can aftershave go bad?
- Thread starter dstanic
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First I've heard it.
I've used aftershave and cologne that I found around here that I know are decades old.
I've used aftershave and cologne that I found around here that I know are decades old.
I had the same thing happen with a bottle of OS cologne I bought in January 2013. It went from nice OS to pure baby powder, needless to say I was not impressed.
If exposed to heat or sunlight for extended periods, aftershave can break down and get skunky. I've purchased hundreds of vintage bottles of Avon aftershave and only found one or two that were bad.
I've tried a couple vintage aftershaves (over 30 yrs old at least) recently.
not a scientific sample but both are usable.
One is AV and I can compare with new. Close but had lost at least a little fragrance. Alcohol and menthol were about the same. Color had changed a drop. But you can't be sure because you never know about reformultions.
The other was a very old Palmolive AS. Unused. It seemed just fine, nice palmolivey soapy and menthol scent. Very acceptable. Reminded me of my dad.
not a scientific sample but both are usable.
One is AV and I can compare with new. Close but had lost at least a little fragrance. Alcohol and menthol were about the same. Color had changed a drop. But you can't be sure because you never know about reformultions.
The other was a very old Palmolive AS. Unused. It seemed just fine, nice palmolivey soapy and menthol scent. Very acceptable. Reminded me of my dad.
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cool photos
sarimento1!
Vintage AV is lighter in color than modern. It's not due to age.
no
That is good to know. The ones I found were in the back of cabinets in cool dark places.
Came across a couple of bottles of 4711 EDC that I know I moved from Florida over 25 years ago and I know they were at least 10 years old when we moved. No issues at all with either of them. In fact they are far superior to the new bottle that I just bought.
Two old bottles on left and right new one in rear
Got half a bottle of Zizanie from '69 and a full one from the mid-70s. Still wonderful stuff.
Speick aftershave lotion will go bad with time, I know that for sure.
@ 20 Years ago I worked with someone and we used to kid around about the old "Hai Karate" advertising all the time.
For his birthday I though it would be funny to buy him a bottle and I found a full one on ebay.
I will never forget the day we opened that up in our office. We opened it up and didn't hesitate to put a few drops on our forearm to give it a smell. Huge mistake! Had to leave the room for a few hours, the cologne had me dizzy until late that evening.. I remember
it even gave a bad taste in the mouth, I assume the cologne was sour and got absorbed through the skin because I know I did not get it anywhere near my face. We trashed that bottle.
For his birthday I though it would be funny to buy him a bottle and I found a full one on ebay.
I will never forget the day we opened that up in our office. We opened it up and didn't hesitate to put a few drops on our forearm to give it a smell. Huge mistake! Had to leave the room for a few hours, the cologne had me dizzy until late that evening.. I remember
it even gave a bad taste in the mouth, I assume the cologne was sour and got absorbed through the skin because I know I did not get it anywhere near my face. We trashed that bottle.
EclipseRedRing
I smell like a Christmas pudding
I love vintage scents, including Hai Karate and it costs a pretty penny these days, especially in cologne form. Jade East and Avon Tai Winds are very similar and more affordable, especially the Avon. I have bought dozens of vintage aftershaves and colognes and only had one or two I thought had spoiled or been adulterated.
I have heard of things going bad on occasion and I was leary of buy vintage AS lately (tabac and Sun Up) but all turned out well and both aforementioned are from the 60s 70s. If aftershave has gone bad I am assuming you will know the second you smell it. I would say be careful buying off the bay as I have heard story of people diluting of filling with God knows what. When I buy vintage I generally look at the sellers other items (if online) and make an educated guess. My past recent purchases the sellers really had no clue what had and the items didn't match their usual stock if makes sense. When I message the (ask queations, people love that lol) seller(s) they all acquired from cleaning out closets or estate sales. In my mind means safe bet that are g2g. But you never know. Common sense is not so common I guess these days but if it feels right go for it! If not pass it up and hold out. Statisticly speaking you'll eventually find what you want regardless of rarity.
Owen Bawn
Garden party cupcake scented
I've had two bottles of 40-50 year old Sun Up cologne that had skunked. I've bought gallons of vintage Sun Up and kanon aftershave and cologne and in my experience the top notes often weaken in old aftershaves, but that in general they're just fine.
I don’t know if they can go bad but a lot of them start off that way.
Used a 40-year old bottle of Avon Wild Country today. It's perfectly fine.
I had a bottle of Old Spice that seemed to "fade" a bit after several years. I would add a drop or two of Stirling Texas On Fire when I splashed it on, good combo!
That reminds me, I need a new bottle of Old Spice.
That reminds me, I need a new bottle of Old Spice.
