Teach Soap

How long do essential oils last? I know that carrier oils don't last very long before they go rancid, but what about essential oils like lavender, orange, peppermint, etc.?

Welcome!
As each has different constituents, there is no hard and fast rule. With that in mind most citrus oils tend to fade fairly quickly. They work better in a blend that has other essential oils that act as anchors. Patchouli, Litsea or Vetiver would be some essential oils that act as anchors.

Depending on which carrier oils are used, some have a very long shelf life. Not all go rancid within a short time. Jojoba for example, has a very long shelf life.

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Irena
Closed minds are like faulty parachutes; they refuse to open.

I just want to know how long essential oils last by themselves? Basically if I buy all the essential oils, do I have to use them in the next year?

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Irena
Closed minds are like faulty parachutes; they refuse to open.

All essential oils and their rate of degradation will depend upon their storage. Exposure to heat, sunlight, temperature variation, and exposure to oxygen will speed oxidation and decrease shelf life. If stored properly though, apart from a few exceptions, all steam distilled essential oils have a shelf life of at least 2 years, and even more when stored properly. Tea Tree, Pine and Fir oils are exceptions, and typically have a shelf life of around 12 to 18 months due to components in their composition.
Cold pressed citrus oils have the shortest shelf life of the essential oils, due to high terpenes, which are more prone to oxidation. You can expect citrus oils to remain in good condition for 9 to 12 months after you get them from your vendor, and even longer when they are cared for properly. Then there are a few essential oils that actually get better with age, such as patchouli. These few eo's and absolutes will be good for at least 5 years, and usually quite a bit more.


chapter 2 of my book, Lol!

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Remember, it's not just that we weather the storm, but how we dance in the rain.

Tammy

We love your answers, Tammy!

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Linda
I know the voices in my head aren't real, but they sure have some great ideas!

@Tammy - what book is that info from? I want it!

Karri

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I soap therefore I am.

Kari this is chapter 2 of my book, a book that I am currently writing and this is from my research and good many years of experience.

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Remember, it's not just that we weather the storm, but how we dance in the rain.

Tammy

How cool Tammy! Congratulations on your book project. Please keep us posted on your progress (so we can buy it of course!).
Karri

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I soap therefore I am.

One thing that I curiously NEVER see mentioned regarding storing essential oils is keeping them in the freezer. I have to believe that doing so would GREATLY extend their storage lives, as it does for food oils. I have kept oils such as pistachio, olive, walnut and hazelnut oils in the freezer for extended storage for years, and I would guess that it extends their usable life by a factor of three to five -- and I cannot find or imagine any chemical reason why it would not do the same for any essential oil. The freezer is where I have most of my EOs stored right now, aside from those that improve with age such as Patchouli and Sandalwood.

Granted, some essential oils will congeal at low temperatures (again, as most culinary oils will do), but this should not harm them in any way --- just allow them to come to room temperature for a few hours (at most) before using, and they will reliquify and be just the same as they were before freezing.

Frankly, it surprises me that I do not see freezing recommended by anyone when discussing the storage of essential oils, particularly for those that oxidize quickly, such as the citrus and conifer oils.

Interesting idea. Perhaps Tammy (LavenderLady) will pop in here to comment.

Thing is that EOs are not actually "oils" but esters and other compounds that would, arguably, behave differently than oil or water or other liquids that "freeze" or solidify when it's cool. So I'm not sure keeping them really cold would have a similar effect as say keeping avocado oil in the fridge to help it last longer? But hard to say!

Karri

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I soap therefore I am.

Soapmaking oils I will freeze. Essential oils I won't. There have been no scientific studies done that prove that essential oils will last longer in the freezer. My essential oils are stored in a large cabinet in a temp controlled room. I would need another freezer if that was the case as I have many. I do have a dedicated refrigerator for my oils and butters. It's pretty full.

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Irena
Closed minds are like faulty parachutes; they refuse to open.

I do use a nitrogen blanket for my EO's. I get it at the wine supply store.

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Irena
Closed minds are like faulty parachutes; they refuse to open.

Okay this is getting rather curious!

How exactly do you manage to put a blankie on all your pets...erm, EOs Irena?



Karri

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I soap therefore I am.