Ethan Clarke
Essential oils are natural extracts that offer a wide range of benefits for health and well-being. However, storing them requires careful consideration to maintain their quality and efficacy. One of the most frequently asked questions among essential oil enthusiasts is whether it is safe to store these oils in plastic bottles. The answer is complex. While some plastics, such as High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) and Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), are considered safe for storing essential oils, other types of plastics can be dissolved by the potent compounds present in these oils. For example, polystyrene (plastic number 6) can be easily dissolved by d-limonene, a compound found in lemon oil, which disrupts the van der Waals forces and causes the polystyrene chains to break apart. Therefore, it is crucial to choose the right type of container to ensure the longevity and quality of essential oils and avoid any potential issues.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Effect of essential oils on plastic | Essential oils can dissolve some plastics, causing deterioration and weakening of the material. |
| Safe containers for essential oils | Glass, steel, and high-quality plastics like HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) or PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate). |
| Plastic types to avoid | Polystyrene (plastic number 6) is easily dissolved by d-limonene in lemon oil. |
| Testing plastic for resistance | Add a drop of essential oil to the outside of the container and observe for any changes over a few minutes. |
| Other considerations | Store essential oils in a cool, dark place to avoid degradation from heat and sunlight. |
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What You'll Learn
Lemon oil dissolves polystyrene
Lemon oil, which is composed almost entirely of monoterpenes, is a good solvent that can dissolve polystyrene. Polystyrene (plastic number 6) is easily dissolved by d-limonene, a compound found in lemon oil. Lemon oil disrupts the van der Waals forces, causing the polystyrene chains to break apart from one another. This is similar to how lemon oil can dissolve styrofoam, which is made of polystyrene.
Lemon oil is not the only essential oil that can dissolve polystyrene. Other essential oils, such as star anise, chamomile, thyme, and eucalyptus, have also been found to dissolve polystyrene. These oils contain different compounds that interact with the polystyrene chains and cause them to break apart.
It is important to note that not all plastics are susceptible to dissolution by essential oils. Some types of plastic, such as High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) or Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), are more resistant to the compounds in essential oils and can be used safely for storage. Glass and steel containers are also recommended as they are impervious to oils.
When using essential oils, it is crucial to consider the potential issues associated with different containers. Essential oils are potent and can dissolve certain types of plastic over time, leading to a shorter shelf life and altered properties of the oils. Therefore, it is recommended to perform a simple test by adding a drop of oil to the outside of the container and observing any changes to determine if a plastic container is resistant to the oil.
While the ability of lemon oil to dissolve polystyrene may be intriguing, it is important to understand that this does not necessarily translate to its effectiveness in "detoxing" the body. The demonstration of dissolving a styrofoam cup with lemon oil only proves that lemon oil is a good organic solvent, but it does not provide evidence for its ability to eliminate hydrocarbons or petrochemicals from the body.
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PET plastic is resistant to essential oils
It is true that essential oils can dissolve some plastics. For example, lemon oil can easily dissolve polystyrene, a common type of plastic. However, not all plastics are equally susceptible to the compounds in essential oils. One type of plastic that can withstand these compounds is PET (polyethylene terephthalate), also known as Plastic #1. PET plastic is more resistant to breaking down than other plastics and can safely hold essential oils that have been properly diluted.
PET plastic is a good option for storing, shipping, and selling essential oils. It is durable and less likely to break down or leak than other plastics. It is also lighter than glass and does not shatter if dropped. PET plastic is also cheaper than glass in terms of wholesale prices and shipping costs.
While PET plastic is resistant to essential oils, it is not completely impervious. To maintain the quality and purity of essential oils, it is important to dilute them properly and use high-quality plastic bottles. Exposing essential oils to direct sunlight can also affect their colour and constituents, so it is recommended to use tinted or dark containers.
When choosing containers for essential oils, it is crucial to select suitable materials to ensure the longevity and quality of the oils. In addition to PET plastic, HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) is another option that is commonly used in the food and beauty industries. These plastics have stronger bonds and longer chain lengths that are not easily broken down by essential oils.
Overall, while essential oils can dissolve some plastics, PET plastic is a safe and durable option for storing and shipping essential oils when proper precautions are taken.
