Skip to content
As the usage of essential oils is increasing at a tremendous rate in aromatherapy, skincare and for treating common ailments, there is a need to know about the proper storage of essential oils as they are highly potent and volatile oils. Providing an ideal storage environment for your favourite essential oil ensures that you can get the maximum benefit out of it which will definitely improve the quality of your life. Here we are going to discuss on how to store essential oil properly without losing its efficiency so that you can continue using your favourite essential oils for a longer period of time.
Also Read : Essential Oils Safety - How To Use Them Properly
Which Factors Can Affect Shelf Life Of Essential Oils?
Essential Oils are very concentrated and volatile oils which tend to evaporate, oxidize and lose its efficiency over a period of time. But by proper storage, you can increase its shelf life to a considerable extent. There are certain factors which can affect the shelf life of essential oil such as:
1. Oxygen
Essential Oils on coming in contact with oxygen tend to oxidize, thus changing its chemical composition. Change in chemical composition of essential oil means a decrease in the efficiency and therapeutic value.
2. Heat
Exposure to heat can cause changes in the chemical composition of essential, thus deteriorating its quality.
3. Sunlight
All essential oils are sensitive to sunlight, especially citrus oils which are photosensitive and it becomes increasingly reactive, producing oxygen free radicals which can cause harmful reactions on the skin.
4. Method & Condition Of Distillation
Method and condition of distillation also come into play while considering the factors affecting the shelf life of essential oils. The superior method of distillation ensures a longer shelf life of essential oils.
5. Container And Method Of Storage
Essential Oils are highly concentrated, reactive and volatile oils, hence should not be stored in plastic or metal containers. There is a change in the chemical composition of essential oil when it comes in contact with air, thus essential oil is always stored in airtight glass containers.
Essential Oil Storage Tips
If you own essential oil and worried about its storage and want to gain knowledge about increasing its shelf life, then go through these simple and easy tips which need to be followed.
1. Away From Light And Heat
Essential Oils should always be stored in a place which is devoid of bright light as it tends to change its chemical composition which reduces the efficiency of essential oils. Also, ensure that essential oils are not stored near heat sources as a most essential oils are highly inflammable and can catch fire easily.
2. Wooden Storage Boxes
These wooden storage boxes are apt for storing your essential oils as it comes in various sizes and can easily accommodate a whole set of essential oils.
3. Fabric Storage Boxes
Fabric storage boxes can be used to store essential oil. You can neatly arrange your essential oil bottles and keep it securely in a drawer, thus avoid cluttering the space. It will give a more organized look and you don’t have to search for your favourite essential oil here and there.
4. Kitchen Cabinets
Kitchen Cabinets are also an ideal place for storing essential oils as it helps to keep essential oils away from sunlight and heat.
5. Amber Or Cobalt Glass Bottle
It is always recommended to store essential oil in amber or cobalt glass bottles as compared to clear glass bottles as it helps to keep away from direct exposure to light.
6. Airtight Bottles
In order to avoid contact with air or oxygen, essential oils should always be stored in airtight containers. On coming in contact with air essential oil tends to lose its efficiency due to change in chemical composition.
7. Store It In Refrigerators
Essential Oil should always be stored in a cool, dry place away from heat and sunlight. And the best place to store essential oil is to keep in refrigerator and maintain a constant temperature of about 45-50 degree Fahrenheit. Remember not to keep your essential oil in the freezer as it solidifies and loses its efficiency.
8. Store It In Cool & Dark Place
Always ensure that essential oils are stored in a cool and dark place away from direct light and moisture, as essential oils tend to lose its therapeutic value on coming in contact with moisture.
9. Check The Label For Its Purity
Before buying any essential oils, always check the label to ensure that it is 100% natural, pure, organic and cold pressed which gives it longer shelf life to your favourite essential oils. Avoid buying essential oils which mention as synthetic, fragrant or potpourri oil on the label as they are not pure.
Why don't you check out Anveya's Essential Oils to your self-care game a notch higher with our stunning collection of pure essential oils that cater to all your haircare, skincare, holistic wellness needs
10. Check The Date Before Buying
Always check the date on which the essential oil was bottled, which is usually mentioned on the label. Most essential oils have a shelf life of 4-6 months. The essential oil which is diluted with distilled water has a far lesser shelf life of about 2-3 weeks. So before buying your favourite essential oil check the label thoroughly for additional information.
Also Read : A Complete Guide to Diluting Essential Oils
Thus by ensuring proper storage of your favourite essential oils, you can add to its longer shelf life. As these essential oils contain the essence or the extract of that particular plant part, they are highly concentrated, reactive and volatile. Hence additional care should be taken while handling essential oils, otherwise, it will deteriorate the quality and therapeutic value of it, thereby reducing its shelf life as well. You can follow the above-mentioned storage tips for increasing the shelf life of essential oils and enjoy its beauty and health benefits for a longer period of time.
Disclaimer: All the content on anveya.com/blogs is solely for information. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified health care provider. The information, suggestion or remedies mentioned on this site are provided without warranty of any kind, whether express or implied.
