Essential oils have many therapeutic benefits that have helped millions of people to improve their overall health and well-being. They are extracted from different parts of plants and trees—be it the leaves, fruit, wood, bark, or roots. These are all natural ingredients that degrade over time.
Due to their volatility, essential oils need to be stored properly so they can retain their quality for a long time to come. They are an investment in your wellness, so it’s important to take good care of them.
Why Is Proper Essential Oil Storage Important?
The quality, longevity, and beneficial properties of essential oils depend primarily on how you store them. Over time, the natural ingredients in oils will degrade, but you can hold that off for up to three years. The maximum shelf life can be achieved if you store your oil in a proper container and at the ideal temperature.
As previously mentioned, essential oils are an investment in your wellness. You will want to feel better for as long as possible, and to make the most out of the money that you spent on such implements. As such, proper storage is essential to maintain its efficacy!
Essential Oil Degradation
As much as possible, you want to keep your oils from oxidising (i.e. breaking down). The three leading causes of essential oil oxidation and degradation are heat, oxygen, and moisture.
Heat – Sunlight will oxidise oils in just a few months. As such, it’s best to keep your oils away from shelves or drawers that are in the way of direct sunlight. Essential oils are flammable—they can ignite at high temperatures. So, make sure to keep oils away from sources of fire and heat!
Oxygen – When you open a sealed container, the air that enters will immediately start oxidising the oil inside. You can slow down the oxidation by ensuring that the bottle is capped properly whenever you’re not using it.
Moisture – If water enters your essential oil bottle, it can cause the oil to become cloudy. This can advance oxidation and will dilute your oil. Given that, it is doubly important to keep the bottle cap closed tightly at all times.
Do Essential Oils Expire?
The natural ingredients in essential oils slowly degrade over time. Proper storage will only slow oxidation and will not stop deterioration altogether.
Experts say that most essential oils can last between one to three years. However, ingredients have vastly different degradation rates. For example, citrus oxidises much more quickly than other ingredients. No matter how it’s stored, it can lose its aroma and included benefits within six months. Woodsy ingredients, on the other hand, smell even better with time.
It’s important to keep track of how long you’ve had a bottle in your home. If it’s been more than a year, carefully examine the oil before you use it. If the smell is entirely different, if it’s thicker or appears foggy, it’s time to throw it out.
The Best Way to Store Essential Oils
Amber-coloured glass bottles tick all the boxes when it comes to storage. No harmful light will pass through, and it regulates internal temperature well.
Do not store essential oils in plastic containers. Plastic reacts negatively when mixed with some natural ingredients, so your oil may become contaminated.
For long-term storage, an organised container placed in the fridge is your best bet. The consistent temperature and complete absence of light will make your oils last a very long time. You can even store your oils in the freezer for better regulation. In either case, just make sure to thaw your oils to room temperature before using them!
Conclusion
Essential oils are a tremendous help in reducing stress, promoting better sleep quality, and improving your overall well-being. Storing these items properly ensures longevity and long-term efficacy. Now that you’re armed with all the knowledge you need when it comes to storage, you will be able to keep your favourite scents and flavours for a long time to come!
Are you looking for an aromatherapy supply store in Perth? Anita’s Oil Essentials is the best choice for you. We are a small family-owned and run business committed to providing quality essential oils and aromatherapy accessories to all our customers. Check out our store and order from us today!