Fragrant Oils Losing Scent???

[user 12568]

I purchased a number of fragrant oils from NDA last December, which I used in January and February without any issues. However, I recently made a few batches of soap using the same fragrances, but the smell now seems to fade within a few days of curing. This has never happened to me before, but I usually buy in smaller quantities and don't have them sitting around quite so long.

Do fragrant oils lose their potency over time? If so how long are they typically good for? Are essential oils better or worse in this regard?

Any feedback would be appreciated.

Cheers!

 

[Consuela]

I also purchase small quantities - because I have found for SURE that potency declines with some oils, while not with others. (Though that was EO's).

I think it's possible for that to happen with FO too though - however if you just purchased these, I'd call NDA and let them know.

Like, my Orange EO I had for almost 2 years - definitely lost potency, as well as a Star Anise that I had.

I also purchase some items from NDA - have an order coming in tomorrow actually.

Which FO were they? - If you don't mind saying.

 

[user 12568]

Which FO were they?

The FO's that seem to have faded the most are Ruby Grapefruit and Red Currant & Thyme. My Vanilla FO also seems to be effected, just not quite as much.

The oils still smell just as strong in the bottle, but lose most of their scent within days of cutting the bars. I typically use .5oz ppo and have never had issues like this before. Very frustrating indeed - as these soaps were to be Christmas gifts.

Maybe someone else will chime in with their experience in this matter.

 

[shunt2011]

Citrus scents do have a tendency to fade and you should use a higher % in most cases. My Ruby Grapefruit (not from same company) I use at about 1 oz. ppo. I have uses FO's that are a year or older and have not found for the most part that they are any weaker. It can also depend on how they are stored. I generally use .7-1 oz ppo for most fragrances.

 

[user 12568]

Thanks, shunt2011. I'll definitely try increasing to 1oz ppo to see if that helps. It's just surprising, as I've never had to use that amount before. All of my oils are stored in my cold cellar in their original containers (i.e., dark brown glass bottles). Oh well,... live and learn.

 

[gsc]

Who is NDA?

 

[seven]

^^^
new directions aromatics

 

[Jstar]

New Directions Aromatics

Here's a thread with them all

http://www.soapmakingforum.com/showthread.php?t=32055

 

[KSwiderski]

Thanks for the link!

That is good to know, I have considered buying larger quantities of FO but maybe I will hold off...