STORAGE GUIDE
How to Store Jojoba Oil and How Long It Lasts
Jojoba oil has a reputation for keeping well, and it is one reason makers and therapists like it. But good keeping quality is not the same as lasting forever, and how you store it makes a real difference.
This guide explains why jojoba is more stable than most plant oils, how to store it at home or in a workshop, and what to do when your jojoba turns cloudy.
Does jojoba go rancid?
Jojoba can eventually go off, but it is much more resistant than most plant oils. The reason is its make-up. Most oils are triglycerides, which break down and oxidise relatively easily. Jojoba is roughly 98% long-chain wax esters, which makes it a liquid wax and far more stable.
That stability is why jojoba is often used to help extend the life of blends. Even so, heat, light, air and contamination will all shorten its life over time.
Jojoba oil shelf life
Jojoba has a long shelf life compared with many carrier oils when it is stored well. The best guide is the best-before or batch date on your container, along with your own checks of colour and smell.
A few things shorten shelf life:
- Heat, such as storage near ovens, heaters or in a hot car or shed.
- Light, especially direct sunlight through a window.
- Air, from loose lids or a mostly empty container.
- Contamination, from fingers, water or used oil going back into the bottle.
Once you blend jojoba with other ingredients, the shelf life of the product depends on the whole formula, not just the jojoba.
How to store jojoba oil
Follow these simple rules:
- Keep the lid tightly closed when not in use.
- Store in a cool, dark place, such as a cupboard or storeroom.
- Keep it out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources.
- Decant small amounts into clean bottles for daily use, rather than opening a large container every day.
- Never return used or decanted oil to the main container.
If you buy a 4kg or 19kg pack, decanting into smaller clean bottles helps limit air and handling. Write the date you opened the container on the label so you always know how long it has been in use.
For businesses, rotate stock so the oldest oil is used first, and keep storeroom shelves away from windows, hot water systems and roller doors that let in afternoon heat.
Why is my jojoba cloudy?
This is one of the most common questions we get. Jojoba turns cloudy, and can go fully solid, below roughly 7 to 10°C. It happens because of its wax ester structure, and it is completely normal.
To clear it:
- Stand the closed container in a sink or bucket of warm (not boiling) water.
- Or move it to a warmer room and leave it for a while.
- Give it a gentle swirl once it has warmed.
It returns to a clear golden liquid and the cold does not affect its quality. Avoid microwaving or direct high heat. Cloudiness is a good reminder that pure jojoba is not like ordinary cooking oils.
Signs your jojoba is past its best
Fresh golden jojoba has a mild, slightly nutty smell and a clear golden colour once warm. Check your oil if you notice:
- A sharp, sour or crayon-like smell.
- Cloudiness that does not clear when the oil is warmed.
- Visible particles, mould or water in the container.
If you are unsure, do not use it on skin. Start a fresh bottle instead. Our jojoba oil FAQ has more on handling and storage.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently asked questions
How long does jojoba oil last once opened?
Stored well, with the lid closed and away from heat and light, jojoba keeps much longer than most carrier oils. Use the date on your container as a guide and check its smell and colour.
Should I refrigerate jojoba oil?
It is not needed. A cool, dark cupboard is enough. In the fridge, jojoba will turn cloudy or solid, which is harmless but makes it harder to use.
Does cloudy jojoba mean it has gone off?
No. Jojoba goes cloudy below roughly 7 to 10°C and clears when warmed. Only cloudiness that stays after warming is a reason to check the oil.
Is it better to buy small or large containers?
Buy a size you will use within a sensible time. Larger packs cost less per litre, and decanting into smaller bottles keeps the bulk oil fresh. See our wholesale options.
Choose the pack size that suits your usage, from a 1 litre bottle to a 19kg pack of Australian golden jojoba oil.