Does Perfume Go Off?

Yes, perfume can and does go off eventually, though it takes years rather than months in most cases. Heat, light and repeated exposure to air all gradually break down the fragrance oils, changing the scent and sometimes the colour.

Signs a Perfume Has Turned

A perfume that has gone off typically smells flatter, sourer, or noticeably different from when you first bought it, often losing its top notes entirely and smelling mostly of alcohol or a slightly vinegary base. The liquid may also darken in colour compared to a fresh bottle of the same fragrance.

What Slows This Down

Proper storage away from heat and light is the single biggest factor in how long a bottle stays good, often the difference between a perfume lasting two years or ten. Higher concentration formulas like parfum also tend to hold up longer than lighter eau de toilette. Cheaper, lower-concentration fragrances with fewer stabilising base notes also tend to turn faster than a well-built parfum, so concentration and formula quality both play a part alongside storage conditions. Our guide to storing perfume has full detail, and our complete guide to perfume covers the wider picture.