How to Store Essential Oils to Maximise Their Shelf Life
Improper storage is the most common reason essential oils degrade before their time. Here is what you need to know.
Essential oils are complex mixtures of volatile organic compounds, many of which are susceptible to degradation by heat, light, and oxygen. Proper storage is not a minor detail: it directly affects the quality, safety, and longevity of your oils.
The three enemies: heat, light, and oxygen
Heat accelerates the oxidation of terpenes and other aromatic compounds. Light, particularly UV light, drives photodegradation reactions. Oxygen causes oxidation when the bottle is not fully sealed. All three can be managed with appropriate storage practices.
Amber glass
Amber glass reduces UV transmission by approximately 90% in the 300-400nm range. This is why essential oils are packaged in amber glass rather than clear glass or plastic. The glass also provides a chemical barrier that plastic does not.
Temperature
Store essential oils at a consistent, cool temperature. A cool, dark cupboard is adequate for most oils. Refrigeration extends the shelf life of carrier oils like rosehip seed oil, which are high in polyunsaturated fatty acids. Essential oils themselves do not need refrigeration but should not be stored near heat sources such as ovens, radiators, or sunny windowsills.
Keeping the bottle sealed
Minimise the time the bottle is open. When you are finished using an oil, close the cap immediately. If you are decanting into a smaller bottle for regular use, keep the main stock bottle sealed. Over time, even a well-sealed bottle will lose some of its more volatile top notes, but this process is much slower when the bottle is kept properly sealed.
Shelf life by oil type
Citrus oils (high in monoterpenes) have the shortest shelf life: 1-2 years. Most essential oils: 2-3 years. Carrier oils high in polyunsaturated fatty acids (rosehip, hemp): 6-12 months. Carrier oils high in saturated or monounsaturated fats (jojoba, coconut): 2+ years. These are approximate guidelines; proper storage can extend these significantly.