Does Tea Tree Oil Expire? Expert Guide to Shelf Life And Safety Tips

When it comes to the longevity and shelf life of essential oils, we often wonder which ones expire and when. One such doubt we often get asked is if tea tree oil expires? If yes, when and how? So, we asked our QA experts to understand the shelf life and storage details of tea tree oil scientifically. Let’s look at the answers to these questions. 

Does Tea Tree Oil Expire?

Yes, just like almost all natural oils, tea tree oil also expires after a point. Natural essential oils like tea tree oil are composed of bioactive compounds from different plant parts. Tea tree essential oil, in particular, contains hydrocarbons called terpenes. These terpenes are plant extracts that change their molecular structure when exposed to air and light. The change in tea tree oil’s molecular structure deteriorates its efficiency and, in some cases, make it harmful for skin. 

What Is The Shelf Life Of Tea Tree Oil?

Natural tea tree oil has a shelf life of 2-3 years when the oil is stored in a dark, air tight container in a cool area. However, the average shelf life changes if the oil has already been opened and exposed to air. This exposure of tea tree oil to air makes it come in contact with microorganisms in air and other particles. As a result, once opened, tea tree oil has a shelf life of 1-2 years. You can extend this slightly by keeping it in an opaque aluminium or amber glass bottle in a cool and dry area. This is also true for tea tree CO2 extract and related botanicals. 

If your region is high in moisture, then the shelf life of tea tree oil comes down to no more than 1 year. 

Does Tea Tree Oil Go Bad?

Absolutely yes, tea tree oil goes bad with time. It is extremely important to learn about its expiry to ensure a safe and effective usage. Exposure to air, sun and moisture makes tea tree oil go bad with time. The easiest way to understand is to read the label for expiry date. Having said that, you can’t simply rely on the label as your storage and weather conditions might make tea tree oil go bad even before the printed expiry date. Check for a change in aroma, color or consistency. If the smell of tea tree oil feels significantly sharper or if the color looks darker, that’s a sign that the oil might have gone bad. 

Can You Use Expired Tea Tree Oil?

If your tea tree oil has expired, you shouldn’t use it on skin or related uses. Avoid putting it in soaps or even perfumes as it might impact the overall quality of the product. When used in perfumes, expired tea tree oil might give out a strong medicinal scent and might also change the appearance. 

So a simple and clear answer is no, you can not use expired tea tree oil how you would use fresh tea tree oil. But does that mean you have to throw that expensive bottle of pure tea tree essential oil away? Not necessarily. We’ve got some creative and safe options for using expired tea tree oil in a later section. 

Interested in knowing more about shelf life and expiration of other essential oils in our detailed guide on do essential oils expire and storage guide. 

How Long Does Tea Tree Oil Last?

Tea tree oil lasts up to 2 years when stored under proper conditions. You need to put it away from direct sunlight exposure. Storing tea tree essential oil in a plastic or clear container can make it go bad faster. This is because the light penetrating inside oil increases oxidization. 

How To Maximize The Shelf Life Of Tea Tree Oil?

Who doesn’t want their precious essential oils to last for as long as possible. Buying essential oils in bulk gives the flexibility to reduce per unit cost. That also means you need to use it before it goes bad. Here are some tips and tricks to ensure maximum shelf life of tea tree oil. 

• Open the seal only when you need to use it. 
• Store the oil in an opaque aluminium containers. Alternatively, you can also keep them in black or amber glass bottles. 
• Ensure the inner plug of the bottle is tightened all the time. 
• Keep the outer lid securely fastened.
• Keep the tea tree oil away from direct sunlight, preferably in a cool and dark place. 
• Do not dilute the tea tree oil beforehand. The carrier oils can speed up the degradation process. Dilute it right when you need to use it. 

Side Effects Of Using Expired Tea Tree Oil

Expired tea tree oil might look innocent but it can have some serious side effects like:

• Skin irritation
• Redness
• Acne
• Allergic reaction
• Unpleasant smell
• In some extreme cases, headaches

Alternate Uses Of Expired Tea Tree Oil

We asked experts what can be some safe ways for using expired tea tree oil. The following list gives ideas on what to do with tea tree essential oil when it has past its expiry date. These ideas are applicable for essential oil that is slightly past the expiry and not something that is years old.

1. Add a few drops to mop water and mop the house with it. 
2. Make your own surface cleaner 
3. Add a few drops to cotton and place it in bathroom corners or even inside dustbin to prevent foul odor. 

Looking to use it for bed bugs. See how to use tea tree oil for bed bugs and safety instructions. 

Concluding Thoughts

When it comes to natural essential oils, we often wonder if the expiry date mentioned on the back of the bottle actually means something. Absolutely yes. Natural essential oils like tea tree oil expire with time. Sometimes, it might even go bad long before the expiry date mentioned on the bottle.

Using expired tea tree oil can cause severe skin irritation or other related side effects. You can ensure a long shelf life by storing tea tree essential oil in cool, dark and dry place. Exposure to air and light speeds up the process of degradation.

Check for a change in aroma or appearance to understand if the tea tree oil has gone bad. Always choose a reliable essential oil supplier to ensure you buy the freshest tea tree oil with the longest possible shelf life.