Scents that surround us have the power to evoke memories, capture emotions, and create unforgettable impressions. Discontinued perfumes, just like trends in fashion or technology can unfortunately meet their untimely end.
If you are anything like me, you are probably aware that some of our once-cherished fragrances became elusive treasures that are no longer available to purchase at stores and fetch pretty penny via third-party sellers.
Perfumes hold a special place in our lives, transcending mere pleasant aromas. However, the unfortunate practice of discontinuing scents that fail to meet sales expectations can be disheartening, particularly because it often affects the most intricate and captivating compositions.
In this captivating article, we will delve into the reasons why our favorite scents are no longer available, what are discontinued perfumes, the factors behind discontinuation, and much more.
As I don’t advocate purchasing expensive discontinued fragrances, I will only recommend 10 legendary fragrances with alternatives that are currently available.
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However, I will highlight a few of the most popular options. Let’s proceed.
A Comprehensive Guide Of Discontinued Perfumes
This guide aims to provide you with comprehensive answers to all your inquiries about discontinued perfumes, empowering you to make informed decisions on whether or not to purchase them.
Personally, I choose to acquire discontinued scents only if they have recently been discontinued, allowing me to find them in stores.
The rationale behind my hesitation to buy older perfumes stems from uncertainties regarding their storage conditions by previous owners, inflated prices that may lack logical justification, and the potential risk of spoilage.
1. What Is A Discontinued Perfume?
A discontinued perfume is one that is no longer being manufactured or is no longer widely accessible for purchase in retail stores or straight from the brand’s website.
It is a scent that has been officially discontinued and is no longer available in the brand’s current fragrance range due to various reasons such as:
- Changes in consumer preferences
- The introduction of a new perfume line
- Restricted availability of particular raw ingredients
- New regulations
- Failure to make enough profit
Due to these reasons, and with limited numbers available on the market, discontinued scents become increasingly rare and elusive with time.
The scarcity of these fragrances often adds to their charm and appeal, attracting collectors, aficionados, and individuals looking for one-of-a-kind and distinctive scents.
PERSONAL OPINION: A considerable number of discontinued fragrances often have a dated scent profile, are overpriced, and sometimes exhibit “burned-off” top notes. As a result, I am inclined to believe that pursuing these fragrances may not be worthwhile, particularly if they cannot be acquired at a reasonable price.
2. Why Are Perfumes Discontinued?
As mentioned in the section above, our beloved perfumes can get discontinued for various reasons. Let’s explore them more in-depth.
The ever-changing consumer preferences and tastes evolve with time. Once popular chypre fragrances no longer get the love they once deserved, and the aquatics from the 90s have bitten the dust.
Since most perfume houses constantly strive to capture the attention of the market by creating new fragrances(read: maximum amount of profit), older fragrances may be discontinued, and replaced what is trending at the current time.
Some perfumes, especially those released before IFRA regulations rely on rare or expensive ingredients that may become more difficult to source consistently.
These changes in regulations limit or ban completely the use of certain ingredients that can lead to the discontinuation of perfume that heavily rely on these specific components to preserve the original aroma.
Moreover, it is not unusual to see portfolio optimization of a certain perfume line. Fragrance houses may undergo strategic changes or restructure their product portfolios.
Without too much thinking, this leads to discontinuing perfumes that no longer align with the company’s new direction.
But the number one reason along with regulations is poor sales performance. Commercial performance plays a significant role in the decision to discontinue a perfume.
If a scent fails to fulfill sales expectations or fails to develop market traction, perfume houses may decide to retire it in order to focus their resources on more profitable items.
No matter how we feel about this, perfumes are products meant to make a profit first, and then, something that makes us happy.
3. How To Determine If A Perfume Has Been Discontinued?
To do a rational determine if your favorite fragrance has been discontinued, there are several indicators and methods that can help you know whether this is true or not.
- An official announcement from the brand: more rarely than not, the perfume house will announce on its website, social media platforms, or through press releases if a fragrance has been discontinued. Keep an eye on this or e-mail them since this can provide direct confirmation of this occurrence.
- General availability at perfume stores: by visiting physical stores or online retailers that usually stock perfumes you buy, you can directly see if the fragrance is no longer available or out of stock at multiple reputable retailers for a longer period of time. This is an indication that the perfume has been potentially discontinued.
- Join perfume forums on websites or social media: I’m always in doubt when I see posts about discontinued perfumes there, but this could be also a source to check out this information. These platforms often rely on collective knowledge and updates from fellow perfume enthusiasts, but keep in mind that they are not always 100% correct.
