Essential oils have gained immense popularity over the years for their various therapeutic benefits. While using these oils, it’s crucial to understand the dos and don’ts. Often, people wonder why essential oils break down plastic as they discover their plastic containers warped or damaged. In this article, we explore the science behind how essential oils interact with plastic, some best practices for storage and usage, and how this knowledge can be beneficial to you and your safe use of essential oils.
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The Chemistry of Essential Oils and Plastic
Essential oils are highly concentrated liquids obtained from plants. They contain several chemical components like terpenes, alcohols, esters, aldehydes, and other organic compounds. These components contribute to the beautiful aroma, unique properties, and therapeutic benefits of essential oils.
Essential Oils & Plastic: The Corrosive Effect
Plastics are polymers, made of long chains of molecules bonded together. When essential oils come in contact with plastic, some of their chemical components can break these molecular bonds, leading to the breakdown of the plastic. The extent of breakdown depends on the strength and types of chemicals present in the essential oils and the type of plastic.
Plastics that contain softeners and some types of resin are particularly vulnerable to damage caused by essential oils, as they are more susceptible to corrosion. When essential oils break down plastic, not only are your oils contaminated and potentially weakening, but you also risk the release of toxic compounds like Bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates.
Best Practices for Storing Essential Oils
To prevent the breakdown of plastic by essential oils, one must take the necessary precautions and adopt best practices for storing, using and maintaining these oils.
Glass Containers – A Safe Choice
– Use dark-colored glass containers when storing essential oils.
– Glass does not react with essential oils and helps to maintain its potency and purity.
– Dark-colored (amber or cobalt blue) containers protect the oils from UV light, while also reducing the risk of contamination.
PET Plastic – A Suitable Alternative
– When glass containers are not feasible, opt for Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) plastic containers.
– PET plastic is compatible with essential oils, as it has a higher resistance to corrosive effects.
– While PET plastic is safe for short-term storage or usage, long-term storage should still be done in glass containers.
Proper Labelling & Storage
– Don’t forget to label your containers with the name of the essential oil and the date.
– Store the essential oil containers in a cool, dark place away from heat or direct sunlight.
– Make sure the containers are well-closed, as essential oils can evaporate and oxidize if left open to the air.
Why Do Essential Oils Break Down Plastic Example:
Imagine you’ve made a beautiful blend of lavender, bergamot, and sweet orange essential oils to unwind and relax after a busy day. You decide to store it in a plastic bottle and keep it on your nightstand, next to a window. Over time, you notice a change in the scent and efficacy of the blend, and the plastic bottle becomes discolored and warped. Your once relaxing blend is now less effective and potentially harmful due to the BPA released from the degraded plastic.
To prevent this from happening, simply follow the best practices mentioned above. Store your blend in a dark-colored glass container, label it properly and keep it in a cool, dark place to preserve its potency and quality.
Understanding the interaction of essential oils and plastic not only protects your oils but also ensures your wellbeing. By preventing the breakdown of plastic and contamination of your essential oils, you can safely enjoy the myriad benefits they provide.
We hope you found this information to be enlightening and practical. Don’t hesitate to share this with friends and family who love essential oils too. If you’re keen to learn more about the wonders of essential oils, check out our other guides on Oshu Oils. Plus, don’t forget to explore the Oshu Oils range of essential oils to discover new scents and therapeutic wonders!
