Which Type of Perfume Has the Longest Shelf Life?

The shelf life of perfume varies depending on brand, ingredient quality, and fragrance concentration. High-quality perfumes, such as Eau de Parfum and Extrait de Parfum, generally have a longer shelf life than, for example, Eau de Toilette or Eau de Cologne. This is because their fragrance oil content—the actual scent of the perfume—is higher than in the other variants (herewe explain in more detail the differences between perfume types and their fragrance oil content). Moreover, scents that are generally described as heavy and opulent last significantly longer than lighter citrus or floral fragrances.

How Long Does Perfume Last?

Actual longevity can also vary depending on storage, usage, and type. It is important to note, however, that a scent can change over time without meaning the perfume has gone bad or passed its shelf life.

Perfumes often have a durability indication printed on the bottom of the bottle or the outer packaging. This indication is shown by the “open jar” symbol accompanied by a number, such as 12M, 24M, or 36M, indicating the number of months the perfume is considered good after opening (for example, 12, 24, or 36 months).
If this marking is missing, you can use the following rule of thumb for perfume shelf life:

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

Can Perfume Go Bad?

Perfume does not have a classic expiration date and does not spoil like food, but over time it can lose intensity or even “go off,” sometimes developing a solvent-like or alcoholic smell. Generally, if the scent changes dramatically or becomes unpleasant, it is likely the perfume is no longer good. Another indicator that the perfume has “gone off” is the color. A perfume that was originally light but has darkened significantly, often due to poor storage, will usually not smell as intended. However, when bottles are stored properly, perfume can remain usable for many years.

Should You Store Perfume in the Fridge?

You may read this here and there, but contrary to some claims, you should not store perfume in the fridge. Extreme temperatures and humidity can affect the quality of the scent and even alter its consistency.

Ideal Storage Temperature for Perfume

Perfume should be stored at room temperature, ideally between 15°C and 25°C. Avoid extreme temperatures and large fluctuations, as they can change the perfume’s chemical composition and shorten its shelf life.

How and Where to Store Perfume

Perfume should be kept in its original bottle or an opaque container to minimize light exposure. Store it in a cool, dry place and keep it out of direct sunlight. Suitable locations include the bedroom (due to generally stable temperatures) or a wardrobe. Also, perfume bottles should be protected from excessive movement. As odd as it sounds, perfumes can be sensitive to movement—think of them as little divas in glass.
Professionals keep the original box and note the opening date on it. Additionally, always seal the bottle with the cap so the alcohol inside does not evaporate and oxygen does not enter the bottle.
Since almost all perfume bottles are made of glass, it’s wise to protect them from falls. Avoid storing them on the top shelf, where they could easily topple and break.

How Long Can You Store Perfume?

As mentioned above, under optimal storage conditions (cool temperature, minimal light, little movement), perfume can last several years after opening. The higher the fragrance oil content, the longer it stays “fresh.” Extrait de Parfum and Eau de Parfum can remain at their best for up to 5–6 years under these conditions.

How Long Can Unopened Perfume Be Stored?

When stored under optimal conditions, there is little difference between opened and unopened bottles in terms of shelf life. However, unopened perfume is inherently more protected than opened, used perfume. The atomizer has not released any liquid, and the sprayer tip is completely dry. This prevents the remaining perfume from being exposed to external conditions and air. Even though this might only involve fractions of a milliliter, if the perfume is not used regularly, these tiny amounts can cause changes in the scent of the remaining perfume.

We have compiled a few concise tips to help you get the most out of your perfume.

1. Quality Matters. The higher the fragrance oil content, the longer your perfume will last. Choosing Extrait de Parfum or Eau de Parfum can be worth it.

2. Store perfume in the dark, dry, and cool—ideally between 15°C and 25°C.

3. If you are not 100% sure about a scent or it is seasonal, opt for smaller bottles (e.g., 50ml instead of 100ml—find more on the shelf life of different bottle sizes here) to ensure you use it up: what’s gone can’t go bad!

4. Regular Cleaning: Keep your perfume bottles clean by occasionally wiping them with a dry cloth. Don’t forget the sprayer nozzle to prevent residues from affecting the scent.

5. Use Sprays: Spray bottles tend to preserve fragrance longer than dropper bottles (also known as splash bottles) since there’s no contact between the skin and the contents, reducing contamination by other substances or bacteria.

6. We recommend noting the opening date on the bottom of the bottle or the original box so you know which of your fragrances has been sitting the longest and when to use it up.

7. Limit Movement: Avoid shaking or moving perfume bottles too much. Stillness helps prolong their lifespan.