- Online marketplaces and auctions: one of the best platforms to see if your dearest scent is no longer in production is none other than eBay. The presence of older perfumes from private sellers or fragrance collectors can suggest the production status. However, exercise caution when purchasing from these sources since there is a low chance to actually authenticate the product you are buying.
By utilizing the suggested methods, you can gather the necessary information and make a first step and informed assessment before you opt to purchase something that often comes at a hefty price point.
4. Does Perfume Expire?
One of the important factors when deciding to purchase discontinued perfumes is often overlooking the expiration date.
Besides perfume enthusiasts who know that if stored in the right conditions, perfumes can almost last forever, casual users often wonder about the longevity and expiration of their beloved fragrances.
No, perfumes don’t have a fixed expiration date like food, but brands are required to place information about the 3 or 5-year expiration date at the back of the fragrance box.
Perfumes are complex compositions of aromatic compounds, solvents, and fixatives, and are designed to have a long shelf life compared to other beauty and personal care products we are used to use up much faster.
They do have a shelf life and can undergo changes over time such as the following:
- Compositions: all perfumes have higher concentrations of natural or synthetic compounds which helps them with better longevity and stability than deodorants, bath & body products. However, citrus or floral-oriented fragrance is more likely to go “bad” faster than a more ambery composition due to the differences in their molecules.
- Storing conditions: as guessed, this is why I rarely buy discontinued perfumes. If it’s not from a friend or from a perfume store, I skip buying discontinued scents. Proper storage plays a crucial role in preserving the quality of perfumes, and even then, the fragrance inside can change over time. Exposure to temperature fluctuations, light, and air(refillable bottles) can accelerate the deterioration of fragrances. I recommend storing perfumes in cool, dark places, away from direct sunlight to ensure that your fragrance stays “fresh” for as much as possible.
- Raw Ingredients: following the previous statement about which fragrances tend to last longer, certain perfume ingredients, especially natural ones tend to degrade over time, and gradually lose their vibrancy and freshness. and there is little you can do about that. This also applies to fragrances that have never been sprayed or taken from the original box. Thankfully, one thing that wasn’t bad with ingredient restriction is synthetic replacements. These materials used in perfumes are generally more stable and resistant to degradation.
As perfume ages, it may undergo changes in scent, color, and consistency. Some scents might macerate and get deeper and more powerful, while others lose their top notes.
However, even in this case, perfumes might still be good since middle and base notes can remain more stable over time.
As a result, an older perfume may have a different scent profile compared to a fresh bottle which often starts a talk within the fragrance community about the reformulations.
5. Do Discontinued Perfumes Ever Come Back?
While it may seem that a perfume is discontinued, there are surprises and occasional moments of delight for fragrance enthusiasts.
In these instances where discontinued perfumes do make a comeback, it is important to think about a couple of things before purchasing them in these situations:
- Limited editions or seasonal releases: fragrances such as CK One, or Dolce&Gabbana Light Blue do seasonal releases which means after a new seasonal edition is out, the last year’s fragrance is officially discontinued. These comebacks may coincide with special anniversary occasions or nostalgic revivals. Many collectors tend to purchase these yearly releases and is a great way to expand your collection with future discontinued perfumes.
- Reformulations or re-releases: fragrance brands occasionally revisit their long-gone fragrances with an update on an existing formula. These reimagined versions come with slight differences while incorporating contemporary elements with current trends.
- Acquisition by other brands or companies: in some cases, smaller or bigger fragrance houses get acquired by beauty conglomerates that may relaunch the perfume under their name or subsidiary and reformulate it. This acquisition provides a lifeline for some lesser profitable perfumes, ensuring that they stay in the market.
- Research: make a list of the fragrances you want to explore further and start by conducting thorough research on the discontinued scents you previously owned, would like to own, or hold sentimental value. Prioritize the ones that truly captivate your curiosity, and had a historical impact, and read and watch reviews.
- Samples or decants: if a discontinued fragrance is out of your budget, consider exploring sample or decant options. This allows you to experience the scent before committing to a full bottle, and not make blind buy regrets.
- Consider alternatives, and be patient: fragrance clones can be your alternative if nothing else works. Many clone brands release inspired-by older formulations of popular fragrances and bring back the discontinued ones with their take on the formula. Also, patience is a virtue here. It may take time to come across the perfumes you seek at a price that fits your budget. Stay determined, set realistic expectations, and do not overpay.
Some of the most popular fragrance brand buyouts include Creed by Kering, and Tom Ford by Estée Lauder.
