What are the best types of bottles for essential oils?
Aromatherapy has experienced a dramatic rise in popularity in the health and wellness sector. Essential oils are at the forefront of this holistic approach to well-being. Many people, from social media influencers and celebrities to everyday citizens, are promoting the therapeutic benefits of concentrated plant extracts. Essential oil sales are expected to reach $8.76 billion by 2023 and $15 billion by 2030. Understanding how to store essential oils is important to both consumers and businesses.
Essential oils are concentrated aromatic compounds that can be extracted by cold pressing or distillation from different plant parts. These pure essences can be combined with carrier oils to make the products you find in stores. Proper storage is essential to maintain their therapeutic properties, and extend their shelf life.
Essential Oil Storage: The Science Behind It
Essential oils are volatile organic compounds which can degrade when exposed to certain environmental conditions. Their molecular structures are sensitive to:
- Oxygen (causing oxidation)
- Ultraviolet Light (leading to Photooxidation)
- Heat (accelerating chemical breakdown)
- Humidity can introduce microbial contamination
These factors can cause essential oils to lose their therapeutic properties. They may also develop an unpleasant smell, or in some cases even become skin irritating. Packaging is not just about the aesthetics, but also about protecting these precious extracts.
The Best Bottles to Store and Package Essential Oils
1. Roll-On Bottles
Roll-on bottles allow you to apply essential oils topically directly on certain areas of your body such as the temples, pulse point, or any areas that may be causing discomfort, like muscles.
Features:
- Sizes: 5ml and 10ml
- Includes a rollerball applicator made of plastic, stainless steel, or glass
- Available in different flow rates (high for thin blends and low for concentrated oils)
- Rollerball refillable with ease
- The perfect solution for application on the go without spillage
Roll-on bottles, which are pre-diluted blends of essential oils intended for direct application to the skin, are particularly popular. Precision applicator allows you to apply oil precisely without spilling any on your hands.
2. Dram Bottles
Dram bottles, also known as small vials, are the standard industry size for travel-sized essential oils and other products.
Features:
- Common sizes: 1/4 dram (~1ml), 1/2 dram (~2ml), 1 dram (~3.7ml)
- Dropper caps and orifice reducers are usually included
- Ideal for product samples and trial sets
- Create your own essential oil test kits with this kit
- Introduce new products in a cost-effective manner
According to market research, brands that offer sample-sized products packaged in dram bottle see a higher conversion rate of 27% to full-size purchases than those who do not.
3. Euro Bottles
Euro bottles are characterized by a distinctive European style and are preferred by many aromatherapists as well as established essential oil brands.
Features:
- Popular sizes: 5ml, 10ml, 15ml, 30ml
- These are usually equipped with special droppers or orifice reductions
- Elegant European style with sleek lines
- Excellent precision in dispensing
- Superior protection against oxidation
- Many products feature tamper evident closures to maintain product integrity
Euro bottles have specialized orifice reductions that disperse essential oils in precise amounts. They are ideal for diffusers where exact measurements are required.
4. Boston Round Bottles
Boston round bottles have a classic cylindrical design with rounded shoulders. They are the most widely used and versatile container for essential oils.
Features:
- There are various sizes available from 5ml up to 120ml
- Versatile–compatible with droppers, spray tops, pumps, and reducers
- Construction with high stability and durability
- Classic professional appearance
- Labeling is easy due to the smooth and even surfaces
- Cost-effective for large-scale production
The industry standard for small business and established brands, these bottles represent approximately 65% all essential oil packaging on the global market.
Glass vs. Plastic Bottles: How should I store my essential oils?
Glass containers are the best choice for storing essential oils.
Why Glass is Superior:
- Chemically inert – doesn’t react with volatile components in essential oils
- Impermeable–prevents essential oil molecules from escaping
- Non-leaching–doesn’t release chemicals into the contents
- 100% recyclable without loss of quality
- Oil integrity is preserved, so therapeutic properties are maintained longer
Why plastic is problematic?
- Citrus oils, in particular, can dissolve certain plastics
- Plastics may leach chemicals in oils
- Plastics are permeable and allow oxygen to pass through while aromatic compounds can escape
- Environmental concerns regarding single-use plastics
- Shelf life of stored goods is reduced
The International Journal of Aromatherapy conducted a study that found essential oils in plastic containers degraded after only 30 days. However, those stored in amber-colored glass bottles maintained their chemical profile over the course of a year.
