How to Store Essential Oils

Great! You are starting to use essential oils and are on your way to holistic health and wellness.  But did you know that the therapeutic benefits of most essential oils will deteriorate if exposed to sunlight, heat, and/or air?  The oils need to be stored properly to prevent them from deterioration and preserve their aromatic qualities. But don't fret...properly storing the oils is simple!
​

• Use amber glass bottles - The oils will break down fairly quickly if they are exposed to sunlight and this is why they are generally in amber colored bottles when they are purchased. Glass is important because the oils can be corrosive and glass is the one substance they cannot break down over time. You want to always make sure the bottles are not damaged and that the tops have an air-tight seal. If they don't, then you will need to transfer the oil to a new bottle. Note: you can purchase other colors but in my opinion amber is the most effective.
• A dark location - even if the oils are in an amber bottle, they should still be kept in a dark location such as a storage case or a closet.  Any longterm exposure to light will break down the oils faster and even though the bottles are amber, they are still translucent  (meaning light can still get through).
• Find a relatively cool location - You definitely don't want the bottles to get heated up so a cool location that is far from any heat source is, including heating pipes in walls, is best. 
• Keep them dry - A dry location is important just because moist locations tend to promote moldy growth and this is certainly something that is unwanted! 

If you blend your own oils the same rules apply for storage! Be sure to buy quality amber glass containers that will seal appropriately.

You can see the wooden case I use to store many of my oils in the pictures. This was actually a wooden cast that was being thrown out that I repurposed. With a few shelves added in, some paint, and elastic stapled across the inside shelves, I now have a cool, dry, and dark enclosed box for all my oils! I added a handy little handle to the top to make it easy to carry wherever I need it.

Thanks for visiting.
Check out our other essential oil tips, blends, and ideas on our Health & Wellness page!
​Sincerely,