Essential Oil Safety Guidelines

Essential Oil Safety Guidelines:
• Dilute before topical use. Essential oils are highly concentrated and should be diluted with a carrier oil to avoid skin irritation.
• Avoid contact with eyes, mucous membranes, and sensitive areas.
• Keep out of reach of children and pets.
• If pregnant, nursing, or under a doctor’s care, consult a qualified healthcare professional before use.
• Do not ingest essential oils unless directed by a certified aromatherapist or healthcare provider.
• Store in a cool, dark place to preserve quality and potency.
• These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
• The buyer is responsible for testing for allergies and spot test products 24 hours before using them. Stop using immediately if an allergic reaction, redness or irritation occurs. We are not responsible for the misuse or reactions to our products. Usage is always at the buyer's own risk.
• Please consult a professional for any possible contraindications and/or interactions with medications, and check before using if you are pregnant. Always inform your doctor about all herbal remedies or supplements you are taking.

Essential oils can enhance your well-being when used properly - please use them responsibly and enjoy their benefits as part of a balanced, natural lifestyle.

Shelf Life Guidelines:
At Saffron Herb Co., our essential oils are 100% pure and undiluted, which means their longevity depends on storage and oil type.

• Citrus oils (e.g., Lemon, Orange, Grapefruit): 1–2 years
• Most essential oils (e.g., Lavender, Peppermint, Eucalyptus): 3–4 years
• Resinous or woody oils (e.g., Frankincense, Patchouli, Sandalwood): 6+ years

To preserve the quality and extend the life of your oils:
• Store tightly sealed in a cool, dark place
• Keep away from direct sunlight and heat
• Avoid contamination by not touching the dropper to skin or surfaces

Essential oils don’t "expire" in the traditional sense, but over time, they can oxidize and lose their aroma or effectiveness. Always use your senses - if the scent has changed noticeably, it may be time to refresh your supply.

Carrier Oil Safety Guidelines:
Carrier oils are natural, plant-based oils used to dilute essential oils and help safely deliver them to the skin. While generally safe and gentle, it’s important to follow a few guidelines to ensure best results and avoid skin reactions.

General Safety Tips:
• Patch Test First: Always test a small amount of any carrier oil on your inner forearm or wrist before widespread use—especially for sensitive skin.
• Watch for Allergies: Those with nut allergies should be cautious with nut-based oils like Sweet Almond or Hazelnut. Consider alternatives like Grapeseed, Jojoba, or Sunflower Oil.
• Store Properly: Keep carrier oils in a cool, dark place, tightly sealed. Many are prone to oxidation and can go rancid if exposed to heat, light, or air.
• Use Clean Tools: Always use clean hands, utensils, or droppers when handling oils to avoid contamination.

When to Discard Carrier Oils:
• Off or rancid smell (sharp, sour, or “crayon-like”)
• Cloudy or thickened appearance (except Coconut Oil in cold temps)
• Change in color or separation


Best Practices:
• Choose cold-pressed, unrefined oils for maximum skin benefits
• Label homemade blends with date and ingredients
• Use amber or cobalt glass bottles to reduce light exposure
• Refrigerate oils if not used regularly, especially those prone to oxidation


Storage Tips:
• Keep oils in dark glass bottles (amber or cobalt)
• Store in a cool, dark, and dry location
• Always tightly seal after each use
• For fragile oils (like Rosehip or Grapeseed), refrigerate to extend life
• Label with purchase or open date


Dilution Guidelines (by Age & Sensitivity):

Shelf Life of Popular Carrier Oils:

 

Shelf Life Guidelines for Roller Bottles: 

Base Factor: Carrier Oil Shelf Life
The carrier oil used in your roller blend is typically the determining factor for shelf life, as essential oils are more stable than vegetable oils. Here’s a quick guide to common carrier oils:
• Sweet Almond Oil: ~1 year
• Fractionated Coconut Oil: 2+ years (very stable)
• Jojoba Oil: 2–5 years (technically a wax, very shelf-stable)
• Grapeseed Oil: ~6–12 months
• Avocado Oil: ~1 year

Tip: Store oils in a cool, dark place to extend shelf life. Refrigeration can help too.

Essential Oil Stability (in Dilution):
When diluted properly (typically at 1–5%), most essential oils can maintain potency within the carrier oil's shelf life. However, oils high in monoterpenes (like citrus oils) oxidize faster, while resinous or woody oils (like Frankincense, Patchouli, Sandalwood) are more stable.

General Shelf Life Estimate (Pre-Diluted Rollers):
• With Sweet Almond Oil: ~1 year
• With Jojoba or Fractionated Coconut Oil: 2–3 years
• Blends with Citrus Oils (e.g., Lemon, Orange): Best used within 6–9 months
• Blends with Resins/Woods (e.g., Frankincense, Vetiver): Can last 1–2+ years

Signs Your Roller Blend May Be Expired:
• Off or rancid smell (from the carrier oil)
• Change in color or consistency
• Skin irritation from previously well-tolerated blend
• Cloudiness or sediment (except in resins or thick oils—some are naturally cloudy)

Best Practices for Longevity:
• Store in amber or cobalt glass roller bottles to protect from light
• Label with blend name and date of creation
• Avoid contamination by not touching the roller directly to skin if reusing
• Keep away from heat, sunlight, and humidity