Essential oils are an investment in your health and well-being. Learning the dos and don’ts of storing them is just one important way to protect your wellness investment and maximize their benefits.
How to properly store essential oils
Whether you’ve just jumped into essential oils or have a longtime collection you’ve been meaning to organize, these tips for properly storing your favorite products will keep your house happy and your health prioritized!
Keep the bottle lids on tight
A tight lid prevents oxidation, air, or water from getting inside the bottle.
- Less contact with air allows the oil to retain its properties. Frequent and prolonged exposure to air can alter the consistency, smell, and properties of the oil.
- Closing lids tightly also stops oil from evaporating.
YL tip: The plastic fitment on the bottle allows the oil to escape one drop at a time and also helps keep air and water out. Be sure to leave it on the bottle!
Photo by Ashley Griffin
Avoid heat and direct sunlight
- Too much heat or sunlight can impact the quality of the oil.
- Both heat and sunlight can change the chemical composition of the oil.
- Too much heat can cause the oil to evaporate more quickly, making it less effective.
- Too much sun can deteriorate the oil.
YL tip: Keep essential oils in a closet or drawer and avoid leaving them in your car. A good rule of thumb is to keep oils in a cool, dark place.
How to store essential oils for traveling
If you’re anything like us, you keep your favorite oils on hand wherever you go—your gym bag, your desk, and your purse. You can preserve your oils and store them safely while on the go by using a carrying case made especially for essential oils. Take the 30 essential oils carrying case with you wherever you go!
How to display essential oils
You love your oils and you’re not afraid to show it! Display them in your home with a stylish shelving unit along with a potted plant or chic decor. Be sure to keep them away from sunlight and enjoy an eye-pleasing display of your fave always-on-hand oils!
Need a little inspiration on how to display and organize your oils? Check out the photo submissions from Young Living members throughout this post!
Photo by Mackenzie Waldron
Get your questions answered
Have questions about storing your oils, keeping the quality consistent over time, and getting the most out of each little bottle? Here are some frequently asked questions:
1. Can you keep essential oils in the fridge?
Some essential oil lovers swear by putting their oils in the fridge. It isn’t so much the lower temperature that matters—oils do not need to be kept that cold—but the consistent climate. Your fridge stays the same temperature day and night, which helps preserve the oil. If you don’t want your oil to be cold when you use it, be sure to remove it about 1–2 hours before you’ll need it so the oil can return to room temperature. Once you’re finished using the oil, put it back in the fridge so it can return to a consistent temperature.
2. Is it okay to freeze essential oils?
Putting essential oils in the freezer is perfectly safe. The consistent temperature and lack of light will help to preserve your oils. There are some oils—like Rose, Thyme, and others—that may have natural components that solidify or crystallize in the freezer. If your oils do this, simply allow them to thaw before you use them by keeping them at room temperature. Once you’re finished with them, return them to your freezer to store.
Photo by Frankie Gene
3. Can essential oils be stored in plastic bottles?
Essential oils are incredibly powerful, which means that many oils will dissolve plastic. For this reason, it’s recommended to keep oils in glass bottles or stainless-steel containers. Keep this in mind when you make essential oil-based DIYs like DIY body spray or facial toner.
4. Do essential oils need dark bottles?
You’ll notice that all Young Living essential oils come in amber bottles. That’s to protect them from light, which can alter their delicate composition. We recommend always storing your essential oils in dark or opaque bottles to preserve their quality.
5. Do essential oils expire?
Essential oils don’t expire in the traditional sense. When stored properly, essential oils can last for years. But because of a process called oxidation, which begins the moment you open your bottle and expose the oil to the air, oils will gradually change over time. Following the suggestions mentioned above—storing oils in dark bottles, keeping them out of the sun, and storing them at room or cool temperatures—will help prolong the lifespan of your oils. Read this article to learn more about essential oil oxidation and expiration.
Photo by Rachel Lynn Engen
Looking for more sparks of inspiration for how you can use your oils? Check out essential oils for travel (and other vacay must-haves) or how to create your own essential oil diffuser blends.
What’s your favorite way to store your essential oil collection?
Tell us in the comments!
Hi Irene, As long as the oils lids are securely closed, and stored upright in a location that averages 72 degrees Fahrenheit, and does not fluctuate a lot in temperature, you should not need to store your Peppermint in a different location. Thanks for stopping by!
