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Fragrance Storage
Fragrances are mostly made from synthetic chemicals and hardly ever from natural items. The use of artificial ingredients results in reduced shelf life, if not stored in the proper manner.
Fragrance life:
A fragrance is composed of many different components, each of which differs in scent and longevity. The various ingredients liven up at different stages, called notes.The initial effect of any scent on the sense of smell is the top note. This is followed by the middle note or the heart which builds up a few minutes later. The long-term effects of a fragrance are provided by the base note or foundation. This note consists of substances containing very low volatility and high tenacity. All the three notes make the fragrance life with the last note aiming at extending the fragrance life.
A superior quality perfume is made so that similar smelling ingredients are effective during all the three phases, producing one unbroken effect. A good fragrance is one where there isn't any difference in the effect of the smell in any of the three notes. However, when a fragrance is stored for a long time, the final note starts to wear out and shortens the effect of the smell.
Causes of damage:
Fragrances of any degree of quality do get spoilt eventually because of:- Exposure to heat and light: Most fragrances come in pretty bottles and it is natural for everyone to display it for decorative reasons. However, this allows light and heat to damage it
- Oxidation: When a bottle of fragrance is opened, air can enter it, especially the splash type bottles. Once in the bottle, air causes oxidation and, over a period of time, makes the fragrance go rancid, besides also undergoing a color and scent change
- Humidity: This is another factor adding up to shortening of fragrance life span. Certain chemicals in most perfumes expand and contract with temperature changes, mostly in humid temperature, resulting in altered smell and colour
Storage tips:
Storing fragrance bottles in cool, dry and dark places like dresser drawers, wardrobes and cupboards that are hardly left open can increase the fragrance's lifespan. Putting bottles in airtight plastic bags or in closed boxes also is a good way to preserve fragrance. To prevent the alcohol content in fragrances bottles from evaporating, close it tightly. Storing fragrance in a refrigerator can affect the original smell but if you keep it on shelves in closed cupboards, the fragrance will last longer.Sometimes perfume bottles carry labels stating their lifespan or shelf life. In case there is no such label, write the date of purchase on a small tag and attach it to the bottle. Use the perfume within three to five years. Fragrances, especially the ones with synthetic substances, cannot be stored longer than that.
Like food is eaten, records are played, books are read…. fragrance, once obtained, should be worn and worn out!