Common Perfume Questions and Misconceptions
Misconceptions About Perfume
Some people think perfume is only used to cover up body odor, while others associate wearing perfume with one’s profession or morality. These are pure myths.
Thousands of years ago, perfumes were closely tied to religious rituals, symbolizing holiness and purity. Today, perfume is an important way to express personality and individuality. Pleasant scents can soothe the mind and body, while the right fragrance can enhance charm, confidence, and elegance.
The Myth of Long-Lasting Perfume
It is common to hear sales assistants claim that a fragrance can last for several days, or even up to a week. This is misleading. Any scent that lingers beyond 24 hours is usually the faint trace left on clothing or a subtle smell detectable only when the nose is pressed against the skin. Such weak “longevity” is hardly noticeable to others, which makes it meaningless to talk about lasting power without considering sillage (the scent’s projection).
How Long Does Perfume Really Last?
Perfume expert Michael Edwards has clarified the realistic duration of different perfume concentrations:
Eau de Toilette (EDT): Lasts around 4–6 hours.
Eau de Parfum (EDP): Typically lasts 6–8 hours.
Pure Parfum/Extrait: Can last 12 hours.
Longevity varies depending on skin type, environment, and season. Newly opened bottles may feel less long-lasting due to a higher alcohol content. Perfumes sprayed on clothing usually last longer than when applied directly to skin.
Does Musk Cause Infertility?
Absolutely not. Do not be fooled by historical dramas.
There is no scientific evidence that natural musk causes infertility.
Musk deer are protected animals, and natural musk is banned in modern perfumery.
Natural musk is extremely rare and expensive, making it nearly impossible to obtain.
Modern perfumes use synthetic musk, which only imitates the scent and has no biological connection to natural musk.
Can Coffee Beans Restore Smell?
It is often said that sniffing coffee beans can “reset” your nose when smelling multiple perfumes. However, coffee beans are not magical. Their strong scent may only serve as a distraction, helping reduce sensory fatigue.
The correct way to recover your sense of smell is to breathe clean, unscented air. In a well-ventilated environment, resting for about 30 minutes usually restores part of your olfactory sensitivity.
What Is “Perfume Dizziness”?
If you experience dizziness, nausea, or discomfort after smelling certain perfumes, don’t panic—this is not poisoning. It is a common reaction known as perfume dizziness.
In many cases, it occurs because a scent triggers unpleasant memories, which in turn activate the body’s defense mechanism. Aquatic fragrances and white floral scents are common culprits, but everyone has their own “olfactory blind spots.”
To avoid this, use fragrance databases such as scent note charts to identify potential triggers and test samples before purchasing.
Why Does Perfume Smell Different on Everyone?
The same fragrance can smell very different on different people. This is because skin secretes oils, sweat, and other substances that interact with perfume molecules, changing the evaporation rate and scent profile.
Additionally, individuals have different sensitivities to specific fragrance notes. As a result, the same perfume can create a unique scent experience for each wearer.
Does Perfume Have an Expiration Date?
Perfume technically does not expire. Unlike cosmetics, perfumes made in Europe and the U.S. usually do not display expiration dates.
Alcohol-based products like liquor do not spoil, and perfume contains even more alcohol (about 70–80%). This high alcohol content keeps perfume stable for decades.
However, due to regulations in some countries (such as China), imported perfumes are labeled with a “3-year shelf life.” This is a legal requirement, not an actual expiration period.
Can Perfume Go Bad?
Perfume can deteriorate, but not because of time alone—external factors like light, heat, and humidity are the real enemies:
Light: UV rays break down perfume molecules, altering the fragrance.
Heat: High temperatures destabilize essential oils, causing decomposition.
Humidity: Perfume bottles are never 100% airtight. In humid environments, moisture can seep in, leading to separation of water and oil.
If stored properly—away from sunlight, heat, and moisture—perfumes can remain in good condition for decades.