Why is the bottle color important?
The color of the glass bottle is important in protecting essential oil from degradation due to light exposure.
| Bottle Color | UV Light Protection | Best for | Aesthetic Appeal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amber | Excellent (blocks 90-95% of UV) | Citrus essential oils are the most common | Traditional and professional |
| Cobalt Blue | Excellent (blocks 85-90% of UV) | Light-sensitive oils | Premium look with a distinctive style |
| Green | Good (blocks 70%-75% UV) | Oils with less sensitive sensitivity | Natural and organic branding |
| Violet | Moderate (blocks between 60-65% UV) | Display purposes | Unique, spiritual associations |
| Clear | No | Only for short-term use | Modern minimalist (requires second protection) |
Amber glass offers the best protection from ultraviolet light. This can cause photooxidation, a process which alters the chemical makeup of essential oils. It reduces their therapeutic value and may create skin-irritating substances.
Amber glass is the standard in essential oil storage. This is because spectroscopic analysis shows that it blocks 95% of UV rays. Cobalt, another popular choice, also blocks 90% of harmful rays, but has a distinct aesthetic appeal. Many premium brands prefer it.
Essential Oil Bottle Size Guide
The size of the bottle you choose depends on your intended use, the product turnover and the target market.
| Size | Volume | Best Use | Closures Typical |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1/4 Dram | 1 ml | Travel samples | Screw cap mini-dropper |
| Half Dram | 2 ml | Samples and testing | Dropper with screw cap |
| 1 Dram | 3.7 ml | Samples for personal use | Dropper, reducer |
| 5 ml | 5 ml | Personal Collection | Reducer, euro dropper |
| 10 ml | 10 ml | Standard retail size | Euro dropper, roll-on |
| 15 ml | 15 ml | Popular retail size | Euro dropper, roll-on |
| 30 ml | 30 ml | Professional Use | Dropper, spray, reducer |
| 50 ml | 50 ml | Bulk Personal, Small Commercial | Dropper, pump |
| 100 ml | 100 ml | Commercial Use | Pump reducer |
According to market research, 10ml and15ml bottles account for approximately 70% of retail essential oil sales. This is a good balance between affordability and sufficient product quantity.
Closures and Dispensing Systems
For essential oil quality, the closure system is just as important as bottle itself.
Dropper caps:
- Drop-by-drop precise dispensing
- Perfect for recipes and diffusers
- For purity, glass droppers are preferred
- Include a tamper evident seal
Orifice Reducers:
- Control the flow of liquids without needing a separate dropper
- Reduce exposure to oxygen during use
- Large product lines are cost-effective
- Convenient for consumer use
Child-resistant caps:
- Safety feature for families with children
- Many markets require regulations
- There are many styles available to suit different types of bottles
- May feature tamper-evident bands
Industry data shows that bottles with droppers or orifice reductions built in have a lower rate of waste compared to screw caps. This is better for manufacturers and consumers.
Storage of essential oils: Best practices
It is important to store bottles properly.
- Temperature control: Store at 36-68°F for best preservation
- Light Protection: Store amber bottles in a cabinet with a low light level
- Vertical position: Store upright in order to avoid oil contact with rubber bulb droppers
- Prevention of contamination: Close bottles immediately after use
- Second containment: Consider using wooden boxes to add protection and organization
According to research, essential oils that are stored according to these guidelines retain their therapeutic properties on average for 1-2 year compared with just 3-6 month when improperly stored.
Conclusion
To maintain the efficacy of essential oils and to extend their shelf-life, they require appropriate packaging and storage. There are many options for bottles, but amber glass with the appropriate dispensing system provides the best balance between protection, functionality and aesthetic appeal.
Businesses in the aromatherapy industry know that investing in high-quality packaging means committing to product integrity, which consumers are increasingly appreciating. The right bottle will protect your product and enhance your brand’s image. It will also ensure that your customers get the full therapeutic benefit of your essential oils.
Jiahua Glass Packaging can provide you with bulk essential oil bottles for your aromatherapy company. Our glass bottle designs range from the basic to the luxurious. We also offer customization options that will perfectly match your brand identity.
