When you invest in essential oils, you want to make sure you’re storing them properly. Essential oils are delicate, and how they are stored can impact their longevity and effectiveness. That’s where essential oil bottles come into play. Choosing the right bottles might seem like a small detail, but it’s crucial for preserving the quality of your oils.
In this blog post, we’ll explore what makes the perfect essential oil bottles, offer actionable tips on what to look for, and show you why your choice of container matters. Let’s dive in!
Why Does the Type of Bottle Matter?
Essential oils are sensitive to light, heat, and air exposure. The wrong storage container can cause the oils to deteriorate, lose their potency, or even spoil faster. So, it’s important to use the right bottle to protect your precious oils.
Whether you’re making your own blends or storing oils from your favorite brands, choosing the best essential oil bottles ensures the longevity and quality of your oils.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Essential Oil Bottles
Let’s take a look at what makes an essential oil bottle suitable for your collection. These tips will help guide you when picking out the perfect bottle.
1. Material Matters: Glass is the Gold Standard
When it comes to storing essential oils, glass bottles are your best bet. Plastic can break down over time and interact with the oils, potentially contaminating them. This is why experts always recommend glass, and particularly dark glass bottles.
Amber and cobalt blue glass bottles are popular choices because they block out light, helping to preserve the oils. Since essential oils can degrade when exposed to UV rays, a darker bottle is key to maintaining their potency.
Tip: Avoid plastic, even for temporary storage. Oils like lemon, tea tree, and peppermint are particularly known to break down plastics.
2. Size Matters Too: Go Small for Potency
You’ll often find essential oil bottles in a variety of sizes, but smaller bottles—like 5ml or 10ml—are typically better for storing pure essential oils. This is because the smaller the bottle, the less air space is inside, reducing the risk of oxidation, which can degrade the oil over time.
If you’re making custom blends or diluting oils with a carrier, a slightly larger bottle, such as 15ml or 30ml, can be useful.
Tip: If you’re using essential oils sparingly, opt for smaller bottles. They keep the oil fresher for longer, and you avoid wasting valuable oil due to spoilage.
3. Look for Leak-Proof Lids
Have you ever reached into your bag, only to find it soaked with oil from a bottle that leaked? Not only is this a waste, but it can also ruin your belongings. A leak-proof cap is an absolute must when choosing essential oil bottles. Droppers and rollerball lids are convenient for easy application, but you want to make sure the seal is tight enough to prevent any spills.
Tip: Look for bottles with a built-in reducer, which helps control the flow of oil and prevents excessive leakage.
4. Roll-On Bottles: Convenience at Your Fingertips
If you love using essential oils on the go, consider rollerball bottles. These small, handy bottles make applying oils to your skin easy and mess-free. They’re perfect for diluted blends and can be carried around in your purse or pocket without taking up too much space.
These bottles often come in 10ml sizes and are great for creating your personal perfume blends or applying oils like lavender or peppermint directly to your temples for relaxation or headaches.
Tip: Make sure to dilute essential oils with a carrier oil before using them on your skin in a roll-on bottle. Pure essential oils can be too strong for direct application.
5. Labeling: Don’t Forget to Identify Your Oils
This may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s easy to forget: label your bottles! There’s nothing worse than opening a bottle and having to guess what oil or blend is inside. When you have a collection of oils, some with similar colors or scents, proper labeling is essential.
You can either use pre-printed labels or create your own. Just make sure the label is oil-resistant to prevent smudging and fading over time.
Tip: Add details like the oil’s name, blend ingredients, and the date it was made. This will help you track how long it’s been stored and when it’s time for a replacement.
Additional Tips for Storing Your Essential Oils
Now that you know how to pick the right essential oil bottles, let’s cover some extra tips for storing your oils.
1. Store in a Cool, Dark Place
Even with the best essential oil bottles, storage conditions matter. Keep your bottles in a cool, dark place like a cupboard or drawer, away from sunlight, heat, and humidity. This will help prevent the oils from breaking down.
Tip: Avoid storing oils in the bathroom where heat and humidity from showers can damage them over time.
2. Keep Your Bottles Upright
Always store your bottles upright, especially those with droppers or rollerball lids. Keeping them upright helps to prevent leaks and ensures that the oil doesn’t clog the applicator.
3. Handle With Care
Essential oil bottles, particularly glass ones, can be fragile. Always handle them carefully and avoid dropping or knocking them over, especially if they’re stored on a countertop or shelf.
Tip: Consider using a storage box or padded organizer if you have a large collection to keep your bottles secure and prevent accidental damage.
Why Investing in the Right Bottles is Worth It
By now, you’ve seen why picking the right essential oil bottles is so important. The right bottle can prevent leaks, preserve the oil’s potency, and make your oils easier to apply. Investing in quality bottles will help extend the life of your oils, saving you time, money, and frustration in the long run.
Whether you’re a seasoned essential oil user or just starting out, choosing the best bottles ensures that your oils remain effective, safe, and convenient to use. So, the next time you’re restocking or organizing your collection, take a little extra time to make sure your essential oil bottles are up to the task!
