Storing Fragrance Raw Materials in the Refrigerator
Question
What is the best way to store Fragrance Raw Material for long-term preservation, especially considering refrigeration and potential humidity issues? What is the correct procedure for taking it out of the refrigerator to prevent condensation?
Answer
Storing Fragrance Raw Materials in the Refrigerator
It is true that refrigerators have humidity, but storing fragrance raw materials in the refrigerator is recommended for long-term storage because the lower temperature significantly slows down the chemical degradation processes that can affect the quality and lifespan of the material.
The key to mitigating the humidity issue is the procedure for taking the material out of the refrigerator for use:
- Remove the tightly sealed bottle from the refrigerator.
- Allow the bottle to reach room temperature (around 20-25°C) before opening it.
- Only open the bottle once it has warmed up.
Why is this warming step important?
When a cold bottle is opened in a warmer environment, moisture from the air can condense on the cold surfaces inside the bottle, similar to how condensation forms on a cold glass of water on a warm day. This condensation introduces unwanted moisture directly into the fragrance material, which can cause degradation.
By allowing the bottle and its contents to warm up to room temperature before opening, you prevent this condensation from occurring, thus protecting the material from excess moisture exposure.
Keeping the lid tightly closed at all times when not in use is also crucial to minimize exposure to air and humidity.
While storing in a normal cool room is an option for shorter periods and allows for immediate use, refrigeration with the proper warming procedure before opening provides the longest possible shelf life for your fragrance raw materials.