When Should You Throw Out Essential Oils?

Essential oils can provide many benefits, from soothing headaches and reducing stress to alleviating muscle pain and boosting immunity. However, like any consumable product, essential oils have a shelf life and can expire over time. Knowing when to throw away your essential oils is important for a few key reasons:

• Safety – Expired essential oils can cause skin irritations or allergic reactions if applied topically. Inhaling expired oils may cause respiratory issues.
• Effectiveness – The chemical composition of essential oils starts to degrade over time, causing them to lose potency and therapeutic benefits.
• Quality – Oxidation can cause essential oils to smell or taste rancid, unpleasant, and chemical-like.
• Value – Rather than waste money on oils that are past their prime, it’s best to replace them with fresh, high-quality oils.

By learning what to look for when identifying expired essential oils, you can ensure you are getting the most value from these plant-based extracts and using them safely.

Watch for Changes in Smell

One of the most telling signs that an essential oil has expired is a change in its smell. Essential oils are very aromatic by nature, and you likely purchased your oil for its pleasing scent in the first place.

When an essential oil starts to go bad, the smell will change and become unpleasant. It may take on a rancid, sour, or chemical-like odor. The oil’s aroma should be true to its natural source throughout its shelf life. If it starts smelling odd, musty, or just “off,” it’s a red flag that the oil has turned and it’s time to get rid of it.

According to Mariza Snyder, D.C., in an article for MindBodyGreen, “Expired oils will smell nasty!” If an essential oil develops an unpleasant or rancid smell, trust your nose and stop using it. A sour or chemical aroma indicates it is past its prime.

Watch for Changes in Color

One of the key signs that an essential oil has expired is a change in its color. Oxidation is the main cause of color change in oils. Exposure to air, light, and heat can cause the oil molecules to break down over time. This oxidation process leads to a darkening or change in the oil’s original vibrant color.

For example, if you notice your sweet orange essential oil is turning a brownish hue rather than its usual bright orange tone, it’s a red flag that the oil has oxidized and should be discarded. Other oils like lavender and frankincense may start to darken from their original pale yellow or colorless state when they have gone bad.

Blended essential oil mixes can also take on unnatural colors as the various oils degrade at different rates. Pay attention to any darkening, brightening or muddying of the blend’s color. A uniform change from the blend’s original shade likely means it’s time to get a fresh bottle.

Essential oils naturally lose their potency and beneficial qualities as they oxidize and degrade. So a change in color is a visual cue that the oil’s chemical composition has shifted and it may not provide the desired effects. Keep an eye on your oils’ colors so you can replace them before they’ve lost their usefulness.

Source: https://www.healthline.com/health/do-essential-oils-expire

Pay Attention to Expiration Dates

Like any product, essential oils can eventually expire. However, the shelf life of oils can vary quite a bit. Some oils, like citrus oils, only last about a year. While oils derived from roots, resins, and barks like vetiver, frankincense, cedarwood, and sandalwood can last upwards of 5-6 years.

Check the expiration date printed on your essential oil bottle. This will give you a general timeframe of when that particular oil will start to degrade in quality and become less effective. However, other signs like changes in smell, texture, and color (which we’ll cover next) are better indicators of when oils are past their prime.

According to the experts at Plant Therapy, if stored properly, most essential oils will last around 2-5 years after opening (source). So while the expiration date is a helpful guideline, be sure to look for other signs of degradation too.

Note Changes in Texture

Essential oils should have a smooth, even consistency. Clumping, thickening, crystallization, or the appearance of particles can all be signs that the oil has expired and should be discarded (https://www.lovingessentialoils.com/blogs/aromatherapy-news/can-i-use-expired-essential-oils-shelf-life-and-storage-tips). If the oil is becoming thicker and not pouring well, it has likely oxidized and broken down over time. A patchy, uneven texture also indicates the chemical components are no longer properly mixed. Pay close attention to any texture changes, especially coagulation, sediments, or a waxy film on the surface. Always do a visual inspection of the oil before use. If you notice any unpleasant or unusual textures, it’s best to throw the oil out to avoid potential skin irritation or other issues.

