Do you love the beautiful scents of essential oils and use them to feel relaxed or to make your home smell nice?
If so, you might wonder how cold weather affects your favorite oils. Read on to find out if essential oils can freeze and what that means for you!
Unraveling The Mystery: Can Essential Oils Freeze?
Yes, essential oils can get thick or even solidify when it gets cold.
However, they won’t turn into a block of ice like water does, they might get a bit thicker like honey.
What Happens If Essential Oils Get Too Cold?
Here’s what happens if essential oils get too cold:
The oils get crystallized and thicker.
Your oils could turn cloudy as a sign that some parts of the oil feel the chill.
The scents of your oils might not be as powerful as they used to.
Here’s What To Do If Your Essential Oils Freeze
If your essential oils freeze, simply allow them to thaw.
Place the frozen bottle in a bowl of warm (not hot) water. This gentle warmth will help the oils slowly return to their liquid state.
While doing so, it is crucial to exercise caution to preserve their quality and effectiveness. Once the oils return to normal, they’re ready to use again.
| Note: Avoid heating them quickly, this can damage the quality of the oil. |
What Makes Some Essential Oils Freeze and Others Not?
Essential oils can freeze, but the freezing point varies depending on the type of oil and storage conditions.
Some essential oils have terpenes, while others have alcohol. Terpenes and alcohols have their freezing points. For example, oil with more terpenes will become solid quicker than oil with less.
If the environment where you keep your essential oils is very cold, even oil that usually stays liquid might start to look cloudy or thicken up.
The oil might freeze at a consistent temperature if it is very pure. If it has different mixtures or additives, this can change the temperature it needs to freeze.
Can We Store Essential Oils In The Fridge?
Yes, essential oils can be stored in the refrigerator. The lack of light and the low, consistent temperature help to preserve their freshness.
Putting essential oils in the freezer makes them last longer and reduces spoilage. It ensures that you always have a supply of oils on hand whenever you need.
Using the freezer to store oils is ideal for those who use them infrequently. If you don’t want to use them cold, make sure to remove them from the fridge 1-2 hours beforehand.
Ways To Prolong the Shelf Life of Essential Oils
Here are some best ways to store essential oils properly:
Ensure the lids are tightly sealed after each use. This will reduce the risk of evaporation and oxidation of oils in the air.
Keep essential oils in dark bottles due to their volatility. Use glass bottles, amber bottles, or stainless-steel containers. They help block out damaging sunlight.
Storing your essential oils in a cool, dark place and less contact with air allows the oil to retain its properties. Frequent and prolonged exposure to air can alter the oil’s consistency, smell, and properties.
Keep them away from direct sunlight or long periods of exposure to heat. This helps maintain their potency and aroma for as long as possible.
One way to properly store it is to label the date you opened the oil on the bottle. This way, you’ll remember how fresh it is.
Do Essential Oils Expire?
Essential oils do not have an expiration date. When stored properly, essential oils can last for years.
However, because of a process called oxidation, which begins the moment you open your bottle and oils are exposed to the air, their composition will slowly change over time.
Is It Bad to Use Essential Oils That Have Frozen?
When essential oils freeze, the balance of their components can shift.
Using them in this state might not be ideal if you’re looking to use them in your diffuser for aromatherapy or your skincare routine. When applied to the skin, they can potentially lead to irritation or a rash.
When frozen, let them return to room temperature. Check if they still look and smell right before using them. If the oil seems different, get a new bottle to ensure you get all the benefits without any downsides.
Summary
Now you know that essential oils can freeze when it gets super cold.
Since you know the tips for properly storing them, remember to use these oils carefully to keep your house happy and your health prioritized!