Does Essential Oil Expire?

Essential oils are remarkable natural products that have been used for centuries in aromatherapy, traditional medicine, skincare, and many daily products we use today, like shampoos and insect repellents.

The biggest appeal of essential oils is their natural scent, which comes directly from plants such as flowers, leaves, barks, and peels. When combined with the right tools and practices, they can promote relaxation, mood support, and even improve digestion. There are also countless skincare products that take advantage of the benefits of essential oils.

While there are endless use cases for these natural products, many wonder about their shelf life, especially considering that even a small bottle can last for many months or even years. For anyone questioning if essential oil expires, this article is here to provide a comprehensive answer. Continue reading to learn all you need to know.

So, Does Essential Oil Expire at All?

Let's get right to the answer, does essential oil expire? The answer is yes, they do expire. However, they don't expire in the same way food does. Essential oils don't spoil; instead, they oxidize and degrade over time. This oxidation process changes their chemical composition, smell, and even safety. A good example is lavender essential oil used for aromatherapy, which is perfectly safe for dogs, but it can become more irritating if expired.

When buying any essential oil, it should have an expiration date on it. The manufacturer or the shop you buy from should also state the expiration date when buying the product. For instance, Blue Lotus Oil Co. has the expiration date visible on all its bottles, from 0.5oz to 16oz. Be sure that the place you're buying from provides the expiration date on the packaging before buying.

Does Essential Oil Expire if Unopened?

There's a common misconception that essential oils don't expire if you don't open them. This is entirely false, as essential oils can oxidize and degrade even if the bottle isn't opened. However, since contact with air speeds up oxidation, unopened bottles usually last longer. Therefore, it is reasonable to expect an unopened essential oil to last about 10 to 20% longer than the typical shelf life listed on the bottle.

What Is the Typical Shelf Life of Essential Oils?

Since different essential oils expire at different rates, the typical shelf life of commonly used essential oils varies. The exact rate at which these essential oils expire depends on their chemistry and begins once the bottle is opened, regardless of its size. Here's an overview of the typical shelf life of different essential oils to give you an idea of which ones last the longest.

The essential oils that have a shelf life between one and two years include:

• Citrus essential oils like lemon, orange, and bergamot

• Conifer oils like tea pine

• Tea tree

• Lemongrass

• Blue lotus oil

The essential oils that have a shelf life between two and three years include:

• Lavender

• Eucalyptus

• Peppermint

• Rosemary

The essential oils that have a shelf life between four and five (or more) years include:

• Frankincense

• Sandalwood

• Myrrh

• Cedarwood

While these are average shelf lives of these common essential oils, it is worth noting that how you store the essential oil also matters. The above shelf life estimates apply to essential oils when stored properly. The bottle or the packaging should include instructions on how to store your essential oil. Below, we cover some of the best practices when storing essential oils to conclude our article.

Storing Essential Oils Properly to Extend Shelf Life

The answer to the question, does essential oils expire, is yes. Any essential oil will expire, even though it doesn't expire in the traditional sense. But by storing them properly, you can maximize their shelf life so that you get their benefits and everything else they offer to the fullest.

First and foremost, always store essential oils in amber, cobalt blue, or dark violet glass bottles to prevent UV lights from penetrating the bottle and breaking down the aromatic compounds and speeding up the oxidation process. The essential oil you buy should already come in a suitable bottle like this, but you should still keep it away from direct sunlight.

Another critical storing mistake people make is keeping their essential oil bottles in places that are too cold or too hot. The ideal storage temperature for most essential oils is between 60 and 70ºF. Some of the best places to store your essential oils are drawers, kitchen cabinets, or a dedicated essential oil box. However, your fridge may be the best place for certain essential oils with a short life, such as citrus oils.

By following these, you can ensure that your essential oils don't expire more quickly than they should, allowing you to enjoy them for longer.