Consider How It’s Stored

Proper storage of essential oils is critical to extending their shelf life. Essential oils can go bad more quickly when exposed to heat, light, and oxygen over time. Store oils in dark amber or cobalt blue bottles out of direct sunlight to limit light exposure. Keeping them in a cool, dark place like a pantry or cupboard is ideal. Filling bottles close to the top reduces oxygen exposure. Refrigeration can help prolong freshness of citrus oils in particular. Tightly sealed tops prevent air and contaminants from getting in. Follow the storage recommendations on the label or from your essential oil provider.

According to Plant Therapy, “The oxidation process speeds up when an oil is exposed to UV rays, heat and oxygen.” Dark bottles stored appropriately “can increase the shelf life of essential oils by up to four times” (https://www.planttherapy.com/blogs/blog/do-essential-oils-really-expire). Proper storage is key for maintaining quality and extending lifespan.

Single vs. Blended Oils

When it comes to essential oils, blends tend to have a shorter shelf life than single, unblended oils. This is because combining multiple oils together increases the risk of oxidation and chemical reactions over time https://www.youngliving.com/blog/do-essential-oils-expire-oxidation/. Blended oils contain a variety of compounds that can interact and degrade, whereas single oils have fewer components that can break down.

For example, an unblended oil like lemon or frankincense may last 2-3 years before going bad. However, a blended oil like Thieves or Purification should be used within 12-18 months. The more oils combined in a blend, the faster it will deteriorate. To get the longest life from your essential oils, stick to singles whenever possible and use up blended oils more quickly.

Citrus Oils

Citrus oils like lemon, orange, grapefruit and lime have the shortest shelf lives of the commonly used essential oils. According to sources, citrus oils typically last 1-2 years before going bad (https://www.aromatics.com/blogs/wellness/essential-oil-shelf-life-and-storage). This is due to the high concentration of monoterpenes that break down more quickly (https://www.aromaweb.com/articles/essentialoilshelflife.asp).

Citrus oils contain delicate compounds and antioxidants that are sensitive to light and heat. Proper storage in dark, cool places is important but citrus oils still tend to spoil faster than other essential oils. Checking for changes in smell, texture and color regularly can help determine if a citrus oil has gone bad.

Proper Disposal

When it comes time to dispose of old or expired essential oils, it’s important not to simply dump them down the drain. Many essential oils can be toxic to aquatic life and the environment [1]. A better method is to dilute the essential oils before disposal. You can do this by mixing the oil with a carrier oil like olive, coconut, or almond oil. Use a ratio of 1 part essential oil to 10 parts carrier oil. This helps break down the concentrated essential oils so they are less harmful when poured down the drain [2].

When in Doubt, Toss It Out

If you notice any signs that an essential oil has gone bad or is no longer effective, the safest option is to dispose of it. Using rancid or expired oils can be harmful, as the chemical composition has changed and degraded. Oxidation causes essential oils to lose their beneficial qualities and can make them irritants. Rancid oils may cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, or other undesired effects if applied topically. It’s not worth the risk to try to salvage an oil you suspect has expired. Remember that essential oils are highly concentrated, so even a small amount of oxidation can make the oil dangerous to use. When in doubt about the quality or age of an essential oil, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Toss it out and get a fresh, high quality replacement.

Here are some signs that it’s definitely time to throw away an essential oil, according to Healthline [1]:

• Noticeable change in color
• Strange odor like paint or varnish
• Cloudiness in the oil
• Thick, gummy texture
• Layer separation in the bottle

Don’t take chances with essential oils that display these traits. Discard them immediately to avoid potential risks. When it comes to essential oil freshness and integrity, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

[1] https://www.healthline.com/health/do-essential-oils-expire#when-to-toss