Read part 1 here: Essential oil selection guide for new vape users (part 1)
In the previous article, TVC and you learned how to choose a bottle of essential oil that best suits your personal preferences. In this article, we will explore how to properly preserve essential oils and recognize when your bottle of essential oil has expired or started to deteriorate, no longer the same as when it was first opened.
Every vaper has more or less experienced the moment of accidentally discovering an old bottle of e-liquid, found deep in a drawer, blowing the dust and wondering: "Is this bottle still usable?" Surely everyone has encountered this situation, right? As vaping culture and electronic cigarette products become more and more popular, the question of the shelf life of e-liquid has become more heated than ever. If you have ever taken a puff from an old bottle of e-liquid and suddenly felt a bland, "wrong" taste that is very unpleasant, you will understand that it is not a very pleasant experience, right?
So how do you know when your essential oil really expires? And is there any way to extend the life of your essential oil bottle? In this article, we will learn about the shelf life of vape essential oils , the signs of expired essential oils, the proper storage methods, and when to stop using old bottles of essential oils.
What ingredients does vape oil contain?
Before determining the shelf life of vape oil, understanding the ingredients in the bottle of oil will help you evaluate more accurately. Conventional oil has four main ingredients:
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Vegetable Glycerin (VG): This substance acts as a base, has a slightly sweet taste, helps create smoke and gives a smooth feeling when smoking.
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Propylene Glycol (PG): This is a light alcohol, significantly more liquid than VG, which acts as a solvent to bind the ingredients in the e-liquid and creates a slight "pull" sensation in the throat when inhaled.
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Flavor: Is the ingredient that creates the flavor of essential oils, can be natural or artificial.
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Nicotine (Yes or No): With " freebase " essential oils, the amount of nicotine is usually from 3-18mg/ml, with " salt nic " the number is usually from 25-60mg/ml, the nicotine concentration directly affects the usage time of the essential oil.
Factors affecting the shelf life of essential oils
The main factors that can affect the durability and lifespan of an essential oil bottle:
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Nicotine content: Nicotine will oxidize and turn dark when exposed to air. Therefore, e-liquids containing nicotine often have a shorter shelf life. The ideal time to use e-liquids containing nicotine is within 3 - 6 months from the date of opening the lid. Note: salt nicotine will be more durable than freebase nicotine, so the shelf life will also be 1-1.5 times longer.
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Ingredient Quality: E-liquids made with high-quality VG, PG, and flavorings will last longer. Conversely, cheaper products tend to degrade faster.
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Exposure to heat and light: High temperatures and sunlight accelerate the degradation of essential oils. Avoid storing essential oils in hot environments or under direct sunlight.
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Opening the bottle: Once opened, the essential oil is exposed to air, and oxidation begins. Oxygen and bacteria will cause the essential oil to quickly spoil.
Signs of expired essential oils
Here are some signs that your essential oil bottle may have expired:
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Color Change: New essential oils are usually light and clear. However, over time, especially if not stored properly, essential oils can darken or yellow. A slight color change is normal, but if the oil becomes too dark or has a strange color, it may be over-oxidized and no longer usable. Note that flavors like cake or caramel, coffee may have a slightly brownish color, do not confuse these with spoiled essential oils.
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Separation: If you see the essential oil separating into two or more layers or has floating spots on the surface, do not use that bottle of essential oil.
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Cloudiness: Suspended particles or film floating in the bottle are also a sign that the essential oil has gone bad.
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Change in taste: If the essential oil tastes bitter, rancid, acrid, or less flavorful than before, it is definitely a sign that the essential oil has expired.
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Low Smoke: As the essential oil expires, the amount of smoke produced will be significantly reduced.
How long can vape juice last when sealed and once opened?
The shelf life of essential oils varies depending on whether or not you have opened the bottle. Here are some guidelines:
Unopened:
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Nicotine-free e-liquid: Can be stored for up to 2 years if stored properly (cool, dark place).
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Nicotine-containing e-liquids in general: Can be stored for about 1 year. After that, oxidation begins.
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Salt nicotine e-liquid: Can be stored for 2 to 3 years under ideal conditions.
After opening the lid:
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Nicotine-free e-liquids: About 6 to 12 months before flavor and quality begin to decline.
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Nicotine-containing e-liquids in general: Typical shelf life is 3 to 6 months before quality declines.
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Salt nicotine essential oil: From 6 months to 1 year.
In summary, most unopened bottles of essential oils can last for 1 to 2 years if stored properly. Once opened, you will have about 3 to 6 months to use the oil before it begins to degrade.
How to preserve essential oils for a long time
To prolong the shelf life of essential oils, proper storage is extremely important:
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Keep the bottle tightly closed: Limiting exposure to oxygen will help extend the shelf life of your essential oils. You can seal the bottle with plastic wrap if you’re not using it right away.
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Store in a cool, dry place away from sunlight: Storing essential oils in a cool, dark place will help preserve their quality longer.
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Refrigerate when needed: To prolong shelf life, you can store essential oils at low temperatures, ideally between 7-15 degrees.
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Avoid extreme temperatures: Don't leave essential oils in a car or in a place with sudden temperature changes.
With the above notes, you can better preserve your vape essential oil bottle, helping to maintain flavor and long-term effectiveness.
