Yes, perfume and cologne do go bad. ... However, three to five years is the average shelf life of a fragrance. According to experts, perfumes with heavier base notes will last the longest. Some people compare these perfumes to a fine wine—they get better with age.

How can you tell if Cologne has gone bad?

You can tell if your perfume has expired by simply checking for a number of key signs; scent - does it smell different, appearance - has the colour changed and date - some perfumes may have an expiry date. Test How it smells - one of the most obvious ways to tell if your perfume has gone off is to smell it.

Does unopened Cologne expire?

Bottom line: An unopened bottle of fragrance is good for 12 to 18 months, though a light scent—such as a citrus, one with fresh green notes, or a delicate floral—will most likely begin to turn sooner.