1. Always store in a glass bottle. Look for an oil that sells in glass opaque bottles. In plastic bottles the particles can be transferred into your oil very easily during storing period, changing the composition of it. So the therapeutical benefits of the essential oils might not be as effective as they would be in a glass opaque bottle. Already bought your oil in a plastic bottle? It’s never too late to buy some glass bottles online and transfer your precious oil into them.

2. Keep it cool, away from sunlight. Light can easily destroy all useful qualities of your precious oil, so a dark cupboard is a good place to store it. If you bought your oil during the summer or live in a hot climate – the fridge is another great option! Your oil might go cloudy or hard, but don’t worry, those are signs of purity of the oil. Just let the bottle reach room temperature and give it a good shake to let it get to its original condition.

3. Check the expiration date. Every oil has a shelf life. Usually, it’s 2 years. After the expiration date, they may smell okay for you, but the benefits they carry will be diminished. Here’s one tip though, put your precious oil in the fridge and you will extend its shelf life twice. What if the oil goes hard in the fridge? Don’t worry, it means it’s pure.

Here you can find a shelf life of the most common oils.

4. Keep the lid closed tight. Some elements in oil can oxidize over a period of time, especially when they interact with air. This will cause it to lose its beneficial qualities. It can even irritate your skin if you start using it topically. To stop air getting into your oil, put the bottle into an airtight container and it’ll double the closure. Quite handy to keep it in the fridge like that. Your veggies definitely won’t smell like lavender for sure…