next to an original bottle of cinnabar from 1980s that belonged to my nanna and its still as fresh as a daisy. They are both stored in a cupboard. Some of my celebrity scents are heading in the going off category aswel. Hmm maybe it's a "you get what you pay for"scenario. ? Xxx

[@dr.claire.perfume]

I really think celebrity fragrances, especially if they are those light fruity floral smells, can turn quickly. Interesting about cinnabar, I guess it could be reformulated and just not as stable somehow? Or not stored well before it got to you...not sure!

[@melbert3795]

@@dr.claire.perfume the new cinnabar isn't a patch on my antique one. ❤️

[@signorasforza354]

@@dr.claire.perfume spices ambers woods many strong good quality florals can stay fresh for long time. In natural essential oils myrrh, labdanum, sandalwood, neroli, rose oils can stay fresh for very long time, citruses and pines turn of much faster. Watery fruity perfumes are hard to keep fresh for decades.

[@Jacqueline_R]

Wonderful, informative presentation:) I am mostly doing things correctly, but did not consider the rollerball or splash bottle. Very interesting how top notes can be missing or changed due to oxidation. I do use fragrance as room spray or linen spray when I like it, but not enough to wear . On the topic of fragrance I LOVE to wear: Lovely by SJP . I tried last year after you mentioned in a video. I have received compliments from my family, especially from my sister-in-law and daughter, both who have very sensitive noses:) And Scandal by Night, date night:) Romance by RL, still a favorite.

[@dr.claire.perfume]

I have nearly finished a bottle of Lovely, I wear it to bed a lot, it makes me think of clean hotel room sheets and I find the lavender relaxing. I've started decanting some of my rollerballs if I know I won't use them quickly. But I just end up running out of atomisers, so for now the others can wait for me to buy a few more. ☺️ Thanks for watching ❤️

[@tetyanamedvid9115]

Thank you for all of the information!

[@dr.claire.perfume]

No worries 😊 thanks for watching 🥰

[@drago4803]

In a bedroom without sunlight exposure but air conditioner running when we are there and temperature rises when ac is turned off .....does this affect the perfume

[@dr.claire.perfume]

High temperatures will affect the fragrance in the long run, but the effect on the lifespan of a fragrance will vary. Some fragrances will be less stable than others and that will be determined by ingredients, the amount of the fragrance that has been used (how much air is in the bottle) and how it's stored (for example boxes will reduce short term temperature variation). 🥰

[@annaswanson5903]

I feel like most of my fragrances get better with age but I do have one that has a lot of evaporation inside the cap and it has gotten sharper and I wouldn't wear it anyway because it is a perfume chypre and I do not really like most chypre

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Yes I think lots improve with age. I really love some of my older ones, and I know so many of them have been reformulated now, so they are super precious! Thanks for watching 🥰

[@scentedheavenfragrancerevi1890]

This is a quite helpful video 👍 Perhaps I'll decant some of my splash and rollerball perfumes in glas spray bottles 🤔 I own so many decants and I'm never sure what to do. I know they will go bad, but I want to keep them 🙈

[@dr.claire.perfume]

I guess try to seal them as best as possible. I use clear stretchy film to seal mine. I have definitely noticed one of my rollerballs went off before I finished it, so I will try to decant them in future. Thanks for watching ❤️

[@Joss-Fragrance-Mixology]

Awesome info and advice as always, beautiful Claire!💚💚💚

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Thanks Joss ❤️

[@-DistantHorizons-]

I want to get four bottles of 100ml each, one for each season. I intend to use them every day, or almost every day. Three of them would be heavy oriental fragrances with notes such as: incense, leather, tobacco, amber, oud, balsamic, woody, smoky, etc. The one for summer would be a bit lighter, though not delicate as your typical citrus, light floral freshie. In your opinion, would these fragrances remain good for 4 years? I'm paranoid about it, but I really like the idea of 4 fragrances for my rotation.

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Ooh yes that sounds a nice number for diversity without being lots of bottles. I think 4 years is not a long time at all if they are stored correctly. The citrus freshie would be the one to watch, but really I think they would be absolutely fine. Thanks for watching 🥰

[@Gnv-q2m]

I have a very small collection. I have been storing up to 2 at a time that are in daily rotation in my general make up drawer so they are lying flat. The others are stored standing upright in a dark drawer. This may qualify as agitating them? I haven’t noticed a difference previously as I tend to use my perfumes up within 2 years anyway.

[@dr.claire.perfume]

I think if you are cycling through them that quickly then you have few concerns other than avoiding sunshine, which you are doing ☺️ it sounds good to me 🥰

[@Jenn_N]

Hello Claire, good and informative video. I keep most of my fragrances in a dark drawer unless they are in my current rotation. I have begun to keep most of the boxes. I didn't used to do that because it takes up so much more space. Your video is a great reminder to use up fragrances with citrus and volatile notes faster that those without. Thanks for the reminder about freshness and perhaps it will slow everyone down on excessive purchasing. 😆 What's the turn of phrase? Use it or loose it? Or buying smaller sizes. Take care! - Jenn

[@dr.claire.perfume]

Hi Jenn, yes buying fewer or taking a break occasionally can help you to cycle through your fragrances for sure. I've not bought anything since November and I've told myself that I won't until at least February, maybe longer, I want to enjoy what I have for a bit and get to know everything! I think I need to think about storing away summer fragrances or yes, putting fragrances at least in their boxes for some of the time, I feel like I am skating on thin ice. 🤦‍♀️ Thanks for watching ❤️

[@nelluke]

Thanks Claire, very interesting and helpful. I been thinking about getting some decants from ScentSplit in the US and I guess they will already be degraded to some extent before they even reach me in Aust because, they are in a non-manufacturer decant container, which is clear, from a bottle that has probably been sprayed many times, and sat around for who knows how long. Now I’m thinking it’s probably not worth it.

[@dr.claire.perfume]

I think most of the time fragrances will last a decent amount of time, even as decants. This video is really magnifying the changes that will occur. Those changes happen over a long time frame for most fragrances.