Hi Lin Lee, We recommend following the proper dilution, and usage instructions listed on each label. You may mix or layer a single oil with a blend or mix a single oil with another single oil. However, mixing oil blends together may alter the benefits as well as the aroma. Mixing or layering 4 or less single essential oils should not cause an adverse reaction when used properly according to the label directions, barring individual sensitivities. You may also find our DIY Perfume With EO’s blog helpful. Thanks for stopping by!
Hi Tammy, If a package is delivered and sitting on the porch for several hours (or even a few days), but the oils are not directly exposed to UV light, the efficacy of the oils will not be compromised. If the oil is hot, cool it before using. Enjoy your oils, and thanks for stopping by!
Hi Janet! Great question. An essential oil cannot simply evaporate sitting on a shelf. Specific heat evaporation, or a material’s tendency to vaporize under heat, only occurs when an essential oil has been subjected to its flash point, which varies with each essential oil. However, all essential oils will migrate or oxidize over time. Proper storage can help control this outcome. Essential oils should be sealed tightly and stored upright in a cool, dark, dry location free from temperature fluctuation. Cool temperatures should be considered near room temperature at 72 degrees Fahrenheit. If your bathroom temperature fluctuates a lot, often, it may not be the best location for long term storage. Thanks for stopping by!
The plastic caps for the amber sample bottles are very difficult to keep on. They keep popping off. Is there a trick to keep them on?
Hi Heather! If the oils get cold, or even frozen, it will not harm the constituents in the oils. However, we don’t recommend freezing as a long term storage. You will want to make sure that the oils are stored in a location where they will be kept safe from fluctuations in temperature over time. Great question, thanks for stopping by!
Hey, so technically if we add in a drop of peppermint vitality into our hot tea, will it lose its potentcy? Since the heat might affect the chemical composition and all?
Hi Nina! Adding Peppermint Vitality after the brewing is complete and removed from the heat should not affect the constituents. Thanks for stopping by!
Can you spray paint your glass bottle with UV Protective paint to keep the Essential Oil contents protected?
Hi Christine, our essential oils are bottled in amber glass. Amber protects the bottle’s contents from UV rays. Essential oils should be sealed tightly and stored upright in a cool, dark, dry location free from temperature fluctuation. We have not tested UV paint to know if it would be okay to use. Thanks for stopping by!
Hi. I was wondering if I could store my essential oils in a Humidor Cigar Box (And NOT using the humidifier inside the box)?
Hello Amy, Essential oils should be sealed tightly and stored upright in a cool, dark, dry location. Cool temperatures should be considered near room temperature at 72 degrees Fahrenheit. You will also want to make sure that the oils are stored in a location where they will be kept safe from fluctuations in temperature. You will want to determine if your box meets these requirements. Thanks for stopping by!
Currently I have my oils in a makeup bag and have noticed that my thieves lid has cracked at the top – is it possible because it was laying on its side? Should they only be in an upright position? I have had my oils like this for nearly 2 years and have never had this problem before 😩
Hello Trenna, Essential oils should be sealed tightly and stored upright in a cool, dark, dry location. Cool temperatures should be considered near room temperature at 72 degrees Fahrenheit. You will also want to make sure that the oils are stored in a location where they will be kept safe from fluctuations in temperature. Thanks for stopping by!
Hello. I currently have my oils in a pantry, but for ease of use grabbing ones I need and having the selection more organized I was considering storing them on a shelf on a wall in my home away from a window. Is that safe and okay for the oils? Some natural light reaches them but the wood surrounds them a good bit. Thanks for your feedback in advance!
Hi Brittinni, Essential oils should be sealed tightly and stored upright in a cool, dark, dry location. Cool temperatures should be considered near room temperature at 72 degrees Fahrenheit. You will also want to make sure that the oils are stored in a location where they will be kept safe from fluctuations in temperature.
I have read that some brands of oils can be stored in the refrigerator. Can Young Living oils also be stored in the refrigerator?
Hello Peg, Thanks for stopping by. We would recommend a dark, cool, dry place over refrigeration as moisture would then become an issue, but it is ultimately up to your own discretion.
DO your oils come as roll ons where I can just apply or does it have to be done through a diffuser?
