How to Store Your Fragrance Oils Like a Pro
Fragrance oils are the heart of your business, whether you’re making candles, soaps, perfumes, or other scented creations, you need them to stay as fresh and potent as possible. But improper storage can lead to evaporation, oxidation, and even changes in scent. Let’s break down the best ways to store your fragrance oils to ensure they stay strong, stable, and ready for your next batch.
Why Proper Storage Matters
Fragrance oils may not “expire” in the same way food does, but they can degrade over time. Exposure to air, heat, and light can alter their composition, dull their scent, or cause unwanted changes in performance. The good news? A little extra care in storage can keep them in top condition for years.
The Best Ways to Store Fragrance Oils
1. Keep Them in a Cool, Dark Place
Heat is one of the biggest enemies of fragrance oils. High temperatures can cause evaporation and oxidation, weakening the scent. Store your oils in a temperature-controlled space, ideally between 60-75°F (15-24°C), away from direct sunlight, radiators, or any heat-producing appliances.
2. Use Dark or Opaque Containers
If you receive your fragrance oils in clear bottles, consider transferring them to amber, cobalt glass bottles, or solid pouches. These block UV rays, which can break down the fragrance over time. If you’re using plastic bottles, make sure they are PET or HDPE, as these materials are more resistant to fragrance oil degradation.
3. Keep Lids Tight
Fragrance oils are volatile, meaning they can evaporate when exposed to air. Always ensure lids are tightly sealed after every use. A loose cap can lead to oxidation, which may cause the scent to shift or weaken.
Pro Tip: If you have a large bulk container, consider using a smaller working bottle for daily use to reduce the amount of time the larger bottle is opened.
4. Store Oils Upright
Laying pouches or bottles on their sides increases the risk of leakage, especially for plastic containers. Keep your oils stored upright on a stable shelf to prevent spills and preserve their longevity.
5. Avoid Storing Near Strong Smells
Fragrance oils are highly concentrated and can absorb surrounding odours. Keep them away from strong-smelling substances like essential oils, cleaning products, or even heavily scented candles to prevent cross contamination.
6. Don’t Refrigerate or Freeze
While cool storage is great, refrigeration isn’t necessary and can sometimes cause the oil to thicken or separate. If an oil does become too thick, allowing it to sit at room temperature for a while should return it to its normal state.
How Long Do Fragrance Oils Last?
Most fragrance oils have a shelf life of 1-2 years, but proper storage can extend their lifespan. If you notice changes in colour, separation, or a weaker scent throw in your candles or products, it may be time to replace the oil.
Common Storage Mistakes to Avoid
-Leaving bottles open too long – Oxygen exposure speeds up degradation.
-Storing in direct sunlight – UV rays can alter the chemical makeup of the fragrance.
-Using the wrong plastic containers – Some plastics can break down when exposed to fragrance oils.
-Not labeling bottles – Always label your oils with the name and date purchased to keep track of freshness.
Final Thoughts
Proper storage is one of the easiest ways to ensure your fragrance oils stay fresh and vibrant for as long as possible. By keeping them cool, sealed, and away from light, you’ll get the best scent performance in every project. A little extra care goes a long way in preserving the integrity of your oils, and your products.
How do you store your fragrance oils? Let us know in the comments!