Must perfume turn dark because it has gone bad?

It is believed that many perfume lovers have such doubts as "does the carefully selected perfume have a shelf life?" "How can perfume not smell after half a day?"

This answer is hidden in the complex balance of perfume ingredients, including the comprehensive effect of alcohol, essence concentration, formula structure and environmental factors

As a kind of cosmetics, perfume must be marked with a shelf life according to regulations. Generally, the unopened perfume bottle or packaging box is marked with a warranty period of 3-5 years. However, this shelf life is not completely equivalent to the actual "life" of perfume. From the composition of perfume, it is mainly composed of essence, alcohol and water, of which the alcohol content is high, usually 60%~90%. Alcohol itself has antiseptic effect, and unopened perfume is isolated from external bacteria and water, with great preservation potential.

Once the perfume bottle is opened, the situation is different. The opened perfume is frequently exposed to the outside air and bacteria, which will greatly shorten its "best use period". Therefore, it is recommended to use up the opened perfume within 6~12 months.

Alcohol: a double-edged sword of volatilization and diffusion

Alcohol (ethanol) is the main solvent of perfume. Its high volatility contributes to the rapid diffusion of essence molecules and forms the top note of perfume. It should be noted that the fragrance retention time is not only determined by the alcohol content, but also the essence concentration, molecular structure, formula stability and other factors.

Gulong water (alcohol content about 70-80%, essence concentration 2-5%) usually leaves fragrance for 2-4 hours; Essence (alcohol content is about 60-80%, essence concentration is 15-30%) may last for more than 8 hours. (The formula of different brands varies greatly, and the specific performance needs to be based on the actual product.)

Essence concentration: the lifeline of fragrance persistence

The concentration of essence from high to low is generally: essence>light essence>eau de toilette>cologne. The higher the concentration, the tighter the encapsulation of oil molecules and the slower the release rate, which may prolong the fragrance retention time. However, the type of essence (such as the proportion of volatile molecules) will also significantly affect the actual effect.

Water molecules: a secret rhythm regulator

A small amount of water (usually 5-10%) can delay alcohol volatilization and regulate the release rhythm of essence. However, excessive water may dilute essence, leading to problems such as thin fragrance or insoluble essence. The formulator needs to precisely control the ratio of the three to achieve the desired effect.

Practical suggestion for prolonging fragrance retention: body temperature catalysis: spray on pulse points (wrist, neck side) to use body temperature to promote fragrance release. Stacked body lotion: Same series body lotion can fill skin texture and may prolong fragrance retention time. Clothing adsorption: fiber materials (such as cotton and wool) are more likely to absorb essence molecules, but delicate fabrics such as silk should be avoided.

Don't let the enchanted fragrance become a pity. Today, I would like to share with you some tips to easily extend the life of perfume and keep your "olfactory art" company longer

Put on "sunscreen clothes" for perfume

Store perfume in the original box in a cool and dark drawer or cabinet. Storing in the original box can also solve the problem of mixed fragrance and odor. Avoid placing them on windowsills, dressing tables, and other places that are easily exposed to light. Dark colored glass bottles have a certain protective effect.

Create the "best storage cabin" for perfume

High temperature and humidity are the hidden killers of perfume. The best storage temperature is 10-27 ℃, and the volatilization will be accelerated if the temperature exceeds 27 ℃. Avoid wet or high temperature places such as kitchen, bathroom and car. If the humidity is too high, perfume will easily absorb water or produce precipitation. In humid areas of the south, it can be placed in a moisture-proof box or protected with a sealed bag and desiccant. If there are collectibles that need to be stored for a long time, they can be wrapped in tin foil or plastic wrap and placed in the refrigerator for refrigeration (recommended temperature between 12 ° C and 22 ° C), but avoid contact with food.

Spray perfume and handle with care

Shake perfume will disturb the molecular structure, while friction will make the top note volatilize rapidly and destroy the fragrance hierarchy. It is the right way to store it in a still place and handle it gently when using it. Spray at a distance of 20-30cm from the skin, gently press the nozzle to form a fine mist. After tasting the fragrance, wait for the alcohol to evaporate and avoid rubbing your wrists.

Reduce the contact between perfume and air

After using perfume, you must remember to close the bottle cap to prevent the bacteria in the air from reacting with the organic substances in perfume to accelerate the deterioration of perfume. Large bottles of perfume can not be used up after opening. Small bottles can be packed separately, which can not only reduce oxidation after opening, but also avoid bumpy pollution when carrying. When repackaging perfume, medical grade PE bottles should be selected to avoid chemical reaction caused by metal contact. After perfume has been used for a period of time, it is better to spray the bottle upside down to exhaust the air as much as possible to prevent oxidation.

What if perfume is expired?

Spray the expired perfume on the cosmetic cotton to wipe the oil stains on furniture, especially on log furniture, and leave a faint fragrance after wiping. Expired perfume can be placed in the bathroom and put in a stick as an air freshener to help eliminate odor. Or add expired perfume to the mopping water to clean the house and fill it with fragrance. When washing clothes, spray expired perfume on the water soaked in clothes, gently press and soak for one hour, and the clothes will naturally emit fragrance. For people with sensitive eyes, you can use warm water to dilute expired perfume for eye cleaning. The glue stains left by the adhesive tape can also be directly wiped with expired perfume.

Let's talk about how to judge whether perfume has expired

There will be changes in fragrance. Deteriorated perfume will have a taste similar to sour, musty or pungent alcohol. In addition, if the fragrance of perfume turns pale, it is also a sign of deterioration. Put perfume in the sun. If it is a deteriorated perfume, the color will change first. For example, the originally transparent perfume becomes turbid, or the color of colored perfume becomes other colors. If the bottle body is opaque, you can spray a few times on a tissue to observe if the liquid changes color. Observe the perfume liquid. If the liquid is viscous or has floccules, it indicates that it has deteriorated.