Ethan Clarke
Essential oils are known to break down plastic containers over time, causing leaks and the loss of oil. While some plastics are more resistant to degradation by essential oils, it is generally recommended to store essential oils in glass or stainless steel containers. Cinnamon bark oil is an essential oil, and therefore has the potential to break down plastic.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cinnamon bark oil breaks down plastic | Yes |
| Other essential oils that break down plastic | Peppermint oil, sweet fennel oil, coriander oil, citrus oils, orange oil, anise oil, oregano oil, lemon oil, cinnamon oil, clove oil, eucalyptus oil, rosemary oil, grapefruit oil, thyme oil, wintergreen oil |
| Types of plastic that can be used to store essential oils | Plastics #1 and #2, High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) |
| Types of containers that should be used to store essential oils | Glass, stainless steel, metal |
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What You'll Learn
Cinnamon bark oil is a known plastic-degrading substance
While plastics #1 and #2 can be used to store essential oils, the others cannot. For example, if lemon oil is stored in polystyrene (#6) containers, it will degrade the plastic. The chemicals in lemon oil disrupt the Van der Waals forces, causing the polystyrene chains to break apart from one another.
Citrus oils, in particular, are known to be "corrosive" and can eat away at plastic and cause deterioration. Other essential oils with similar effects include cinnamon, oregano, and clove.
Some people have shared their experiences with essential oils dissolving plastic. One person mixed peppermint oil, sweet fennel essential oil, coriander essential oil, and citrus fragrance in a plastic cup, and the bottom of the cup fell off and melted. Another person shared that they had a similar experience with orange oil and anise FO, which ate straight through the bottom of a red plastic cup.
To avoid the issue of plastic degradation, it is recommended to store essential oils in glass containers, preferably amber-colored glass, as it protects against degradation from ultraviolet light. Some essential oil products also come in high-quality plastic bottles made of High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), which is a chemical-resistant plastic that is not easily dissolved by essential oils.
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Cinnamon oil is not the only essential oil that breaks down plastic
Cinnamon bark oil is not the only essential oil capable of breaking down plastic. Pure essential oils, in general, are highly corrosive and can break down most plastics over time. This is because they are incredibly strong and concentrated, even though they are natural products. For example, lemon oil can start to break down polystyrene almost immediately. Other essential oils such as peppermint oil, sweet fennel oil, coriander oil, and citrus oils can also eat through plastic, causing cups to melt and leak.
The degradation of plastic by essential oils can lead to leaks and cracks, and the plastic can contaminate the oil, rendering it useless. This is why it is recommended to store pure essential oils in glass or metal containers. Some types of plastic, such as PET and HDPE, can withstand essential oils for longer periods, but most plastics will eventually break down.
The corrosive nature of essential oils is often overlooked, and many people are surprised to learn that natural plant-based products can have such a strong effect on plastic. However, it is important to be cautious when combining essential oils with plastic to avoid unwanted damage and contamination.
While cinnamon bark oil is known to break down plastic, it is not unique in this ability among essential oils. The chemical composition of essential oils makes them highly corrosive to plastics, and caution should be exercised when storing or using them to prevent potential issues.
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Some plastics are more resistant to degradation by essential oils
Essential oils can break down and dissolve plastic containers over time, causing leaks and the loss of oil. This is due to the chemical compounds in essential oils, which are highly concentrated.
However, some plastics are more resistant to degradation by essential oils. High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), also known as plastic number 2, is a chemical-resistant plastic that is not easily dissolved by essential oils. This type of plastic is commonly used for caps, diffusers, drip stoppers, and cleaning product bottles.
Additionally, certain plastics are better suited for storing specific types of essential oils. For example, lemon oil can be safely stored in polystyrene (#6) containers without causing degradation.
It is important to note that essential oils should be stored and handled with care to prevent leaks and ensure their longevity. Glass or stainless steel containers are generally recommended for storing essential oils, as they are not affected by the corrosive nature of these oils.
By understanding the compatibility of different plastics with essential oils, individuals can make informed choices to avoid leaks, minimise waste, and maintain the integrity of their essential oil products.
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Glass and metal are safer alternatives for storing essential oils
Essential oils are highly concentrated compounds extracted from different plant parts. They are sensitive to heat, light, oxygen, and moisture. When in their pure or undiluted form, certain plastics may deteriorate from the chemical composition of the oil, and the oil itself may also be degraded.
Some essential oils, such as lemon oil, contain compounds that can dissolve certain types of plastics. For example, polystyrene (plastic number 6) is easily dissolved by d-limonene in lemon oil, which disrupts the van der Waals forces, causing the polystyrene chains to break apart.
To avoid the potential issues associated with plastic containers, it is recommended to store essential oils in glass or metal containers. Glass is impervious to essential oils and is easy to clean, making it the perfect container for keeping DIY products fresh. It is also non-toxic and leech-resistant, so it does not react with the oil or affect its properties. Glass bottles with dropper caps or child-resistant closures can help prevent spills and control the amount of oil dispensed. Additionally, tinted glass bottles can provide UV protection, blocking out harmful rays of sunlight that can accelerate the breakdown of the oil.
Metal containers, such as stainless steel, are also impervious to oils and easy to clean. Steel roller balls, such as those found in doTERRA roll-ons, allow for better control of application. Aluminum containers are another option for storing essential oils, although it is recommended to test the compatibility of the oil and aluminum by applying a drop of oil to the outside of the container and observing any changes.
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Plastic degradation releases toxic chemicals
Plastic waste is currently generated at a rate of about 400 Mt per year, and this number is increasing rapidly. Plastics are made up of numerous compounds, including monomers, oligomers, polymers, and additives. These additives are mainly divided into plasticizers, antioxidants, heat stabilizers, and pigments. Plastics also adsorb chemical pollutants from the surrounding environment, making them a hub for toxic substances.
Pollutants in the environment attach themselves to plastic. In addition, chemicals are added to plastics during production to give them the desired properties, and these can leak out of the plastic. Plastic can also carry and spread pathogens and bacteria in the environment. These pathogens include persistent organic toxins such as PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls) and dioxins, which are resistant to degradation and can accumulate in animal fats and tissues.
Biodegradable plastics may have functional groups or enzyme-sensitive ester linkages that can be broken down by enzymatic, photo-, and thermo-oxidation. Traditional plastics, on the other hand, have a unique chemical composition that makes them more difficult to disintegrate. High polymers, in particular, take a much longer time to degrade, and even complete degradation of plastics may take centuries.
The degradation of plastics can be influenced by biological and abiotic factors. Biological factors include bacteria, fungi, biofilms, and microbial communities, while abiotic factors include natural photooxidation and man-made physical and chemical degradation. Microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and algae, have powerful functions and abilities that allow them to survive in harsh environments and utilize plastic pollution as their carbon source.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, cinnamon bark oil can break down plastic. In fact, cinnamon oil is one of the essential oils that are particularly corrosive and can eat away at plastic.
Essential oils can break down plastics made from petrochemicals. This includes polystyrene (#6) and plastics with a resin identification code of #3. High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) or plastics #2 are chemical-resistant and not easily dissolved by essential oils.
Essential oils contain chemical compounds that can create a chemical reaction and dissolve some plastics. The compounds disrupt the Van der Waals forces, causing the plastic chains to break apart.
Essential oils should be stored in glass containers, preferably amber glass, as it protects the oil from ultraviolet light degradation. Stainless steel can also be used.
If essential oils are stored in plastic, the container may warp, melt, or crack over time. This can cause leaks and loss of the oils.