In recent years, we have seen a couple of big comebacks with fragrances such as Gaultier2, Maison Francis Kurkdjian’s 724, Giorgio Armani Acqua di Giò Parfum, and Guerlain L’homme Ideal Platine Prive.
6. The Allure Of Discontinued Fragrances
I have to say that there is an undeniable allure to discontinued fragrances and the fact you own something that many other people don’t.
The fact that they are no longer in production makes them so irresistible. This exclusivity and uniqueness make a fragrance increasingly rare to find and create a sense of limited availability.
Following with a sentimental value, wearing a fragrance that few others have often carry sentimental value and emotional connections.
So, when you rediscover a discontinued fragrance, it certainly evokes a flood of emotions, reminding us of significant events or our loved ones.
One more factor about discontinued products is that they are olfactory times capsules that capture the essence of a particular era.
What have I noticed throughout the years is that fragrances with artistic and unconventional compositions get discontinued first. Yes, you have guessed it. No one purchased them.
Perfume houses sometimes take risks and push boundaries resulting in avant-garde creations that have not achieved mainstream success.
Thus, the allure lies in their exclusivity, artistic compositions lost hidden gems, and the inclusion of more natural ingredients.
7. The Resurgence Of Vintage Scents In Recent Years
During the last couple of years, we have seen a couple of popular releases that suit better bygone eras than modern times.
These classically composed perfumes have experienced a renaissance regaining popularity and finding a new audience.
Some of the popular classic-inspired fragrances include Tom Ford Beau de Jour, Gucci Guilty Absolute Pour Homme, and Dior Sauvage Elixir.
The fragrance brands are listening to us, and our feedback. Yes, the popular lines will always dominate the classic-inspired fragrances, but they are there. You just have to do your research.
The nostalgia market came back including movies, TV shows, and fashion. Since vintage scents hold a powerful allure, now you have the opportunity to try something new, but at the same time, smelling like something more classic.
This influence on contemporary perfumery has had a significant impact on fragrance brands. It is not strange to see perfumers draw inspiration from vintage compositions infusing their creations with classic accords.
So, whether you worry about something being discontinued or not, just embarking on this perfume journey, rest assured that these types of perfumes always come back in popularity.
8. Iconic Discontinued Perfumes
Through the last couple of decades, certain perfumes have achieved legendary status, captivating the minds of perfume enthusiasts.
These iconic discontinued fragrances continue to hold a special place in our hearts, and here are 10 olfactory splendors you should know about if you decide to sample or purchase them, and their available alternatives:
- Van Cleef & Arpels Midnight in Paris (ALTERNATIVE: Prada Luna Rossa Black) – an oriental fragrance released in 2010. The main notes include leather, tonka bean, and incense. The lasting power is between 8 – 10 hours with moderate projection.
- Gucci Pour Homme 2 (ALTERNATIVE: Hanae Mori HiM) – an oriental fragrance released in 2007. The main notes include tea, cinnamon, and violet leaf. The lasting power is between 4 – 6 hours with moderate projection.
- Gucci Pour Homme 1 (ALTERNATIVE: Bentley For Men Absolute) – a woody spicy fragrance released in 2003. The main notes include incense, cedar, and leather. The lasting power is between 8 – 10 hours with moderate projection.
- Gucci Envy for Men (ALTERNATIVE: Floris Santal) – a spicy oriental fragrance released in 1998. The main notes include ginger, incense, and cinnamon. The lasting power is between 8 – 10 hours with great projection.
- Yves Saint Laurent M7 (ALTERNATIVE: Nasomatto Pardon – a woody oriental fragrance released in 2002. The main notes include oud, amber, and vetiver. The lasting power is between 10 – 12 hours with moderate projection.
- Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche (ALTERNATIVE: Tom Ford Beau de Jour) – an aromatic fougere released in 2003. The main notes include lavender, star anise, and rosemary. The lasting power is between 10 – 12 hours with great projection.
- Dior Fahrenheit Absolute (ALTERNATIVE: Parfums de Marly Kuhuyan) – an oriental fragrance released in 2009. The main notes include incense, myrrh, and violet. The lasting power is between 10 – 12 hours with strong projection.
- Dolce&Gabbana By Man (ALTERNATIVE: Sospiro Ensemble) – a woody aromatic fragrance released in 1997. The main notes include lavender, sandalwood, and nutmeg. The lasting power is between 10 – 12 hours with moderate projection.