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HDPE plastic is resistant to essential oils
Essential oils are highly concentrated and contain chemical compounds that can create a chemical reaction and dissolve some plastics. While it is true that oil will dissolve some plastics, there are other container options that are completely safe. These include glass, steel, and a high-quality plastic called HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene).
HDPE is a high-density plastic that is stiff and has a good water vapour barrier. It is strong and dense, made up of longer chains with stronger bonds than typical plastic, which makes it safer for use with essential oils. It is also known as Plastic #2 and is generally labelled as such by manufacturers. HDPE is usually less transparent than PET bottles, but it offers better temperature resistance.
When it comes to storing essential oils, HDPE bottles are your best bet. HDPE is durable and more resistant to breaking down and leaking than other plastics. It weighs less than glass and won't shatter if dropped. It is also cheaper than glass, not only in wholesale prices but also in terms of shipping.
However, it is important to note that exposing essential oils to direct sunlight can affect their colours and constituents. Therefore, all HDPE containers should be tinted or, ideally, completely dark if they are being used for essential oils. Additionally, always store your essential oils upright to minimise contact between the oil and the plastic lid of the bottle.
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Essential oils can weaken plastic
Essential oils can weaken and even dissolve some plastics. This is due to the potent compounds found in essential oils, which can disrupt the bonds in certain plastics, causing them to break apart. For example, d-limonene in lemon oil can dissolve polystyrene (plastic number 6) by disrupting the van der Waals forces. Other essential oils with similar compounds include Thieves essential oil blend, oregano essential oil, and other citrus oils.
When essential oils are stored in plastic containers, the oil can weaken the plastic over time, leading to leaks and contamination of the oil. This is especially true if the plastic is reused or if a large amount of oil is added. To prevent this, it is recommended to use glass or stainless steel containers for storing essential oils. Glass is impervious to essential oils and is easy to clean, making it a popular choice for DIY recipes and storing scrubs and lotions.
However, it is important to note that not all plastics are affected by essential oils. High-quality plastics like High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) or Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) are resistant to essential oils and can be used safely. HDPE, also known as plastics number 2, is commonly used in food and beauty products and is safe for essential oil storage. It has stronger bonds and longer chain lengths that are not easily broken up by essential oils.
When choosing plastic containers for essential oils, it is crucial to select high-quality options to avoid potential issues such as leaching, contamination, or degradation of the oils. Proper storage of essential oils includes keeping them in a cool, dark place to avoid degradation from heat and sunlight. Additionally, any plastic parts used with essential oils, such as lids or orifices, should be made from high-quality plastics that are number 1 (PETE) or number 2 to prevent erosion.
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Glass and steel are safe alternatives
It is true that essential oils can dissolve some plastics. Lemon oil, for example, can easily dissolve polystyrene (plastic number 6) by disrupting the van der Waals forces, causing the polystyrene chains to break apart. Other potent essential oils, such as Thieves and Oregano, as well as citrus oils, can also eat away at plastic and cause deterioration.
However, there are safe alternatives to plastic for storing essential oils. Glass and steel are two such options. Glass is impervious to essential oils and is a perfect container for keeping DIY products fresh. It is also easy to clean after use—soap and water are usually enough to get rid of any residual oils. Glass spray bottles and glass jars are recommended for storing scrubs, lotions, and other DIY recipes.
Steel is another material that is impervious to oils and easy to clean. doTERRA roll-ons, for instance, have roller balls made of steel, which are better quality and allow for better control of application. Stainless steel water bottles are also a good option if there are concerns about breaking a glass bottle.
Other types of plastic, such as PET (plastics number 1) and HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene, plastics number 2), are resistant to essential oils and can be used safely. HDPE has stronger bonds and longer chain lengths that are not broken up by essential oils.
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Frequently asked questions
Polystyrene (plastic number 6) is easily dissolved by d-limonene in Lemon oil. Lemon oil disrupts the van der Waals forces, causing the polystyrene chains to break apart from one another.
High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), also known as plastics number 2, is a very high-quality plastic that is not easily dissolved by essential oils. Another common type of plastic that is resistant to essential oils is Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), or plastics number 1.
If you are unsure if a plastic is resistant, add a drop of the oil to the outside of the container and make sure there is no change to the plastic after a few minutes.
