Essential Oil Expiry Dates Explained: What Labels Really Mean (and Why It Matters)| Mai Joie Botanicals
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If you’ve ever picked up an essential oil bottle and wondered why there’s no obvious expiry date, you’re not alone. There’s a lot of misinformation around essential oil labelling, and much of it comes from assuming all products follow the same rules. They don’t.
The truth is that essential oil labelling depends on how a product is classified and how it’s intended to be used.
Essential oils and aromatherapy blends used for home Aroma, diffusers or atmospheric use are not automatically classed as cosmetics. Because of this, they are not required to carry a cosmetic-style expiry date or “period after opening” symbol.
Instead, Correct Labelling Focuses On Traceability And Safety.
This is why you’ll often see:
- A batch number
- A created or blended date
- Storage guidance
These details allow products to be traced back to their production run and ensure accountability, which is a key part of responsible aromatherapy practice.
When Expiry Dates Are Required
Products that are sold or marketed as cosmetics, such as balms, Body/Face oils or products intended for application to the skin, fall under different regulations. These require either:
A durability date (expiry), or
A PAO symbol (for example, 6M or 12M after opening)
This is where confusion often arises. Two essential oil products may look similar but be legally classed very differently, meaning their labels will not and should not, be the same.
Why labels differ between brands
Seeing different label formats across aromatherapy brands doesn’t automatically mean something is wrong. In many cases, it means the maker understands:
How their product is classified
Which regulations apply
What information is legally and ethically required
Good labelling isn’t about adding unnecessary information “just in case.” It’s about accuracy, compliance and clarity.
Why responsible labelling matters
Clear, correct labelling protects both the maker and the customer. It builds trust, supports safe use and shows that aromatherapy is being treated with care rather than guesswork.
If you’re using essential oils at home, understanding labels helps you store them correctly, use them confidently and appreciate the thought that goes into properly made products.
And if you enjoy learning the quieter, often overlooked details behind responsible aromatherapy, you’ll find plenty more here.
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