Have you ever loved a fragrance, stopped using it for a while, and when you finally decided to buy it again, you found out it smells differently from what you remembered? Unless your nose is playing tricks on you, chances are the fragrance you loved has been reformulated. But why?
Why are fragrances reformulated?
Well, there are several reasons why fragrances are reformulated. Some of the ingredients used in fragrances can become rare or even extinct and are so substituted by others widely and readily available. Another reason is money: some ingredients can be expensive and so sometimes they are replaced by cheaper ones.
In addition, some of the ingredients, esp those used decades ago, can turn out to be allergens (like oakmoss) or dangerous to humans so they had to replaced. Other times, a brand simply decides to change a perfume simply to put up with the current fragrance trends and attract a new audience.
Reformulations aren’t publicised
Fragrances are constantly reformulated and if a scent has been out for a couple of years it is very likely that it underwent some changes. Those changes can be so subtle, you barely notice them, while other times they are pretty obvious and the fragrance can smell completely different from the original.
In any case, you need to trust your nose to detect any difference because perfume houses don’t like to publicise the reformulation of fragrances, esp when they had to do it because one of the ingredients was unsafe. And asking sales assistants won’t be much help either. Most of the time they just deny any reformulations and swear that your favourite scent is still the same.
Whatever the reason and despite the lack of notice, your favourite fragrance has forever changed. After the first disappointment, if you’re lucky you’ll like the new version and keep using it otherwise your search for the perfect scent needs to start all over again. 
Has your signature scent ever been reformulated? If so, did you use the new version or tried something else instead?
Source: OrangeCounty_Girl
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
Magie Noir from Lancome was reformulated and since then, it lost its magic. Also, Chanel no. 5 was reformulated since an ingredient from that perfume came from the stomach of the cat and PETA protested it. It bugs me to no end when they do that, I bet lots of people are searching and spending lots of money on the pre-reformulated perfumes.
.-= Dao´s last blog ..Wonderful Wednesday =-.
Dao, I loved Chanel no.5 but knowing that one of the ingredient came from a cat is quite disturbing. I have just got a sample of the new version but haven’t smelled it yet, I hope they haven’t messed too much with it.
I hate when companies reformulate perfumes too. Like finding a signature scent isn’t already hard enough. I understand if one of the ingredients becomes extint or tuns out to be dangerous, but otherwise there is no need to change it. If it ain’t broken, don’t fix it.
Thanks for the article Gio, I really did notice that change on few of my perfumes.
.-= Tavia´s last blog ..Giveaway: Enter to Win Perricone MD Face Finishing Moisturizer 65$ Value =-.
Happened to me with Vanderbilt (the flacon with the swan) I loved the way it smelt 20 yrs ago. Now it just makes me gag
Tavia, you’re welcome. Don’t you hate when that happens? I surely do
Negra Cabreada, oh that’s too bad. I hate it when companies mess with fragrances and ruin them.