Chloe Zhang
Essential oils are powerful substances with a wide range of properties and potencies. While glass bottles are generally recommended for storing essential oils, some plastics are considered suitable. High-quality plastics like High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) can safely store diluted essential oils. However, pure essential oils can break down or damage plastic containers over time, leading to leaks or reduced oil effectiveness. Certain oils, such as citrus-based oils, are more caustic towards plastic. Therefore, it is crucial to select the right type of plastic and ensure that essential oils are properly diluted to avoid any adverse reactions or degradation of the oil.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Containers for pure essential oils | Glass or aluminium |
| Containers for diluted essential oils | PET plastic, HDPE plastic |
| Containers to avoid | Polystyrene, water bottles, solo cups, plastic drinking straws |
| Containers for convenience | Plastic |
| Containers for cost-effectiveness | Plastic |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic containers can break down over time, causing leaks
The porous nature of certain plastics can allow air to pass through, leading to the breakdown of essential oils. In addition, the sun's UV rays can increase oil temperatures, causing deterioration in the quality of the oils. Therefore, it is recommended to store essential oils in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight.
Some essential oils, such as citrus, cinnamon, thyme, and oregano, are more likely to cause damage to plastic containers. These oils are more caustic towards plastic and can eat away at the lining of the container.
To avoid leaks and damage, it is recommended to use high-quality plastics like High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) or Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) to store diluted essential oils. These plastics can withstand the corrosive nature of the oils and preserve their quality and purity.
Overall, while plastic containers can be used for storing diluted essential oils, it is important to choose the right type of plastic and ensure that the oils are properly diluted to prevent leaks and deterioration over time.
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Some essential oils are corrosive to plastic
While glass is the best choice for storing essential oils, certain plastics are considered suitable for diluted essential oils. High-quality plastics like High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) can be safely used for diluted essential oils. However, pure essential oils are very powerful and can break down or damage plastic containers over time, leading to leaks or a decrease in the oils' effectiveness. This is because some essential oils are corrosive to plastic. Citrus oils, for example, are known to be caustic towards plastic. Cinnamon, thyme, and oregano oils are also considered "hot" oils.
The porous nature of some plastics allows air to pass through, leading to the breakdown of essential oils. Fluorination can create a barrier between the essential oil and the plastic container, but only if the oil is not oxygen-sensitive. Plastic containers made of PET and HDPE are safer options for storing essential oils, as they can withstand the corrosive nature of the oils, preserving their quality and purity.
It is important to note that not all plastic containers are suitable for storing essential oils. It is recommended to test the effect of the essential oil product on the container before use. Proper storage of essential oils includes keeping them in a cool, dark place to avoid degradation from heat and sunlight. Direct sunlight can cause deterioration in the quality of the oils, so storing them in coloured glass containers is recommended.
To summarise, while certain plastics are suitable for storing diluted essential oils, pure essential oils are too strong and can damage plastic containers. Some essential oils are corrosive to plastic, so it is important to choose the right type of container and practice proper storage to preserve the quality of the oils.
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Plastic containers are not always airtight
Some essential oils, such as citrus, cinnamon, thyme, and oregano, are more caustic towards plastic. For example, if you fill a plastic cup with water and add a few drops of lemon oil, it will eat away at the cup's lining, which will then end up in the water.
High-quality plastics like High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) can safely store diluted essential oils. However, it is crucial to ensure that the essential oils are properly diluted and that the plastic is of good quality to avoid any reactions or degradation of the oil. Fluorination can create a barrier between the essential oil and a plastic container, but only if the oil is not oxygen-sensitive.
When selecting an HDPE container, look for those labeled with the #2 recycling code to ensure the plastic is safe for essential oil use. PET plastics can also withstand the corrosive nature of essential oils, preserving their quality and purity. Diluted essential oils can be stored in PET plastic containers, which are less expensive than glass containers.
In conclusion, while some plastics can be used to store diluted essential oils, it is important to choose the right type of plastic and ensure that the oils are properly diluted to avoid any damage or degradation.
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Pure essential oils are very potent and can damage plastic
Pure essential oils are highly potent and concentrated plant compounds with aromatic and medicinal properties. They are powerful substances with varying properties and potencies. Due to their strength, pure essential oils can damage plastic containers over time, leading to leaks and reduced effectiveness of the oils.
The porous nature of certain plastics can allow air to pass through, leading to the breakdown of essential oils. Some essential oils, such as citrus, cinnamon, thyme, and oregano, are particularly caustic towards plastic and can cause it to deteriorate. This deterioration can result in the plastic becoming gummy and contaminating the quality of the oils.
To prevent damage to plastic containers, it is recommended to dilute essential oils before storing them in plastic. Diluted essential oils have reduced strength and are less likely to break down the plastic. Properly lined and treated aluminum containers may also be suitable for storing diluted essential oils.
When selecting a plastic container for essential oils, it is important to choose high-quality plastics like High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) or polyethylene. These plastics are designed to withstand the corrosive nature of essential oils and preserve their quality and purity. It is also crucial to ensure that the container is airtight to prevent leakage and evaporation of the oils.
Overall, while certain plastics can be used for storing diluted essential oils, pure essential oils are generally not recommended to be stored in plastic containers due to their potency and potential to cause damage. Glass or aluminum containers are typically preferred for storing pure essential oils.
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Glass bottles are generally considered the best choice
Glass bottles are also recommended because they are inert and non-porous, meaning that essential oils cannot degrade the glass or leak out of the bottle over time. Glass bottles are also typically dark-coloured, which helps protect the essential oils from UV light degradation. Dark glass bottles are recommended for storing pure essential oils, as they are highly sensitive to UV light.
Glass droppers are also recommended over plastic ones, as rubber parts will quickly deteriorate when exposed to pure-strength essential oils. Glass droppers help to protect the quality of the oil and ensure reliable dispensing over the long term.
While glass bottles are considered the best choice, they are not always the most practical option. Glass bottles are more expensive than plastic containers, and they can be less durable in certain situations. For example, using a glass bottle in a shower could lead to a dangerous situation if it breaks on the hard tiles. In such cases, a sturdy recycled plastic jar may be a better option.
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Frequently asked questions
Pure essential oils are very powerful and can break down plastic containers over time, causing damaging leaks and reducing the quality of the oils.
Diluted essential oils can be stored in PET plastics or HDPE plastic containers.
Plastic containers are more cost-effective than glass bottles, readily available in various shapes, sizes, and styles, and are also lighter and easier to recycle.
