Perfume Refrigeration 101: How to Store Perfume So It Lasts Longer

You finally completed your perfect perfume/cologne collection, and have proudly displayed them on your bathroom counter, or atop your dresser in your sunny bedroom. While these locations are understandably quintessential beauty storage, they could also be degrading your pricey eau de parfum.

What is perfume?

There are generally 5 kinds of perfumes: parfum, eau de parfum, eau de toilette, eau de cologne, and eau de fraiche (body spray). The difference between them lies in their formulation, with fragrance concentrated formulas being more volatile. Fragrance comes from various kinds of oils. Perfumes are complex mixtures of essential oils, aroma compounds, and other ingredients that work together to create a distinctive scent. This formulation will give us the varying levels of perfume strength.

PARFUM – 15-40% fragrance oil concentration

EAU DE PARFUM – 10-15% fragrance oil concentration

EAU DE TOILETTE – 4-15% fragrance oil concentration

EAU DE COLOGNE – 2-5% fragrance oil concentration

EAU DE FRAICHE – 1-3% fragrance oil concentration

These fragrances are delicate and can be affected by a variety of factors, including heat, light, and exposure to air. As a result, storing perfume properly is essential to maintaining its quality and prolonging its shelf life.

Perfumes are often packaged in dark bottles to protect them from light. These bottles also help to keep the fragrance free from air and humidity, which can cause the fragrance to degrade over time. When storing perfume, it's best to leave it in its original packaging to ensure that it stays fresh and protected.

What are the benefits of storing perfume in a refrigerator?

The benefits of storing perfume in a fridge can be explained by the chemistry behind fragrance compounds. Perfumes are made up of volatile molecules that evaporate quickly when exposed to air or heat. These molecules are responsible for the fragrance's aroma and can be damaged by exposure to light or high temperatures. By storing your perfume in a cool, dark place, you can slow down the rate of evaporation and protect these volatile molecules from damage.

Additionally, high temperatures can cause fragrance compounds to break down and oxidize, resulting in changes to the scent and a shorter shelf life. Cold temperatures, on the other hand, can help to stabilize these compounds and prevent oxidation, keeping the fragrance fresh and vibrant for longer.

And although clean fragrances can be appealing for those looking for a nontoxic beauty routine, these types of perfumes tend to lose intensity quickly.

Storing your perfume in the fridge might seem like an odd idea, but there are several benefits to doing so:

Increased shelf life: Heat and sunlight can cause perfume to break down more quickly, leading to changes in the scent and a shorter shelf life. Storing your perfume in a cool, dark place like a fridge can help preserve the fragrance for longer.

Maintains freshness: Perfumes are made up of volatile compounds that can evaporate over time, especially when exposed to heat and light. By storing your fragrance in the fridge, you can help to slow down this oxidation process and keep your perfume smelling fresh and vibrant for longer.

Soothes the skin: Applying a cool fragrance can have a refreshing and calming effect on the skin, especially on hot summer days. Keeping your perfume in the fridge can help to enhance this sensation, making your fragrance application even more enjoyable.

It is important to remember that extreme temperatures and wide temperature fluctuations can also have a negative effect on the fragrance. Avoid storing it in the freezer or anywhere that gets too cold. Storing it in the family refrigerator, where frequent openings can cause big temperature fluctuations, is also not ideal.

However, it's important to note that not all perfumes are suitable for refrigeration. Some fragrances contain delicate ingredients that can be damaged by exposure to cold temperatures. For example, citrus scents often contain essential oils that can solidify or become cloudy when exposed to cold temperatures. If you're unsure whether your perfume can be safely refrigerated, check the manufacturer's instructions, or consult a fragrance expert.

The BeautiFridge protects perfume from its three main aggressors: heat, light, and humidity. It keeps your perfume, and other cosmetics, at the perfect temperature and under low-to-no light. The trays attractively display your perfume bottles.

Here are some additional FAQs for keeping your perfume fresh and long-lasting:

Do Perfumes expire?

Yes! Check your perfume for a number next to a small open bottle called the PAO number (Period After Opening). It is usually written in months and the clock starts after the first spray—when air goes in to the bottle for the first time. This is like opening a wine bottle. While perfume can last for several years when stored properly, it will eventually start to degrade over time. To ensure that your fragrance stays fresh and vibrant, it's best to use it within two years of purchase. After this time, the fragrance may start to lose its potency and change in scent or color. This is a good indication that the perfume has turned. If you are still unsure, you can check the batch number on www.checkfresh.com.

Why do some perfumes last longer than others?

To a large extent, how long perfume lasts is determined by its notes, ingredients, and concentration, as well as the skin type of its wearer. Scent tends to last longer on hydrated than on dry skin.

In conclusion, storing perfume in the fridge can be a great way to protect fragrance compounds from damage and extend the life of your favorite scent. However, it's important to follow the manufacturer's instructions and use common sense when storing perfume to ensure that it stays fresh and long-lasting. By taking proper care of your fragrance, you can enjoy its scent for years to come.