How to Store Essential Oils Properly: A Comprehensive Guide

Essential oils have become a staple in many homes, offering a wide range of benefits from aromatherapy to natural remedies. To preserve their potency and extend their shelf life, proper storage is crucial. Our guide will walk you through the best practices for storing essential oils, ensuring you get the most out of your investment.

Understanding Essential Oils

Essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts that capture the plant's scent and flavor, or "essence." They are typically obtained through distillation or cold pressing and are used in various applications, including aromatherapy, skincare, and household cleaning. These oils are not only powerful but also delicate, requiring careful handling and storage.

Why Proper Storage Matters

Essential oils are sensitive to light, heat, and air. Exposure to these elements can degrade the oil's quality, reducing its effectiveness and altering its scent. Proper storage helps maintain the oil's integrity, ensuring it remains potent and safe to use. Additionally, improper storage can lead to contamination, which can be harmful when the oils are applied topically or inhaled.

Choosing the Right Container

Having the correct essential oil bottle is paramount to keeping your essential oils fresh and high-quality. Start by choosing the right container — whether that be by picking a brand that has the following packaging or investing in your own bottles.

• Dark Glass Bottles: Essential oils should be stored in dark glass bottles, typically amber or cobalt blue. These bottles protect the oils from UV light, which can break down the oil's chemical composition. Clear glass bottles should be avoided as they allow light to pass through, accelerating the degradation process.
• Airtight Seals: Ensure the bottles have airtight seals to prevent oxidation. Oxygen can react with the oils, causing them to degrade over time. Screw caps or dropper caps are ideal for maintaining a tight seal.
• Avoid Plastic: Plastic containers can leach chemicals into the oils, contaminating them. Additionally, some essential oils can dissolve plastic, leading to further contamination. If you must use plastic, opt for high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or polyethylene terephthalate (PET), which are more resistant to degradation.

All of SpaRoom essential oils and blends come in dark glass amber bottles with airtight seals and droppers.

Ideal Storage Conditions

Unsure of how to store essential oils? Here are three best practices.

• Cool Temperatures: Store essential oils in a cool place, ideally between 60°F and 70°F (15°C and 21°C). Avoid extreme temperature fluctuations, as they can affect the oil's stability. High temperatures can cause the oils to evaporate or change in composition, while low temperatures can cause them to solidify or become cloudy.
• Dark Places: Keep essential oils away from direct sunlight and other sources of light. A dark cabinet or drawer is an excellent choice. You can also wrap the bottles in aluminum foil or place them in a box to provide an extra layer of protection from light.
• Dry Environment: Moisture can promote the growth of mold and bacteria, which can contaminate the oils. Store them in a dry place, away from humid areas like bathrooms. Consider using a dehumidifier in particularly humid environments to maintain optimal storage conditions.

Organizing Your Essential Oils

When storing your essential oils, try following these tips.

• Labeling: Clearly label each bottle with the oil's name and the date it was opened. This helps you keep track of when to replace the oils and ensures you're using the right one for your needs. You can also include the oil's Latin name and its intended use for quick reference.
• Storage Boxes: Consider using a storage box specifically designed for essential oils. These boxes often come with compartments to keep the bottles organized and upright, preventing spills. Some storage boxes also include locks or latches to secure the contents and prevent accidental tipping.
• Rotation: Just like with food, practice the "first in, first out" method. Use the oldest oils first to ensure they don't go to waste. This method helps you maintain a fresh supply of oils and prevents the accumulation of expired or degraded products.
• Categorization: Organize your essential oils by category, such as floral, citrus, woodsy, or medicinal. This makes it easier to find the oil you need and helps you create complementary blends. You can also organize them alphabetically or by frequency of use, depending on your preference.

Special Considerations

When storing essential oils it’s important to consider several factors, including:

• Citrus Oils: Citrus oils, such as lemon, lime, and orange, are particularly sensitive to light and heat and generally have a shorter shelf life. They should be stored in the refrigerator to extend their shelf life. When refrigerated, these oils can last up to a year or more. Be sure to allow the oil to warm to room temperature before use, as cold oils can be harsh on the skin.
• Blends: If you create your own blends, store them in dark glass bottles and label them with the ingredients and the date of creation. Blends may have a shorter shelf life than individual oils, so use them within a few months. Keep in mind that the shelf life of a blend is determined by the oil with the shortest shelf life in the mixture.
• Traveling with Essential Oils: When traveling, keep essential oils in a cool, dark place, such as a travel case designed for oils. Avoid exposing them to extreme temperatures or direct sunlight. If you're traveling by air, be sure to follow TSA guidelines for carrying liquids, and pack your oils in a clear, quart-sized bag for easy inspection.

Signs of Spoilage

Even with proper storage, essential oils can eventually go bad. Here are some signs to look out for:

• Change in Scent: If the oil's scent has changed significantly or smells rancid, it has likely spoiled. Some oils may naturally change in scent over time, but a drastic or unpleasant change indicates degradation.

• Cloudiness: Essential oils should be clear. If the oil appears cloudy or has sediment, it may be contaminated. Some oils may naturally contain sediment, but if it's not typical for that oil, it's a sign of spoilage.

• Thickening: Some oils may thicken over time, but if the consistency changes dramatically, it could be a sign of spoilage. Oils that have become overly thick or viscous may have been exposed to extreme temperatures or contaminated with water.

• Discoloration: If the oil's color has changed significantly, it may have been exposed to light or heat, causing it to degrade. Some oils may naturally change color over time, but a drastic change indicates spoilage.

Tips for Finding High-Quality Essential Oils

• Research the Company: Look for companies that specialize in essential oils and have a strong reputation in the industry. Check their website for information about their sourcing, distillation, and quality control processes. Every SpaRoom Essential Oil is globally sourced 100% pure and natural. We believe in using only the highest-grade, therapeutic essential oils and each batch is third-party GC/MS tested for purity and composition.

• Check the Label: High-quality essential oils should be labeled with the oil's common name, Latin name, country of origin, and method of extraction. The label should also indicate if the oil is organic, wildcrafted, or conventionally grown.

• Look for Purity: Ensure the oil is 100% pure and not diluted with carrier oils or synthetic fragrances. The label should indicate the oil's purity and may include terms like "therapeutic grade" or "aromatherapy grade."

• Consider the Price: High-quality essential oils can be expensive due to the large amount of plant material required to produce them. Be wary of oils that are significantly cheaper than others, as they may be diluted or adulterated.

• Test the Oil: Before purchasing a large quantity of oil, consider buying a small sample to test its quality. High-quality oils should have a strong, pure aroma that is characteristic of the plant. You can also perform a "paper test" by placing a drop of oil on a piece of paper and allowing it to dry. Pure essential oils should not leave an oily residue.

Final Thoughts

Proper storage of essential oils is key to maintaining their quality and effectiveness. By using dark glass bottles, storing them in cool, dark places, and keeping them organized, you can extend the shelf life of your oils and ensure they remain potent and safe to use. Whether you're a seasoned aromatherapist or a newcomer to essential oils, following these guidelines will help you get the most out of your investment.

Investing in high-quality essential oils and taking the time to store them correctly will pay off in the long run. Not only will you enjoy the benefits of fresh, potent oils, but you'll also save money by reducing waste. So, take a moment to assess your storage practices and make any necessary adjustments. Your essential oils—and your senses—will thank you.

By following these tips and guidelines, you'll be well on your way to building a collection of high-quality, long-lasting essential oils that can be enjoyed for years to come. For tips on how to diffuse essential oils, take a look at this article: Essential Oil Diffuser Guide.