Will diffuser aroma oil lose its potency (smell) if it is left open for too long?
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Will diffuser aroma oil lose its potency (smell) if it is left open for too long?
The answer is different for different oils, because they all have different chemical compositions. Most will last at least two years before starting to degrade. And some can last for as long as 15 years without losing their effectiveness. No matter what type of essential oil you prefer, the key to extending the shelf life is proper storage conditions. Thankfully, it’s relatively easy to keep your oils in prime condition if you know how and where to put them.
The therapeutic properties and benefits of essential oils are largely based on the active ingredients in them. The most important ones are monoterpenols, sesquiterpenes, monoterpenes, sesquiterpenoids and monoterpenoids, and the latter two will oxidize when exposed to the air. Just as oxygen steals electrons from iron and causes it to rust over time, oxygen saps electrons from these key essential oil ingredients and changes their chemical composition. This transformation doesn’t necessarily mean the oils will become rancid or spoiled, but they won’t provide the benefits you buy them for.