Smell wonderful every day! Whether fresh, floral, animalic, or earthy: most people don't leave the house without a spritz of their favorite fragrance. If you prefer different perfumes for various moods, occasions, and seasons and own multiple varieties, the proper storage of Eau de Parfum and Eau de Toilette is essential. In this article, you will learn whether it makes sense to store your perfume in the refrigerator and which methods truly extend the longevity of fragrances.
Fragrance Refrigerator: Does it stay viable longer?
Many people don’t realize when purchasing a perfume bottle that every fragrance composition has a limited shelf life, dependent on various factors. If perfume is not stored properly, it can change its scent or even evaporate. This is particularly frustrating, as it means losing a significant part of your favorite fragrance while having spent money unnecessarily. In search of a safe storage place, many think of the refrigerator, but condensation, changing light, and temperature fluctuations are detrimental to the scent. Instead, we have some tips and tricks for you to store your perfume correctly, ensuring your fragrances remain intact until the last spritz.
Constant temperature and low humidity
When it comes to storing perfumes, many instinctively choose the bathroom. After all, it is the room where one prepares for the day. However, to extend your perfume's lifespan, fragrances should be kept at a constant, cool temperature. The humidity and temperature conditions in the bathroom fluctuate significantly due to steam and heating, which can affect the delicate perfume. Ideally, a room with low humidity and a stable temperature, around 18 degrees Celsius, is best for perfume storage.
Protection from light
Perfumes thrive best in darkness, as both sunlight and artificial light sources negatively impact the ingredients of the compositions. While a fragrance collection displayed on a windowsill looks attractive, it is disastrous for the quality of the scent. Many bottles are dark and offer some protection from light; however, they are best kept away from sunlight in a cupboard, drawer, or their original packaging.
Airtight storage of perfume
Every perfume has a cap that serves more than just a decorative purpose. Oxygen is harmful to every scent and decreases the longevity of the perfume. If air enters the bottle through the spray head, not only do scent components and concentrations diminish, but the fragrance molecules oxidize and the alcohol evaporates. This leads to a reduced amount of contents in perfume bottles. Therefore, always store bottles upright and sealed to enjoy your fragrances for a long time.
Avoiding movement
Moving perfumes excessively, transporting them in a handbag or suitcase, or even shaking them is detrimental to the fragrance composition. This can create air bubbles in the perfume, which accelerate oxidation and adversely affect the product's condition. Ideally, let your perfume rest after application so that the scent can regenerate and maintain its original quality.
How long your perfume lasts with optimal storage
If you follow our tips and store your perfumes properly, you will increase their longevity and enjoy your favorite scents for longer. How long the products actually last under optimal storage conditions depends on their composition and fragrance concentration. The higher the proportion of fragrance oils and the less alcohol, the longer a perfume lasts. Many varieties have an indication on the packaging that tells you how long the item remains viable after opening. If this is missing, you can refer to the following guidelines:
- Eau de Toilette: 1-2 years
- Eau de Cologne: 1-2 years
- Eau de Parfum: up to 5 years
This way, with proper storage, you can enjoy your perfumes down to the last drop!