Hi Melissa, We do carry a few roll on already made you can view them at our website or be clicking here Essential Oil Roll-ons, also you can visit the DIY Perfume with Essential oils and purchase Aromaglide Roller fitments to help you complete the final touch.
I am staying in hot climate country. Can I store young living essential oils in refrigerator?
Hi Adelyn, We would recommend a dark, cool, dry place over refrigeration as moisture would then become an issue, but it is ultimately up to your own discretion. Thanks for stopping by!
Hi
I’m wondering if it is okay to store diluted essential oils (like in lotions, liquid soaps, etc) in plastic bottles.
Hi Avery, It is advised that you store essential oils in their original containers. However, if you decide to mix oils or store them in different containers, we recommend using dark colored glass. We do not recommend storing undiluted essential oils in plastic containers. Many essential oils are incompatible with plastic material. Using a PETE or PP plastic bottle can help, but we recommend switching to glass or stainless steel if you would like to use the same bottle for extended periods of time.
Hello. I have essential a bottle of Myrrh that has basically become super thick and sticky much like a honey that’s starting to get crystallized. I don’t know if this is coming with Myrrh in particular because not 1 of my other oils have done this even oils that are older than my Myrrh. It has has been stored with all my other oils and non of my other pils appear to be drying out or evaporating. Also is there a way I could mix it with a carrier oil as a blend to lighten it to use or is it a lost cause?
Hi Liz, Myrrh is considered a thick oil and will congeal or appear empty when the oil is cool. Shaking the bottle, rubbing the bottle between hands, placing the bottle in warm water, and/or using a toothpick to stir it up will allow it to liquefy. This is a normal characteristic and the oil will continue to retain its full therapeutic properties!
I have a 6 month old that’s been struggling with virus after virus from starting daycare. Is it safe to diffuse oils in his bedroom? If so, are there oils that are recommended for this?
Hi Shannon, To safeguard the health of your children, the essential oils should not be diffused in their immediate proximity or for long periods of time without the prior consent of a pediatric physician. Because Young Living’s products are not labeled to be used as drugs, they are not intended for use in the treatment or cure of disease or any abnormal function of the body, including ailments or injuries. Therefore, Young Living cannot provide advice or recommendation for products to address any type of disease, ailment, or injury. We advise that you consult with a pediatrician about your child.
Hi i wanted to ask whether if we color glass bottles (amber color) using glass paint, would it have the same effect as amber glass bottles? Would it be any better than storing in transparent bottles?
Hi Eman, Great question! True amber glass is preferred when storing essential oils over long periods of time as the amber protects the bottle’s contents from UV rays. UV rays can alter the chemical constituents of the essential oil, limiting its beneficial value. We are unable to guarantee that using glass paint to color transparent bottles would deflect UV rays the same as an amber glass bottle.
I have your 30 oil kit and carrying case. I always keep them in there, sealed tightly, away from sunlight, and my home is around 68degrees on average. However, it seems my oils are disappearing! Evertime I look, more and more of them seem to have evaporated for some reason. I got them within this past year too, so it’s not like they’re old. Even ones that I’ve only used once or twice I’m shocked to see are now very low in their bottle! It’s weird because I’m a stickler for making sure they’re in a hospitabl environment, so I don’t understand what’s happening. I can’t say enough about how much I love your oils though! I’ve seen them perform miracles before. I’m repeatedly floored by their healing abilities. Thank you in advance for your response! 💗
Hi Cally, We are happy to hear about your love for the oils! All essential oils will migrate or oxidize over time, however proper storage can help control this occurrence. Keep up the great work of having your oils sealed tightly and stored upright in a cool, dark, dry location that is free from temperature fluctuation!
Does the 10 bottle carrying case hold both 5ml and 15ml bottles? The other cases state that they are best used for, or only used for 5ml. Thanks!
Hi Heather, The 10 Oil Case can hold both 5-ml and 15-ml bottles! Thanks for stopping by with your question!
Hi. How long does a 5ml bottle last if I use 2-3 drops every day? Thanks.
Hi Qamar, There are approximately 85 drops in a 5-ml bottle. Thanks for stopping by!
I have someone challenging me on expiration of Young Living Essential Oils. It was my understanding that they don’t expire but they have shown me a bottle with an expiration date. Can you please clarify for me.
