Why Your Essential Oil Smells or Looks Different Than Last Time

Why Your Essential Oil Smells or Looks Different Than Last Time

If you’ve noticed that your favorite essential oil doesn’t smell or look quite the same as your last bottle, you’re not alone! It’s completely normal for essential oils to vary from batch to batch. Here’s why:

---

1. Variations in Growing Conditions

Our essential oils are sourced from the best global crops each year, but natural variations occur. Factors like:

✔ Soil conditions
✔ Climate changes (rain, temperature, humidity)
✔ Harvest time of day
✔ Geographical region

…all affect plant growth and, in turn, the scent and chemical composition of the essential oil.

Unlike brands that grow their own plants, we source from different regions to ensure the highest quality every year. This means our essential oils may vary slightly in aroma, potency, or color, but they’re always sourced from the best crops available.

---

2. Variations in Chemical Components

Growing conditions don’t just affect how a plant looks and smells—they also impact its chemical composition.

• For example:
   A citrus oil grown in extra sunny conditions may have higher limonene levels, making it smell slightly different.
•  Even distillation factors (like temperature, pressure, and duration) can affect component ratios, changing the final aroma.

While every essential oil should contain the same core components, their exact ratios naturally fluctuate.

---

3. Variations in Storage Conditions

How essential oils are stored also plays a big role in how they smell and perform over time.

What affects storage?

• Age – Oils change as they mature. Some, like patchouli, improve with age, while others, like citrus oils, degrade over time.
• Oxygen Exposure – Oils that sit in half-empty bottles for months oxidize, which can alter the scent. Reduce headspace by transferring to a smaller bottle.
• Temperature & Light – Essential oils should be stored in a cool, dark place with tight lids.

Example: Fresh 4 Thieves blend smells very different from a 3-month-old batch due to oxidation.

---

How to Adjust an Essential Oil’s Scent

If you don’t love the smell of your new essential oil, here’s what you can do:

✔ Let it Sit – Leave the lid off for no more than a day to let the scent settle.
✔ Blend to Your Preference – Adjust the scent by adding complementary oils:

• For an earthier scent → Add a drop of patchouli
• For a sweeter scent → Add a drop of ylang ylang
  ✔ Consult an Aromatherapist – If you’re looking for a very specific scent profile, a trained aromatherapist can customize blends for you.

---

Final Thoughts

Essential oils are natural and dynamic—so variations in color, scent, and composition are completely normal. While your new bottle may smell a little different, it’s still 100% pure and effective. If you have specific scent preferences, customizing your blend is a great way to achieve your perfect aroma!