How to Store Essential Oils to Maximize Their Shelf Life

 Store essential oils properly to prevent oxidation

Although essential oils do not go rancid, over time they can oxidize, deteriorate and lose their beneficial therapeutic properties. Oils such as citrus oils can oxidize and begin to lose their aroma and therapeutic properties in as little as six months. Not all essential oils lose their aromatic qualities over time. Essential oils such as patchouli and sandalwood mature in aroma over time, however, all essential oils oxidize and lose their therapeutic value over time. All essential oils benefit from proper storage and handling.

 

Store essential oils in a cool place or in the refrigerator

Renowned aromatherapist Robert Tisserand advocates storing essential oils in a refrigerated environment whenever possible. If this is not possible, store them in as cool a place as possible.

 

Keep essential oils in dark glass bottles

To avoid spoilage and to protect the aromatic and therapeutic properties of essential oils, store them in amber or cobalt blue bottles. Dark colored glass such as amber or cobalt helps prevent deterioration from sunlight. It is best not to store essential oils in clear glass bottles. Clear glass bottles are not harmful to essential oils, but clear glass does not protect them from sunlight. In contrast, you may have noticed that most bottled beer is often packaged in amber (brown) glass bottles to help protect the contents from light. Avoid buying or storing pure essential oils in plastic bottles, except in some cases where they are most commonly purchased in bulk, because the oils will eat up in the plastic bottle and the oils will spoil in a short time. Some suppliers sell oils in lined aluminum bottles. Aluminum bottles are said to be acceptable if the inside of the bottle is lined.