Can essential oils expire? Understanding essential oil oxidation (2024)

FAQs

Can essential oils expire? Understanding essential oil oxidation? ›

Essential oils don't expire in the same way you'd think of food or other items ”going bad,” but they do go through a process of oxidization that begins as soon as the bottle is opened and the oil is exposed to oxygen in the air. Light and heat also increase oxidation.

While essential oils do not technically expire in the same way that food or medication does, their potency and quality can deteriorate over time. Factors such as storage conditions, exposure to light and heat, and the type of essential oil can all influence their shelf life.

As its chemistry changes, its therapeutic benefits fade. (Learn more about what causes oxidation and how to slow it down!) Oxidized oils don't have the same benefits as fresh, pure oils—and can actually cause negative reactions.

Bad oil tends to have a sharp taste, leading to lower quality or inconsistent taste in cooked foods. It may begin to have a subtle or strong, unpleasant odor. A good indicator is that it will start to burn before its original smoke point.

The longest-lasting oils, which improve as they age, tend to be the thick resins such as frankincense and myrrh, woods such as sandlewood, roots like vetiver, as well as other oils, including spikenard and patchouli. Essential oils need to be stored away from heat and light to preserve their freshness and potency.

Many essential oils will last about 2–5 years if stored in closed, dark glass bottles kept out of direct light and heat. Some oils like Patchouli, Sandalwood, and Vetiver can last 6–8 years. Here are some timelines for popular essential oils: 1–2 years: Lemon, Lime, and Tangerine.

These highly concentrated and potent essential oils can emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The inhalation of VOCs commonly has negative effects on the respiratory system. Individuals can have different reactions to essential oils, just like they might to other medicines, products, allergens or irritant triggers.

If it has an “off” odor—perhaps like crayons, metal, or something sour—it's past its prime. To see if olive oil is past its prime, pour some into a spoon and sniff it. Sour odors mean that it's rancid. It'll have an off smell if it's gone bad.

Remember, extra virgin olive oil does not expire and, if you follow the recommendations we have given you, you will ensure that it does not lose any of its qualities.

Such indications include foaming, darkening or smoking excessively, indicating the oil must be discarded. Other signs of deteriorated oil include a rancid smell and/or failure to bubble when food is added. The oil will thicken when it is chilled, but will return to its original consistency when reheated.

How can you tell if essential oil is rancid? ›

History of Plant Essential Oils

Ancient Egyptians have used aromatic oils as early as 4500 BC in cosmetics and ointments [7]. They used to make a mixture of different sources of herbal preparations such as aniseed, cedar, onion, myrrh, and grapes in perfume or medicine [7].

Older oils are more likely to be spoiled because of exposure to oxygen. They may not work as well and could irritate your skin or cause an allergic reaction. If you see a big change in the way an oil looks, feels, or smells, you should throw it out, because it has probably spoiled.

2-3 Years. The majority of essential oils have a shelf life of 2-3 years. Their chemical composition can last longer, but is also susceptible to oxidation due to a higher percentage of aldehydes and esters.

Shelf life testing performed on essential oils has shown that essential oils maintain their efficacy even after 5–10 years or more. Storing essential oils properly also plays a major role in ensuring that essential oils maintain their efficacy and beneficial properties over time.

While the average shelf life of fragrance oils is about one year, some raw materials age faster than others. So a one-year shelf life is a good average to keep in mind, but there's no need to toss one-year-old fragrance oils out without first evaluating them.