Perhaps you’ve heard someone say, “Nothing lasts forever.” Sadly, it’s pretty true. When it comes to essential oils and carrier oil shelf life, it’s extremely true! Most everything has a shelf life, and these are certainly not an exception. But what is the criteria for determining when a carrier oil will expire or has outlived its usefulness? Let’s take a closer look.
Carrier Oils
What kind of oils?
If you are already familiar with essential oils and the use of them, you probably know what carrier oils are. For those who do not know, they are often used in combination with essential oils. From the kernels, nuts, or seeds of the fatty portion of a plant, vegetable oil is made and eventually becomes a carrier oil.
There are different combinations of therapeutic properties and health benefits for each carrier oil. The carrier oil you choose will likely be determined by the characteristic or benefit that you are seeking. Some of the more popular or well-known carrier oils are as follows:
- Virgin coconut oil
- Grapeseed oil
- Argan oil
- Fractionated coconut oil
- Avocado oil
- Olive oil
- Jojoba oil
- Almond oil
Carrier Oil Shelf Life
The storage and treatment of a carrier oil is a big part of what determines its shelf life. Of the two, proper storage is essential. To enjoy the maximum benefits of your carrier oils and use them to their fullest extent, you must care for them properly. Improper storage and careless use will cause carrier oils to lose their potency and usability.
On the other hand, some carrier oils just have a brief shelf life, even with proper care. You can expect only six months out of a carrier oil such as borage oil.
The Four Biggest Contributing Factors
To better control the shelf life of your carrier oils, when storing them, pay special attention to the following:
- Air exposure
- Cleanliness
- Light exposure
- Temperature
Storage Tips
Using the four above listed contributing factors, here are some tips that will help create a more ideal setting for the storage and use of your carrier oils. These will assist in gettin the most out of your carrier oils and assure a maximum shelf life.
Choose a dark, cool place for storage:
- When there’s just a bit left in a bottle, transfer what’s left into a smaller bottle.
- Use dark bottles.
- Oils will “turn” if exposed to heat.
- Carrier oils go rancid quicker if they are exposed to sunlight. The oil is broken down by UV rays.
Cleanliness is essential:
- When pouring a carrier oil into a smaller bottle, or back into its own bottle, use clean utensils.
- Avoid getting moisture or water in your carrier oils and keep them as pure as you can.
Keep a tight lid on it:
- Due to oxidation, a carrier oil will turn rancid rapidly if oxygen gets into the bottle. Always tighten the lid.
Use small bottles for storage:
- As mentioned, oils go rancid faster if air gets into the bottle. Smaller bottles mean less air.
- Smaller bottles also help to avoid oil oxidation due to excess oxygen.
- Always use the smallest bottle possible for storing your carrier oils.
Planta Guru has an impressive selection of carrier oils at affordable prices. We also carry essential oils, body butters, diffusers, waxes, botanicals and herbs, and – yes – small, dark bottles! For all your essential oil needs, shop Plant Guru today.