Learn More » Shelf Life and Storage
Shelf Life and Storage from the time of distillation:
It is impossible to say exactly what an essential oil's shelf life will be. The storage conditions will vary and make a significant difference. If the essential oil has been received directly from the distiller shortly after distillation and the glass bottle is kept dark, full, closed, and cool, we can make some generalizations. Please note these are simply Aromatics International's opinions based on experience and an understanding of the chemistry of each oil.
Note that if an essential oil begins to appear cloudy, thicker, or if it smells more acidic, it has likely begun to oxidize.
Approximately 1-3 years from distillation:
Cypress - Cupressus sempervirens
Frankincense - Boswellia carterii
Grapefruit - Citrus paradisi
Juniper berry - Juniperus communis
Laurel - Laurus nobilis
Lemon - Citrus limon
Lime- Citrus aurantifolia
Orange - Citrus sinensis
Pine - Abies siberica
Ravintsara - Cinnamomun camphora
Rock Rose- Cistus ladaniferus
Lemongrass (West Indian) - Cymbopogon citratus
Melissa - Melissa officinalis
Eucalyptus - Eucalyptus globulus
Approximately 3-4 years from distillation:
Black Pepper - Piper nigrum
Bergamot - Citrus bergamia
Clove-Eugenia caryophyllata
Helichrysum - Helichrysum italicum
Neroli - Citrus aurantium var amara
Opopanax - Commiphora guidotti
Rosemary - Rosmarinus officinalis ct camphor/verbenone
Sweet Marjoram - Marjoram (Sweet) - Origanum marjorana
Tea Tree - Melaleuca alternifolia
Approximately 4-5 years from distillation:
Cardamom - Elettaria cardamomum
Basil - Osimum basilicum ct linalool
Geranium - Pelargonium x asperum
German Chamomile - Matricaria recutita
Ginger - Zingiber officinale
Jasmine Absolute - Jasminum grandiflorum
Lavender - Lavandula angustifolia
Roman Chamomile - Chamaemelum nobile
Palmarosa - Cymbopogon martini
Peppermint - Mentha x piperita
Rose Otto - Rosa damacena
Rosewood - Aniba rosaeodora
Spike Lavender - Lavandula latifolia
Thyme ct linalol - Thymus vulgarus
Ylang Ylang - Cananga odorata
Approximately 6-8 years or longer:
Carrot seed- Daucus carota
Cedarwood - Cedrus atlantica
Cedarwood - Juniperus virginiana
Myrrh - Commiphora myrrha
Patchouli - Pogostemom cablin
Spikenard - Nardostachys jatamansi
Vetiver - Vetiveria zizanoides
Sandalwood - Santalum album
General shelf life from a chemical family perspective:
About 1-2 years – Monoterpene rich oils, Monoterpene/Oxide (cineole) rich oils, Monoterpene/ Aldehyde rich oils, Monoterpene/Monoterpenol rich oils.
About 3-5 years – Monoterpenol rich oils, Monoterpenol/Ester rich oils, Ketone
and Phenol rich oils.
About 6-8 years, or longer – Sesquiterpene rich oils, Sesquiterpenol rich oils.
