Saturday, August 4, 2007

Proper Storage of Aromatic Oils

I have been reading a book titled, "Making Aromatherapy Creams and Lotions...101 Natural Formulas to Revitalize & Nourish Your Skin" by Donna Maria.

I always knew to store essential oils in colored bottles and keep them in a cool, dry, dark environment. And of course, the chief enemy of essential oils is oxygen, which destroys their chemical components and significantly compromises their effectiveness. But the author mentions something that I never thought of and that is the air space between the top of the oil and the lid of the bottle. She recommends having as little air space as possible. So as the oil is used, transfer the unused portion to a smaller bottle to minimize the headspace. This retards oxidation, extending the shelf life of the essential oil.

I guess the same principal can be applied to carrier oils.

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