How Long Does a Perfume Decant Last? (2 ml, 5 ml, 10 ml)
Quick answer: 1 ml of perfume gives roughly 10 to 15 sprays. A 5 ml decant therefore offers 50 to 75 sprays, which is about 3 to 5 weeks of daily use at 2 sprays a day. A 10 ml decant lasts 1.5 to 2.5 months at the same rate.
The reference table
Based on a standard atomiser delivering 0.07 to 0.1 ml per press:
| Size | Total sprays | Light use (2/day) | Regular use (4/day) | Generous use (6/day) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 ml | 20 – 30 | 10 – 15 days | 5 – 7 days | 3 – 5 days |
| 5 ml | 50 – 75 | 25 – 37 days | 12 – 18 days | 8 – 12 days |
| 10 ml | 100 – 150 | 50 – 75 days | 25 – 37 days | 16 – 25 days |
| 50 ml bottle | 500 – 750 | 8 – 12 months | 4 – 6 months | 3 – 4 months |
| 100 ml bottle | 1,000 – 1,500 | 16 – 25 months | 8 – 12 months | 5 – 8 months |
How many sprays do you need per day?
It all depends on the concentration of the perfume:
- Extrait de parfum (20 – 40%): 2 to 3 sprays are enough. A 5 ml decant of an extrait such as Baccarat Rouge 540 Extrait can easily cover a whole month.
- Eau de parfum (15 – 20%): 3 to 5 sprays for a full day.
- Eau de toilette (5 – 15%): 4 to 6 sprays, with a possible top-up in the afternoon.
Which size should you choose for your goal?
| Goal | Recommended size | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Test a perfume before buying the full bottle | 2 ml | One to two weeks of real wear on your own skin, in all weather |
| Wear a perfume for a season | 5 ml | About a month of daily use, ideal for a summer scent or the festive season |
| Adopt a perfume without paying for the large bottle | 10 ml | Two months of wear, cabin-friendly size, slips into a pocket |
| Build a scent wardrobe | Several 5 ml decants | 5 decants of 5 ml cost less than a single 100 ml bottle |
Does a decant keep as well as a bottle?
Yes, on two conditions: a properly sealed glass vial, and storage away from light and heat. The enemy of a decant is not its size, it is air: a half-empty decant oxidises slightly faster than a sealed bottle. Used within 6 to 12 months, it stays perfectly true to the original juice.
Frequently asked questions
Is a 5 ml decant enough to make up your mind?
More than enough. Professionals reckon you need to wear a perfume for 5 to 10 full days to judge it. A 2 ml decant is already enough for that, and a 5 ml gives you a real margin.
Can you take a decant on a plane?
Yes, all decant sizes (2, 5 and 10 ml) are allowed in the cabin, as the limit is 100 ml per container.
Is the scent of a decant identical to the bottle?
Yes: a decant is taken directly from an original bottle. Same juice, same concentration, same longevity. Discover our selection of decants in the full catalogue.