Essential Oil Storage, Quality, and Misconceptions: What You Need to Know

Essential Oil Storage, Quality, and Misconceptions: What You Need to Know

Should You Refrigerate Essential Oils?

Refrigeration is not necessary for most essential oils, but it helps extend shelf life for certain oils.

• Blue Oils (Chamomile, Yarrow, Tansy): Refrigeration slows oxidation and preserves chamazulene, which gives them their signature blue color. When oxidized, the oil turns green—this doesn’t necessarily mean it’s bad, but oxidation affects potency.
• Citrus Oils (Lemon, Orange, Grapefruit): Refrigeration slows down the formation of limonene oxide, which can cause a foul smell and reduce effectiveness.

Freezing Oils? Not recommended. While all essential oils will freeze at a low enough temperature, freezing can alter their composition, causing some components to drop out of solution and not reintegrate when thawed.

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How to Properly Store Essential Oils

•  Keep Oxygen Exposure Low: Transfer oils to smaller bottles when half full to minimize air space and oxidation.
•  Store Below 75°F (24°C): Heat degrades essential oils, so keep them in a cool, dark place.
•  Glass Bottles & UV Protection: Most essential oils are not photochemically reactive in visible light, but UV rays can degrade some compounds. Dark amber or blue glass offers some protection.

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Understanding Essential Oil Distillation & Purity

 Most essential oils are steam-distilled, except for citrus oils, which are cold-pressed from peels. Proper distillation ensures maximum potency and therapeutic benefits.

Beware of False Claims About “First Distillation”
There is a common misconception that “first distillation” oils are superior. This is inaccurate! The only oil distilled in separate fractions is Ylang Ylang (Extra, I, II, III, Complete)—all other essential oils are collected as a single lot.

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Do Essential Oils Expire?

Yes, over time, oxidation reactions will degrade essential oils. However, some oils actually improve with age:

• Oils that get better with age: Sandalwood, Vetiver, Patchouli
• Oils that degrade quickly: Citrus, Blue Oils, Chamomile

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Essential Oil Myths & Misconceptions

• “Essential Oils Carry Nutrients Into Cells” – FALSE!
  There is no scientific evidence proving that essential oils transport nutrients into cells.
• “Essential Oils Oxygenate the Blood” – FALSE!No peer-reviewed study supports this claim. The doctor credited with this theory has never published research on it.
• Ingestion Warning: Essential oil ingestion is controversial. Always consulttrusted resources such asNAHA, Essential Oil University, and Robert Tisserand before considering it.

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Essential Oil Safety & Dilution Guidelines

• General Use: 15-20 drops per 30mL (1 oz) of carrier oil.
• Sensitive Skin, Elderly, or Children: Use fewer drops.
• Avoid Direct Application: Essential oils must be diluted—citrus oils and spicy oils (e.g., cinnamon) can cause irritation.

 Patch Testing: If an essential oil causes a rash or irritation, your skin is signaling you to STOP. It’s not a “detox reaction.”

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How to Identify High-Quality Essential Oils

• Look for GC/MS Testing: Reputable companies should provide Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS) reports verifying purity and composition.
• Check the Latin Botanical Name & Country of Origin: This should be on the label.
• Beware of Unrealistically Low Prices: High-quality essential oils vary in price. Rose, Sandalwood, and Frankincense are expensive, while citrus oils are much cheaper. If all oils are priced similarly, that’s a red flag.
• Beware of Misleading Marketing Terms:

❌ “Therapeutic Grade” – No regulatory body governs this term. It is simply a marketing phrase.
❌ “FDA-Approved” – The FDA does not certify or approve essential oils.
❌ “First Distillation” – As mentioned earlier, this is a misleading term (except for Ylang Ylang).

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Final Thoughts: Trust Your Body & Do Your Research

 If you dislike the smell of an oil, your body might be signaling that it’s not for you. Some oils are an acquired taste, but if you have a strong, persistent aversion, don’t force it.

 The essential oil industry is flooded with misinformation, so always check reputable sources. Don’t rely on a single company’s marketing claims—do your own research and trust verified experts.