How should essential oils be stored to maintain their quality?

Storing essential oils in a cool, dark place is essential for maintaining their quality. This method protects them from light and heat, both of which can cause the oils to degrade and lose their aromatic properties over time. Essential oils are volatile compounds that can easily evaporate or oxidize, so minimizing exposure to light and temperature fluctuations helps preserve their potency and effectiveness.

In contrast, storing essential oils in a refrigerator could be problematic because moisture can accumulate inside the fridge, leading to contamination and degradation of the oils. Keeping them in direct sunlight would accelerate evaporation and breakdown, negatively impacting their aroma and therapeutic properties. Storing essential oils at room temperature in open containers poses a risk of oxidation and contamination from air and environmental factors, further diminishing their quality.

Overall, the ideal storage conditions help ensure that essential oils remain stable and effective for prolonged use.