Unlike many shop-bought cosmetics, essential oils are natural compounds without added preservatives such as parabens to prevent degradation and contamination. Therefore, it is important that you know how to correctly store and handle essential oils and are aware of the shelf life of your aromatherapy products.
How To Store Essential Oils And Blends
Essential oils and aromatherapy blends should be stored in dark glass bottles or jars. These can be purchased from aromatherapy suppliers and health stores. They are quite inexpensive and are usually available in brown, blue or green glass; any colour is equally suitable for safe storage. Essential oils, whether diluted or undiluted, should not be stored in plastic containers because the chemicals in the oils will react with and partially dissolve the plastic, contaminating your blends. Glass is an inert material and will not react with essential oils. The tint in dark glass also protects the essential oils and carrier oils from deteriorating in reaction to sunlight.
How Does Sunlight Effect Oils?
Sunlight increases the deterioration of essential oils and carrier oils through oxidisation. Sunlight and oxygen cause carrier (vegetable oils) to gradually turn rancid, which also makes an aromatherapy blend unsuitable for use. Although sunlight is the main culprit in leading to the degradation of essential oils, electric light can also contribute. Dark glass containers help to protect your oils against light pollution. As an added precaution, store your bottles containing aromatherapy blends in a dark cupboard and out of direct sunlight.
How Does Temperature Effect Oils?
Essential oils and carrier oils should be stored at cool or room temperatures to help increase their shelf life. The optimum storage temperature is five degrees centigrade; some aromatherapists keep a separate mini-fridge to store their essential oils, although this is not really necessary unless you live in a very hot climate. A cool cupboard will provide adequate storage facilities. Cool storage is especially important for citrus oils, which tend to degrade faster than other essential oils.
The Effect Of Air On Oils
All essential oil containers should be air tight to prevent the oxidisation of the oils; citrus oils are most prone to oxidisation. Air reacts with the chemicals of essential oils and can irreversibly change their composition and colour. Oxidisation can also turn carrier (vegetable) oils rancid, which will contaminate the whole aromatherapy blend.
How Can I Tell If My Oils Are Contaminated?
A simple sniff test will tell you if your essential oils, carrier oils or blends are contaminated or past their shelf life. If any of your oils smell slightly odd, it is best to discontinue use and discard them. Contaminated oils will carry bacteria onto your skin and will not be beneficial for use.
Shelf Life Of Aromatherapy Products
If stored correctly, most essential oils have a shelf life of one to one and a half years. Some resin- or wood-based oils such as frankincense or sandalwood may last for two years. Citrus oils can have a shelf life of just six months. Ask your aromatherapy supplier to provide you with a "use by date" on the labeling of your essential oil or to provide you with a batch date.
Carrier oils usually have a shelf life of just six months, and will start to oxidise and turn rancid after this, no matter how carefully they are stored.
Aromatherapy blends will usually last for three months. You can ensure the shelf life of your blend by adding 5 ml wheatgerm or evening primrose, which are oils high in vitamin E.
How To Handle Aromatherapy Products
Aromatherapy oil blends, lotions, gels and creams do not contain artificial preservatives to protect against external contamination. Ensure your aromatherapy products are not stored in moist or humid conditions. Keep them in a dry, dark and cool area after use. When using aromatherapy lotions or creams, make sure your hands are clean and dry before you use your product to prevent contaminating the blend.
If you notice condensation forming on the surface of an aromatherapy cream it is best to discontinue use and discard.
Emma Tennant - Emma trained with Neal's Yard Remedies Ltd and qualified as an aromatherapist in 2005. She went on to practise aromamassage for one year ...
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