What is the shelf life of this lemongrass oil, and how should it be stored?
The shelf life is 36 months when stored unopened in the original sealed container in a cool, dry, dark place. Because lemongrass oil is rich in citral — a reactive aldehyde — it oxidises faster than many citrus oils, so keeping the container tightly closed and minimising headspace are the two most important storage rules.
Storage & Shelf Life
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Shelf life | 36 months (unopened, sealed) |
| Temperature | Cool, 10-25°C, away from heat sources |
| Light | Keep in the dark — amber glass or opaque containers |
| Container | Tightly sealed; nitrogen blanketing for large drums |
| After opening | Use within 18 months; re-seal immediately |
| Oxidation signs | Darkening colour, harsh turpentine-like note, rising acid value |
- Do not store in direct sunlight or near heat; storage class 10 (combustible liquids) applies in warehouses
- For bulk drums we apply nitrogen blanketing to protect the citral during long storage
- If the oil darkens or develops a harsh note, check the acid value — this indicates oxidation and the oil should be replaced
This article was published on 2026-09-07, and last updated on 2026-09-07. The article will be continuously updated.