- Jean-Paul Gaultier Fleur du Mâle (ALTERNATIVE: Amouage Reflection Man – a floral musky fragrance released in 2007. The main notes include neroli, chamomile, and petitgrain. The lasting power is between 12 – 16 hours with great projection.
- Bvlgari Aqva Amara (ALTERNATIVE: Mancera Aqua Wood) – a citrus aquatic fragrance released in 2014. The main notes include Sicilian mandarin, watery notes, and neroli. The lasting power is between 8 – 10 hours with great projection.
Although there are many more discontinued perfume legends, these ten are a great starting point for anyone just starting to search for fragrances no longer in production.
9. Scent Grail’s Formula On How To Make A Price-Per-Investment Approach To Buying Discontinued Perfumes
Last but not least, I have decided to provide you with my formula on how to decide whether a discontinued fragrance is worth buying.
It’s essential to make good decisions that align with your budget and offer the best value for your investment.
This is because not every discontinued scent is actually worth buying nor is it a 10 out of 10 smell.
As we have already learned in this article, there are many factors why some perfumes are no longer available, and not every one of them is worth owning.
The formula is made out of 7 bullet points out of which at least five have to be checked in order to make a purchase, and expands on the previously written topic about do discontinued perfumes ever come back:
- Rarity: Consider factors such as the limited production quantities, historical significance, and demand within the fragrance community. Add one point if a fragrance is discontinued for more than 5 years.
- Condition: if possible, try to evaluate the condition of the fragrance. Pre-owned vintage scents can experience changes over time. The better the condition, the better the investment. Add one point if you are buying from someone you know.
- Price point: discontinued perfumes tend to fetch inflated prices, and most of the time, they are not worth the money. If the fragrance is selling for more than 30% of its original retail price, think twice before deciding to make an investment. Add one point if the perfume is costing not more than 30% of its original price.
- Investment potential: some fragrances increase their value over time, especially if they gain collector’s appeal. Do your research and see how their prices fluctuated over time. Add one point if a fragrance is worth 50% or more now.
- Sentimental value: does this fragrance have a personal value to you or is it something you have never tried and the fragrance community is hyping it for no obvious reason? Add one point if you have owned this fragrance before.
- Versatility and usage potential: there is no reason to buy a discontinued fragrance only to let it sit on your perfume shelf, never to be used. It is important to consider whether the perfume suits various occasions and seasons and whether it will be a valuable addition to your fragrance rotation. If you plan to actively use and enjoy the fragrance, give it an additional point in your decision-making process.
- Longevity and Shelf Life: along with its condition, see when the fragrance was produced, if possible. Evaluate whether the remaining lifespan justifies the investment since it can get spoiled much quicker when you start to use it. Add one point if a fragrance is not older than 10 years.
By applying the price-per-investment version of the Scent Grail Formula, you can make mindful decisions when buying discontinued perfumes.
Final Words
Exploring discontinued perfumes can be a thrilling and nostalgic process for us who want to connect with the past.
However, as there are many pros to this buying guide, there are equally negative sides when purchasing discontinued fragrances.
In the past, I have already written a post about vintage perfumes which is also a great starting point if you want to further expand this topic.
Do thorough research, verify authenticity, assess condition, and evaluate the price-per-investment ratio, and you are good to go.
Let your journey be guided by a mindful approach, discover old favorites, and evoke cherished memories.
What are your thoughts about this topic about discontinued perfumes? Let’s start a conversation and let me know in the comment section below.
In case you are in doubt about whether you should consider buying any fragrance or not, it’s always good to take a look at Scent Grail’s S.P.A. Signature Factor Guide.
It is easy to use and the most relevant perfume-buying guide on the web. This way, you can check out if a particular fragrance is worth checking out, and potentially find your signature perfume.
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Find out more Scent Grail articles about perfumery, check out top lists, and other helpful reviews via the links below:
REVIEWS
- Maison Francis Kurkdjian Apom Pour Homme
- Amouage Reflection Man
- Acqua Di Parma Colonia Club
- Yves Saint Laurent Body Kouros
- Paco Rabanne 1 Million Parfum
- Nishane Hacivat
TOP LISTS
- Best Citrus Fragrances
- Best Clone Fragrances
- Top 10 Niche Perfume Brands
- Most Complimented Men’s Fragrances
- Best Summer Fragrances For Men
- Best Fresh Fragrances For Men
SCENT GRAIL LEARNING CENTER
- How To Start A Perfume Blog
- How To Decant Perfume
- Perfume Shopping Tips
- How To Find Your Signature Scent
- Fragrance Discounters
Until next time, stay humble, and keep smelling great!
Best, Marin!
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