With essential oils, we usually talk about what the benefits are, how to blend them, and what they are used for. However, how the quality of fragrance responds to light does not get nearly enough thought. Essential oils, like the finest wines, are sensitive to the environment, particularly light exposure which can degrade the scent. In this blog, we’ll see how light and fragrance are related, the science of scent degradation, and what you can do to keep your essential oils as potent as possible — especially those from HBNO. Okay so, grab your favorite essential oil, and let’s get on this enlightening journey!
The Science Behind Light and Scent
Essential oils in volatiles meaning that they evaporate easily and change when exposed to environmental factors such as light. The main types of light that can affect essential oils are:
- Natural Light: Chemical reactions in essential oils brought about through sunlight can lead to the degradation and loss of aroma. Sunlight contains harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, that react with oils creating oxidative reactions which then change the chemical structure of the oils.
- Artificial Light: Even fluorescent and incandescent light can affect the quality of the oils over time. Being that they produce less harmful UV rays than the sun, they can still contribute to the scent deterioration of oils stored in well-lit regions of your home.
Upon exposure to these light sources essential oils change their chemical structure, which results in a change of smell and potency. This is a slow and gradual process, but it can have a major effect on your essential oils quality over time.
Signs of Scent Degradation
Therefore, how do you tell if your essential oils have seen too much light? Here are some signs to look for:
- Faded Aroma: The scent should stay pretty much the same, if weaker when it’s opened again two years later, unless the scent has degraded. Some of these can fade quite pronouncedly in citrus oils that are more light and heat-sensitive.
- Changes in Color: If the oil has oxidized or deteriorated, a noticeable color change can occur. For example, a real lemon oil will be bright yellow and could darken to a deeper amber color — indicating that something might be wrong with your oil.
- Separation or Cloudiness: You know that you are going to need new oil if your oil starts separating into layers or is now cloudy. If the oil separates it is usually a sign that it is breaking down and should be discarded.
Storage Tips to Protect Your Essential Oils
To ensure that your essential oils retain their quality, follow these practical storage tips:
1. Use Dark Glass Bottles
It is recommended that you store your essential oils in dark glass bottles, amber, or cobalt blue. First of all, these types of glass protect those oils from harmful UV rays that would destroy their ingredients and ruin their quality. The majority of the essential oils from HBNO come in these protective bottles because they easily preserve the integrity of your fragrances.
2. Store Oils Away from the Sun
Keep your essential oils in a cool dark place away from windows and direct sunlight. Safely keep your oils out of the light with a cupboard or drawer. If you have a collection you love to show off, use a decorative box or dark cabinet to hide them from damaging light without taking them away from you.
3. Limit exposure to Artificial light.
If you use your essential oils a lot, try to keep them from too much exposure to artificial light. For example, place your essential oil bottles in a closed box or another specific storage such as the one I showed you before, in case you don’t use them. It could help add a little bit of longevity to your oils. Because the bathroom gets moisture and artificial light, it will also break down your oils, as well.
4. Avoid Heat Sources
Heat can also degrade essential oils, in addition to light. Do not store them near heat sources (radiator, stove, direct sunlight). Your essential oils thrive in a cool, dark place! A temperature-controlled area between 60 – 70°F (15 – 21°C) would be ideal storage conditions.
Personal Experience: My Journey with Light and Fragrance
I’ve picked up some things about proper storage of essential oils as someone who adores them. When I began my essential oil collection, I hadn’t considered how I was going to store them. I put my gorgeous HBNO oils on a sunny windowsill to enjoy their colors and smells while I thought it was quite pretty there.
But after several months, I had begun to realize my once thriving lemongrass essential oil had become extremely damp in aroma and potency. I was heartbroken! Eventually, I noticed that my beloved oils had taken a toll on the direct sunlight. That was my wake-up call to take care of my collection better.
After that, I also made a point to store my oils in a cold, dark cupboard. I even put some of the oils in clear glass amber bottles. When I took better care of them, the scents returned with amazing speed. I’ve also kept a log of my essential oils, noting when I used each oil and how I store it to help me keep on top of the oils and their shelf life, as well as to stay organized.
The Importance of Quality Oils
To get the most out of your use of fragrance, you need to use high-quality essential oils. Top-notch essential oils from brands like HBNO are pure and come in protective packaging. Quality does speak for itself, and buying quality guarantees that you will enjoy the full benefits and all the delightful scents for longer periods. The way you store your oils dramatically affects not only their effectiveness but also their longevity, so proper care is really important.
Conclusion: Preserve Your Fragrance Quality
It’s important to know how light affects the fragrance quality of your essential oils. If you follow these storage tips from this blog, your essential oils will remain potent and enjoyable. Although light might be important to life in general, when it comes to essential oils, it’s best to keep them in the dark. They will erase the degradation of fragrances, and that’s how you’ll be rewarded with vibrant scents that uplift your spirit, and ultimately improve your well-being.
Of course, be sure to keep those precious oils safe from HBNO, and hold them dear. If you make some effort you’ll be able to keep the beauty and the potency for many more fragrant adventures still to come!
