Essential oils are delicate. Heat, light and air slowly change their scent, and Singapore offers plenty of all three. A few simple habits help your bottles last.
1. Keep them in dark glass
Amber and blue glass blocks light. Leave oils in their original dark bottles.
2. Choose a cool, shaded spot
Avoid windowsills, kitchens near the stove and cars. A drawer or cabinet away from direct sun is ideal. In an air-conditioned room, a closed box on a shelf works well.
3. Close the cap tightly
Air can dull the scent. Close the cap straight after use and do not leave the dropper open while you blend.
4. Store upright
Keeping bottles upright stops the oil from sitting against the cap, which can wear the seal over time.
5. Know the shelf life
- Citrus oils (lemon, orange, grapefruit) are the most delicate. Use within about a year of opening.
- Floral and herbal oils usually keep for two to three years.
- Woody and resin oils such as sandalwood and patchouli can keep for longer.
If an oil smells sharp, sour or very different from when you bought it, replace it. Write the date you opened each bottle on the label.
Diluted oils and blends with carrier oils have a shorter life. Keep them in the fridge door if you will not use them for a while. Browse our essential oils and carrier oils.
This article is for general information about scents and personal care routines and is not medical advice. Always follow the directions on the label.