Will essential oils expire? How to save

Essential oils are essence condensed from plants. Modern research has found that many kinds of essential oils have the effect of hair and skin care, and they are increasingly concerned and welcomed.

The variety of essential oils used in various skincare and hair care is becoming increasingly diverse, making it almost eye-catching. But do you know if these natural plant essential oils will expire? The answer is yes, yes, these essential oils will expire.

Why do essential oils expire?

These types of products are extremely prone to oxidation, and if not handled properly, they may lose their effectiveness before use.

When you open a new bottle or container containing essential oil, the oil inside will come into contact with oxygen in the air, which is called the oxidation process.

When essential oils come into contact with oxygen, light, and heat, their composition begins to change. Over time, it began to lose its effectiveness. That's also why most essential oils are sold in amber bottles, as dark glass can better resist UV rays.

Essential oils will not spoil like food, but they will change over time. Because it is difficult to determine what these essential oils have turned into, and it is also difficult to determine whether it is safe to use them after spoilage.

What is the approximate shelf life of essential oils?

Most essential oils have a shelf life, but this shelf life varies depending on the type and storage method of the essential oil. Therefore, the shelf life of different essential oils varies. It is important to pay attention to the shelf life on the essential oil packaging. Be careful when using different types of essential oils.

The shelf life of citrus essential oils such as lemon, sweet orange, and orange is relatively short, and it is best to use them within 1 to 2 years.

Spices and herbal essential oils can be stored for two years or more without being opened.

Resin and tree essential oils, such as sandalwood, frankincense, myrrh, etc., have a longer shelf life and can be stored for 4 to 8 years.

Please use the essential oil as soon as possible after opening and using it.

How to determine if essential oils have expired?

Once you open a bottle of essential oil, you should record the usage time, such as writing the date you opened it on the label with a pen.

If the essential oil in use has this situation, it is possible that it has already deteriorated:

The taste of essential oils is different from before;

The color has changed or become cloudy;

The viscosity is thicker or thinner than when opened.

Can the shelf life of essential oils be extended?

Under appropriate storage conditions, the shelf life of some essential oils can be extended.

Reduce exposure to oxygen: To prevent premature expiration of essential oils and ensure their effectiveness, try to minimize the time it takes for bottle caps to open. The longer the bottle cap is opened, the more essential oils are exposed to oxidation in the air. In addition, after use, the bottle cap must be tightly closed to prevent air from entering the bottle and starting the oxidation process.

Stay away from light and heat: The best place to store essential oils is in a cool and dry place, such as a bathroom cabinet or medicine cabinet. Keep essential oils away from direct sunlight or other heat sources. It is best to use dark glass containers to hold essential oils.

Use smaller containers for storage: A smaller container can prevent excessive oxygen from being left inside when the bottle is opened, which can prevent premature oxidation and extend the lifespan of essential oils.