How long do perfume decants last before they expire?
With proper storage, Scento decants remain fresh for 2-5 years depending on the fragrance type. Most fragrances will last well beyond their nominal expiration dates when stored correctly.
General Shelf Life Guidelines
Fragrance Type | Expected Lifespan |
Light citrus/fresh scents | 2-3 years |
Floral fragrances | 3-4 years |
Woody/amber fragrances | 4-5 years |
Oriental/spicy fragrances | 5+ years |
Oud-based fragrances | 5+ years |
Note: These are conservative estimates. Many fragrances remain excellent for much longer with proper care.
What Affects Longevity
Temperature
Heat accelerates degradation
Each 10°C increase roughly doubles the degradation rate
Keep decants in cool environments (15-20°C ideal)
Light Exposure
UV light breaks down fragrance molecules
Store away from windows and direct light
Original packaging or dark storage extends life
Oxygen Exposure
Oxidation alters fragrance composition
Keep atomizers sealed when not in use
Smaller containers (like decants) may oxidize faster if frequently opened
Fragrance Composition
Citrus notes are most volatile and fade first
Base notes (vanilla, musk, amber) are most stable
Complex formulas may age differently than simple ones
Signs Your Fragrance Has Turned
Watch for these indicators that a fragrance may have degraded:
Color Changes
Significant darkening (not just slight deepening)
Cloudy appearance
Visible particles
Scent Changes
Sour or vinegar-like notes
Flat, one-dimensional smell
Complete loss of top notes
Unpleasant chemical undertones
Performance Changes
Dramatically reduced longevity
Little to no projection
Doesn't evolve normally on skin
How Scento Ensures Freshness
We take steps to deliver fresh fragrances:
High turnover inventory - Popular fragrances are restocked frequently
Climate-controlled storage - Our facility maintains optimal conditions
Fresh decanting - Bottles are opened and decanted as needed
Quality checks - Each batch is verified before shipping
Maximizing Your Decant's Lifespan
Do:
Store in a cool, dark drawer or closet
Keep caps tightly sealed
Use your fragrances (they're meant to be worn!)
Keep away from bathroom humidity
Don't:
Leave on a sunny windowsill
Store in your car
Keep in the bathroom
Leave atomizers open
FAQs About Fragrance Longevity
Do decants expire faster than full bottles?
Not necessarily. The fragrance is identical. However, smaller containers may oxidize slightly faster if opened frequently because there's less liquid relative to the air space.
Is there an expiration date on decants?
We don't print expiration dates because fragrance longevity varies greatly by storage conditions and formula. Most fragrances remain excellent for years with proper care.
Can I tell how old my fragrance is?
Some full bottles have batch codes that can be decoded online. For decants, the fragrance should smell and perform as expected - that's the best indicator of freshness.
Should I refrigerate my decants?
Generally not necessary for 2-3 year use. However, if you live in a hot climate or want maximum preservation, refrigeration (not freezing) can help.
When to Replace
Consider replacing a decant when:
It smells noticeably different than you remember
Top notes have completely disappeared
The scent has become flat or unpleasant
Performance has dramatically decreased
When in doubt, compare with a fresh sample of the same fragrance if possible.
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Still Need Help?
Concerned about a specific fragrance in your collection? Email us at [email protected] and we can advise on storage and longevity.