What's the best way to store lemon oil?
Written by
Robert Kelly
Reviewed by
Prof. William Dalton, Ph.D.Proper storage helps maintain the therapeutic quality of lemon oil and greatly extends its shelf life. Limonene and other sensitive components are destroyed by light, heat, and oxygen. I poisoned the fragrance of improperly stored scents in mere months. Select dark-colored containers and store them in a cool, dry place.
Container Selection
- Use dark amber or cobalt glass bottles exclusively
- Ensure airtight dropper caps prevent oxidation
- Never transfer to plastic containers causing chemical leaching
Environmental Control
- Maintain consistent temperatures between 50-68°F (10-20°C)
- Store in dark cabinets away from windows and appliances
- Control humidity below 50% preventing moisture contamination
Handling Protocol
- Wipe bottle necks after each use preventing residue buildup
- Limit opening frequency minimizing oxygen exposure
- Use clean droppers avoiding cross-contamination
Refrigeration has benefits but has some caveats. Cooler temperatures, at 40°F (4°C), will significantly reduce oxidation. Be sure to warm the oil to room temperature before using it to avoid condensation. I refrigerate my backup bottles and store my daily use oil in a dark kitchen cupboard.
Monitor for signs of oil degradation to ensure your own quality control. A weakened citrus scent is a sign of compound breakdown. Cloudy oil shows a moisture contaminant. A thick texture shows signs of oxidation. I personally discard oils with these changes, as I will not risk compromising efficacy in a product or causing skin reactions from the oil.
Shelf life extension practices are important to ensure you utilize your investment wisely. Purchase smaller bottles for heavy users. Freeze extra in glass vials. Add antioxidant vitamin E drops very sparingly. I rotate stock every three months, using the oldest first for cleaning solutions instead of skin applications.
Read the full article: 10 Powerful Benefits Lemon Oil Offers Daily
