Safety first – Essential Oils - Shelf Life and Storage
Updated: May 24, 2022
Essential oil degradation is affected by three main factors – oxygen, heat and light. So it is super important to understand the importance of correct storage to maximize the life of your oils.
As a general rule, all oils are best when you store them in dark cool places.
· The refrigerator is perfect if possible.
· Store all your undiluted concentrated oils in dark glass bottles – amber of cobalt blue are best
· Avoid storing any undiluted oils or blends in clear bottles or plastic. Some products made with
Know your oils.
· Oils high in monoterpenes or oxides will degrade faster and have the shortest shelf life – around 1 to 2 years
· Oils high in phenols could last up to 3 years
· Oils that contain ketones, monoterpenols and esters often last longer – around 4 to 5 years
· Oils high in sesquiterpenes and sesquiterpenols last the longest – around 6 years
CARRIER OILS - Refrigerated
Almond Oil (refined, expeller pressed) – 1 year
Aloe Vera Oil – 6 months – 1 year
Apricot Kernel Oil (cold pressed) – 1 year
Argan Oil (cold pressed/unrefined) – 2+ years
Avocado Oil (cold pressed/unrefined) – 1 year
Borage Oil – 6 months
Brazil Nut Oil – 2 years
Calendula Oil (infused) – 1 year
Camellia Oil – 2 years
Carrot Seed Oil (cold pressed) – 1 year
Castor Oil (cold pressed) – 5 years
Chia Seed Oil (cold pressed) – 2 years
Coconut Oil (cold pressed/unrefined) – 2-4 years
Cranberry Seed Oil – 2 years
Emu Oil – 1 year
Evening Primrose Oil (cold pressed) – 6 months – 1 year
Flax Seed Oil – 6 months (refrigerated)
Fractionated Coconut Oil – 5+ years
Grapeseed Oil (cold pressed) – 1 year
Hazelnut Oil (cold pressed) – 1 year
Hemp Seed Oil (cold pressed) – 1 year
Hypericum Oil (St John’s Wort – infused) – 1 year
Jojoba Oil (cold pressed) – 5 years
Macadamia Nut Oil (cold pressed) – 1 year
Moringa Seed Oil – 1+ years
Neem Oil (cold pressed/unrefined) – 2 years
Olive Oil (cold pressed/unrefined) – 2 years
Palm Oil (Red – unrefined) – 2 years
Papaya Seed Oil (cold pressed) – 1 year
Passion Fruit Seed Oil (Maracuja Oil – cold pressed) – 1-2 years
Peach Kernel Oil (cold pressed/unrefined) – 1 year
Pecan Nut Oil (cold pressed/unrefined) – 1 year
Pomegranate Seed Oil – 1 year
Poppy Seed Oil – 1 year
RoseHip Seed Oil – 6 months
Safflower Seed Oil (high linoleic) – 2 years
Safflower Seed Oil (high oleic) – 2 years
Sesame Oil (cold pressed) – 1 year
Shea Oil – 1 year
Soybean Oil (refined) – 1 year
Sunflower Seed Oil (cold pressed/unrefined) – 1 year
Tamanu Oil (cold pressed/unrefined) – 1 year
Walnut Oil (unrefined) – 2 years
Wheat Germ Oil (unrefined) – 1 year
ESSENTIAL OILS – Refrigerated
There are close to 100 commonly used essential oils. So to put together a list that includes each oil’s shelf life would be a daunting task. I will work on it though and come as close as I can. I am currently compiling a series of single oil fact sheets for my patreon members. I include recipe cards and some art bonus giveaways. Join our awesome group for more information.
For now, the general rule is:
Citrus Fruit Oils - 1 year
Frankincense Oil - 1 Year
Lemongrass Oil - 1 Year
Neroli Oil - 1 Year
Pine Oil - 1 Year
Spruce Oils - 1 Year
Tea Tree Oil - 1 Year
Most essential Oils - 2 – 3 years
Sandalwood Oil - 4 – 8 years
Vetiver Oil - 4 – 8 years
Patchouli Oil - 4 – 8 years