Storage Recommendations for Essential Oils & Natural ProductsUpdated 3 months ago
Storage Recommendations for Essential Oils & Natural Products
A little care in how you store your IKOU products goes a long way in preserving their quality, potency, and sensory experience. Here's what you need to know.
What Natural Products Are Sensitive To
Natural products and essential oils are living formulations — and they respond to their environment. The key things to protect them from:
| Factor | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Heat | Can accelerate ingredient breakdown and alter scent |
| Direct sunlight | UV exposure degrades natural oils and active ingredients |
| Air exposure | Oxidises natural ingredients over time |
| Moisture fluctuations | Can affect texture, consistency, and product integrity |
Best Storage Practices
- Store in a cool, dry place — away from heat sources and humidity
- Keep lids and caps tightly closed after every use
- Avoid leaving products in direct sunlight or hot environments — including cars, windowsills, and bathrooms near showers
- Keep essential oils upright where possible to prevent leakage and oxidisation
Temperature & Texture Changes
Environmental temperature can temporarily affect the appearance and texture of natural products — this is completely normal:
| Condition | What You May Notice |
|---|---|
| Cooler climates | Oils may thicken or appear cloudier than usual |
| Warmer conditions | Natural ingredients may soften or separate slightly |
These changes are temporary and cosmetic — gently warming or cooling the product to room temperature will usually restore its normal consistency.
General Storage Tips by Product Type
- Essential oils — cool, dark cupboard or drawer; always upright and tightly sealed
- Candles — cool, dry place with lid on; away from heat and direct sunlight
- Skincare & bodycare — room temperature; away from steam and direct sunlight
- Reed diffusers — upright on a stable surface; away from vents and fans
👉 See How should I store my IKOU products? for our full product-by-product storage guide.
Something Doesn't Look Right?
If your product appears significantly different, damaged, or unusable — beyond normal temperature-related changes — please contact our Customer Care team with:
- Photos of the product
- The batch number from your packaging
Our team will be happy to investigate and support you.
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