Most of us have heard that scents should be stored in a cool, dry, and dark place, such as a refrigerator. What about freezing it? Can scents be frozen? Exactly what temperature must a perfume freeze at if it would at all?
Well…
Most scents’ freezing temperatures are below 0°C (32°F). However, the scent's alcohol component will affect the freezing point. Wait 6–12 hours before applying perfume if it freezes.
However, there are various factors to grasp to know the specific temperature at which fragrances freeze. Let's dive into it!
Page Contents
Can Cologne Freeze
Due to their high alcohol content, colognes freeze at a temperature of -112°F (-80°C). Thus, the fragrance won't freeze in cold weather or a home refrigerator.
However, if the cologne glass bottles or crystal container holding the fragrance is not handled carefully, they might grow very cold and break.
Many individuals like a cool spritz of cologne and hence keep it in the refrigerator. So long as you don't subject it to frequent temperature changes, you may store perfume there.
It is best advised, nevertheless, to keep your cologne in the refrigerator rather than in the freezer.
Does Temperature Affect Colognes
The chemistry of perfume is directly impacted by temperature.
Due to minute variations in their chemical makeup, perfumes, which are volatile molecules (with molecular weights of less than 300 Da), produce diverse aromas.
Extreme temperature swings disrupt the delicate equilibrium of a scent.
The biggest enemy of perfume is heat, which can destroy the chemical composition of a scent.
The ideal storage temperature range for perfume is between 54°F and 72°F (12°C to 22°C). It is possible to preserve certain citrus-based scents as low as 39°F (4°C).
In reality, the perfume's top notes will prematurely evaporate when exposed to sunshine, heat, and UV rays.
Over time, you may also notice a darkening, some cloudiness, and even an excessive oiliness of the scent in the perfume bottle.
Cold temperatures are also not great for colognes. Room temperature is the best option for most perfumes.
What Temperature Does Perfume Freeze
Different temperatures can cause perfumes to freeze.
High alcohol-based perfumes freeze between -90°F and -130°F (about -68°C to -90°C). Low alcohol or water-based perfume, however, can freeze at temperatures as high as -28°F (-2°C).
Typically, a scent with a higher alcohol concentration freezes at a lower temperature.
Alcohol, essential oils, plus a small amount of water make up perfumes. There is a freezing point for each.
The amount of alcohol and perfume oil that has been blended into your perfume will determine its approximate freezing point.
The freezing temperature is shown in the following quick reference table:
| Type of Perfume | Concentrated Perfume Oil (Fragrance Content %) | Alcohol and Other Blends (Content %) | Water | (Approximated) Freezing Point |
| Parfum (Extrait de Parfum or Pure Perfume) | 15% to 40% | 60% to 85% | Traces | -90 (-68°C and below) |
| Eau de Parfum (EDP) | 15% to 20% | 80% to 85% | 2% to 3% | -90°C and below |
| Eau de Toilette (EDT) | 5% to 15% | 60% to 80% | 10% to 35% | -68°C and below |
| Eau de Cologne (EDC) | 2% to 5% | 70% to 85% | 5% to 15% | -80°C and below |
| Eau Fraiche | 1% to 3% | Traces | 97% to 99% | -2°C and below |
It is significant to remember that although Parfum typically contains the most oil, 40 percent concentration is seldom offered for sale. The scent content would typically be between 20 and 30 percent.
Additionally, as water makes up a substantial portion of Eau Fraiche and other water-based perfumes, they freeze at temperatures that are almost equal to that of water, or 0°C (32°F).
Is It Recommended To Freeze Perfume
Any form of scent should not be exposed to below-freezing conditions.
Small molecules that float in the air are what give forth scents. To enable humans to smell these molecules, diffusers like alcohol are added to them.
When these molecules are heated or frozen, their chemical composition changes.
Furthermore, you'll never be able to identify the particular essential oils that went into your perfume.
Therefore, freezing a scent will undoubtedly change its quality even though it may withstand the freezer's temperature.
Does Cold Weather Affect Perfume
A heavy alcohol-based perfume will not be ruined by cold weather until you are exposed to subfreezing temperatures of -76°F (-60°C) or below.
However, fragrances with water or low alcohol content may crystallize when exposed to temperatures below 0°C (32°F).
You're allowed to leave your perfume in a car or mailbox overnight in a chilly climate.
However, avoid leaving it there for an extended amount of time since humidity will cause the scent to oxidize and lose its effectiveness.
Is It Ideal To Put A Cologne In A Refrigerator
Many individuals store their fragrances in refrigerators to extend their shelf lives. However, it might not always be the case.
If you live in a place where the temperature for best storage cannot be reached, such as in a hot or humid climate, then you can keep the perfume in the refrigerator.
The best temperature for keeping fragrances is room temperature, between 54°F and 72°F (12°C and 22°C). A common domestic refrigerator has a temperature range of 35°F (2°C) to 46°F (8°C).
Having said that, although you can keep the perfume in the refrigerator, it might not be the ideal option.
The best place to keep perfumes is in a cold, dry, dark closet with a comfortable temperature range.
It has to be in a location where it won't be moved around much and can stand firm just like it did in the box.
Keep it in the original box if possible; this will keep the scent dry and reduce exposure to UV radiation.
Many individuals prefer to keep their fragrances close by and keep them in a desk drawer or on top of their dresser. But doing so will just make the scent less potent.
Due to exposure to light and continual shaking or movement of its contents, some of the top notes, which are often citrus-based, may evaporate.
Even a bathroom ledge is not a suitable spot for perfume since the alcohol will combine with the humid air from a hot shower and make it evaporate more quickly.
Dapper Point: We have a post that is both trivial and funny but worthy of your time -- Why Is Cologne Called Toilet Water.
Watch This!
Frequently Asked Questions
Does cold temperature affect cologne?
Yes, temperature undoubtedly has an impact on perfumes in a similar way to how a perfume smells. A colder winter implies less moisture in their bodies, which causes their loss, while extreme cold and heat enhance the sounds. This implies that while using perfume in chilly weather, you should be careful of your choice.
At what temperature does a cologne go bad?
Keep perfume away from scorching heat since it can damage its chemical composition and ruin its molecules. Pallez advises maintaining the odor at a temperature greater than 15 °F. Long cautions against wearing perfume in toilets as well.
Is it okay to leave cologne in the car?
No, you shouldn't keep the perfume in your car. High temperatures or strong sunshine may harm perfumes, change their scents, and shorten their shelf lives.
Read Also: Top-Rated Colognes for Black Guys
Conclusion
Colognes are extremely sensitive and intricate substances.
The ingredients employed in the manufacturing of your perfume, such as alcohol, can have a significant impact on how it behaves.
Although a perfume with a high concentration of essential oil may be more sensitive to small temperature changes, greater alcohol can result in a lower freezing temperature.
Eau De Cologne and Eau De Toilette are examples of stronger perfumes that are safe to store in the refrigerator.
In any case, it is recommended to keep fragrances in an optimum temperature range that prevents temperature changes.
That's all there is to it! I hope you found this article to be useful.
