Do Essential Oils Expire?

Do Essential Oils Expire? Shelf Life, Signs & Storage Tips

Essential oils are prized for their natural benefits, rich aromas, and holistic uses. But like all plant-based products, they don’t last forever. So the big question is: do essential oils expire?

In short—yes, they do. In this guide, you’ll learn:

How long essential oils last
What affects essential oil shelf life
How to tell if an oil has gone bad
How to store essential oils properly

How Long Do Essential Oils Last?

The shelf life of essential oils depends on the oil’s chemistry and how it’s stored. While some can last 6+ years, others degrade after just 1–2 years.

Essential Oil Shelf Life by Type

Essential Oil Type	Estimated Shelf Life
Citrus oils (lemon, orange, bergamot)	1–2 years
Tea tree, pine, fir	1–2 years
Lavender, peppermint, rosemary	3–4 years
Frankincense, eucalyptus	3–4 years
Sandalwood, patchouli, vetiver	6–8+ years

Citrus essential oils have shorter lifespans because of their high limonene content, which oxidizes quickly. In contrast, resin- and wood-based oils can improve with age.

Signs Your Essential Oils Have Expired

If you're unsure whether your oil is still safe to use, check for these signs:

What to Watch For:

Change in smell: Sour, musty, or "off" aroma
Colour changes: Cloudy or darker than usual
Texture: Thicker, sticky, or tacky
Irritation: Burning or redness after skin application

Tip: Never use expired essential oils on your skin or in a diffuser—oxidized compounds can be irritating or ineffective.

How to Store Essential Oils for Maximum Shelf Life

Proper storage is key to preserving essential oil quality and extending shelf life.

Storage Tips:

Store oils in amber glass bottles
Keep them in a cool, dark, dry place
Tightly seal bottles after every use
Avoid exposure to heat, light, and oxygen
Add vitamin E or natural antioxidants to DIY blends

At Scandiscents, all our oils come in UV-protective glass so you always know your oils are fresh.

Can Expired Essential Oils Be Used?

While expired oils shouldn't be used on skin or in diffusers, you can still repurpose some of them for:

Household cleaning
Aromatherapy potpourri
Scented drawer sachets

But if an oil smells bad or causes irritation, it’s best to safely dispose of it.

To Summarise:

Yes, essential oils do expire, but with proper care many can last several years. Knowing how to store your oils and recognise when they’ve gone bad ensures your wellness routine stays safe and effective.

Ready to Refresh Your Essential Oil Collection?

Shop our fresh, ethically sourced essential oils at ScandiScents.com. Each bottle is hand-selected, purity-tested, and designed to bring the Scandinavian calm to your daily routine.