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Enemies of Essential Oils

According to experts, “Contaminants or adulteration may increase toxicity,” and “degradation can lead to increased hazards.” 
Degradation comes about from three main ways: oxygen, heat, and light.
 
Oxygen
Oxidation occurs when oxygen gets into your essential oil bottle, and has a reaction with some of the constituents. Oxidation can alter the therapeutic properties of the essential oil, and can even make it dangerous to use. One of the most common dangers is an increased risk of skin sensitization.
 
Heat
Heat causes the more volatile constituents to evaporate more quickly. CO2 extracts are more prone to damage from heat than steam-distilled essential oils.
 
Light
UV light promotes free radicals. Amber colored bottles are best at keeping UV light out. Cobalt (blue being the opposite color of brown) bottles do not do a very good job of keeping UV light out, but they allow the light to pass through the glass more readily, and therefore into the product.
 

How to tell if your essential oils are oxidizedIf you are unsure when it was distilled or bottled, you can keep track of when you purchase it. Keep in mind there could be several months or longer between when the essential oil was distilled or bottled, and when you make your purchase. Here are two ways to tell if your essential oil has been oxidized: aroma, and adverse reactions.

The aroma
If you make yourself familiar with the aroma of the essential oil when it is fresh, you will begin to notice it smells “off” once it has oxidized. A change in smell can alert you that it may not be safe for topical applications.

Adverse reactions
Once oxidized, the potential for the essential oil to cause skin irritation: redness, itching, etc., increases even when diluted. If this starts happening to you, stop using the essential oil topically. Continuing to use the oxidized essential oil in this way will greatly increase your risk for sensitization.
Oxidized essential oils are not recommended for use on the skin, but they can be used for cleaning. It is not recommended they be diffused, either due to potential mucous membrane irritation. 

If you want your essential oils to last longer, keep them closed tightly when not in use, keep them away from light, and store them in a cool place. The best place for essential oils is in the refrigerator.
 
Essential oils to avoid if oxidized
These are also the essential oils to prioritize for refrigerator space, if you have limited room.
  1. Angelica Seed Angelica archangelica
  2. Anise (Star) Illicium verum
  3. Bergamot Citrus bergamia, Citrus aurantium
  4. Camphor (Borneo) Dryobalanops aromatica, Dryobalanops camphora
  5. Caraway Carum carvi
  6. Celery leaf, Celery seed Apium graveolens
  7. Clementine Citrus clementina
  8. Cypress Cupressus sempervirens
  9. Dill seed (European) Anethum graveolens
  10. Elemi Canarium luzonicum, Canarium vulgare
  11. Fennel (bitter, sweet) Foeniculum vulgare
  12. Fir (Douglas) Pseudotsuga menziesii
  13. Fir Needle (Canadian) Abies balsamea
  14. Fir Needle (Himalayan) Abies spectabilis, Abies webbiana
  15. Fir Needle (Japanese) Abies sachalinensis
  16. Fir Needle (Siberian) Abies sibirica
  17. Fir Needle (Silver) Abies alba
  18. Fragonia Agonis fragrans
  19. Frankincense Boswellia frereana, Boswellia papyrifera, Boswellia sacra (Boswellia carteri), Boswellia serrata, Boswellia neglecta, Boswellia rivae
  20. Gingergrass Cymbopogon martinii var. sofia, Andropogon martinii var. sofia
  21. Grapefruit Citrus x paradisi
  22. Juniper Berry Juniperus communis
  23. Lemon Citrus x limon, Citrus limonum
  24. Lemon Balm Eucalyptus staigeriana
  25. Lime Citrus x aurantifolia, Citrus x latifolia
  26. Mandarin Citrus reticulata, Citrus nobilis
  27. Orange (bitter) Citrus x aurantium
  28. Orange (sweet) Citrus sinensis, Citrus aurantium var. sinensis
  29. Palo Santo Bursera graveolens
  30. Pepper (black, white) Piper nigrum
  31. Pine (black) Pinus nigra
  32. Pine (dwarf) Pinus mugo
  33. Pine (grey) Pinus divaricata, Pinus banksiana
  34. Pine (red) Pinus resinosa
  35. Pine (Scots) Pinus sylvestris
  36. Pine (white) Pinus strobus
  37. Sage (blue mountain) Salvia stenophylla
  38. Spruce (black) Picea mariana, Picea nigra
  39. Spruce (hemlock) Tsuga canadensis, Pinus canadensis, Picea canadensis
  40. Spruce (Norway) Picea abies, Picea excelsa
  41. Spruce (red) Picea rubens
  42. Spruce (white) Picea glauca, Picea alba, Picea canadensis
  43. Tangerine Citrus reticulata, Citrus nobilis, Citrus tangerine
  44. Tea Tree Melaleuca alternifolia
  45. Thyme (limonene chemotype) Thymus vulgaris, Thymus serphyllum
  46. Verbena (white) Lippia alba, Lippia gerinata
As we do our part for the environment, we use recycled boxes, and packing materials whenever possible, therefore, your order may be shipped in a recycled box.
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*Note - We make our products in small batches, products you receive may differ from those pictured.
We attempt to keep common color themes but when making things like soaps and bath bombs colors will vary.


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  • Home
  • About
  • Education
    • Tick Education & Resources
    • Essential Oils >
      • Diluting Essential Oils
      • Carrier Oils for Essential Oils
      • How to use Essential Oils
      • Essential Oils and Pregnancy
      • Shelf Life of Essential Oils
      • Enemies of Essential Oils
      • Essential Oils - Cats & Dogs
      • Essential Oils to avoid
  • Contact
  • Store
  • Rosewood Emporium Blog
  • Testimonials
  • Ingredient Library
  • FAQ
  • How To Order Custom Products