Thank you
Hi Gail, Young Living’s essential oils do not expire and will maintain their integrity, efficacy, and beneficial properties virtually indefinitely, provided they are stored properly in a dark-glass bottle, upright and tightly sealed, out of sunlight, and in cool temperatures. Thanks for stopping by!
Hi Gail,
Essential oils do expire over time. Please do research to find out why. YL oils are not exempt from expiry unless they are putting in some kind of weird preservative that is a secret to the rest of the aromatherapy world. Proper storage is key, but every time the bottle is opened the contents are exposed to oxygen and as the contents are used it also leaves more room for oxygen. When oxidized or degraded an essential oil can cause irritation, toxicity and the valuable properties will not be effective. Depending on the chemical compounds of the oil will also determine their longevity. This is a fact and it is science. Keeping oils refrigerated in their own container will certainly keep them longer that possibly expected. I hope this truthful explanation helps. :)
I have a couple of bottles (lemon and orange) that the cap has cracked. Do you know why this happened? Some of the other bottles I have also seem to be “bowing” out like they are also going to crack.
Hi Heather, Great question. The cracks in essential oil bottle lids can be caused by turning the lid too much and repeated flexing from opening and closing the lids. Some oils may also cause the plastic in the lids to soften, which over time may result in cracking. Thanks for stopping by with your question!
How long are the oils good for? I bought some almost 3 years ago, but don’t use them very often.
Also I had some in my purse in my truck and the lids split open. I assumed they got to hot and tossed them in the trash. Is it bad to use oil that is old or got to hot?
Hi Jessica, Young Living’s essential oils do not expire and will maintain their integrity, efficacy, and beneficial properties virtually indefinitely, provided they are stored properly in a dark-glass bottle, upright and tightly sealed, out of sunlight, and in cool temperatures. Cool temperatures should be considered near room temperature at 72 degrees Fahrenheit. You will also want to make sure that the oils are stored in a location where they will be kept safe from fluctuations in temperature. Thanks for stopping by with your question!
Hello. I’m considering storing some YL essential oils in my travel trailer for a few months over the winter. It is in Oregon where the temperature rarely gets below freezing, but in case it would, would this adversely affect the oils (or any specific blend…i have several)?
Thank you for your response.
Devi
Hi Devi, Great question. Low temperatures will not damage or freeze your essential oils, but they may change their appearance. For example, citrus oils may become cloudy when cold but this occurs naturally and you may continue to use them as usual. Thanks for stopping by!
Hi,
I leave my essential oils on a special open shelving unit by the wood blinds. The sun only hits in the morning and even then the bottles are all dark and don’t get hit directly. Are they okay?
Hi Mateo, UV exposure will cause the greatest damage to the constituents of the oils, and heat and light combined will affect them even more quickly. If the oil has been sitting in a hot car for a few hours, but the oil has not been directly exposed to UV light, the efficacy will not be compromised. Essential oils should be sealed tightly and stored upright in a cool, dark, dry location. Cool temperatures should be considered near room temperature at 72 degrees Fahrenheit. You will also want to make sure that the oils are stored in a location where they will be kept safe from fluctuations in temperature. Thanks for stopping by!
Hi. I have a bottle of YL Rose and the oil keeps turning to gel, why? It must be heated to turn liquid, but it will solidify again once completely cooled. It is kept in a room that is 70 degrees F. Any advice on what it was exposed to that caused this? Thank you!
Hi Cballard631, Our rose is a white pure rose oil that has a high congealing point, meaning it will congeal when cool. Shaking it or placing it in warm water will allow it to liquefy. This is considered a normal characteristic and the oil will continue to retain it’s full therapeutic properties. Thanks for stopping by with your question!
I was searching the internet looking for a response to this very same question. The Essential Oil of Rose that I purchased was from a French Company, who has been certified by both of the European Bodies who Govern Essential Oils, so I knew the oil was Real Therapeutic Grade. I not only paid a fortune for the oil itself, but I also had to pay a fortune on shipping and Import fees from Fed-Ex.
I’ve been using Essential oils for years, and haven’t seen any do this before, so I am happy to learn that this is quite normal for Rose.
I don’t trust many companies, but I do feel as if Young Living has quality oils. And apparently, having the support of Young Living Experts to help answer any questions you may have, is very nice as well.