An unopened bottle of our CBD oil lasts at least 36 months, and an opened bottle 6 to 12 months. How long it stays at its best depends mostly on storage: keep the bottle closed, in its box, somewhere cool, dark and dry. It doesn't need to go in the fridge. The expiry date is printed on every bottle.
Key facts
- Unopened
- At least 36 months (Formula Swiss CBD oils, as of October 2026)
- Once opened
- 6 to 12 months, depending on storage
- Best place
- A closed cupboard at room temperature, about 16–21°C, away from light and damp
- Fridge
- Not needed; the oil may thicken in the cold
- What breaks it down
- Light, heat and air; CBD is sensitive to oxidation and light
- Signs it has gone off
- A rancid or sharp smell, a cloudy look or a thick, sticky texture
How long does CBD oil last?
Our CBD oils keep for at least 36 months unopened and 6 to 12 months once opened. The date on the label assumes the bottle has been stored as described below. Once you open it, air gets in every time you use the dropper, so the opened period is shorter than the unopened one.
Shelf life varies between brands, because it depends on the extract, the carrier oil and the bottle. Check the date on your own product rather than relying on a general rule.
Does CBD oil go off?
Yes, slowly. CBD is sensitive to oxidation and light, and in laboratory tests it broke down faster at room temperature than in the cold (Fraguas-Sánchez et al., 2020). In stored cannabis preparations, THC also turns into CBN over time when exposed to air (Fairbairn et al., 1976). Natural terpenes, which give the oil its smell, fade as well. The carrier oil can also turn rancid, like any plant oil.
Signs that an oil is past its best:
- a rancid, sharp or unusual smell instead of an earthy, herbal one;
- a cloudy or murky look;
- a thick, sticky texture that doesn't go away at room temperature.
How should I store CBD oil?
- Keep it in its original bottle and box. Dark glass and the box protect the oil from light, and the label keeps the batch number and date with the bottle.
- Close the cap straight after use. Air speeds up the breakdown of CBD and the carrier oil.
- Choose a cool, dark place. A cupboard or drawer at room temperature, about 16–21°C, works well.
- Avoid heat and sunlight. Not on a windowsill, near a radiator or cooker, or in a hot car.
- Keep it dry. A steamy bathroom is not a good place.
- Keep the dropper clean. Don't let it touch your skin or other surfaces before it goes back in the bottle.
- Keep it out of reach of children.
| Place | Suitable? | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Kitchen or bedroom cupboard, drawer | Yes | Dark, dry and at room temperature |
| Fridge | Possible, not needed | Cold makes the oil thicker; let it warm up before use |
| Bathroom | No | Warm and humid |
| Windowsill, near a radiator or cooker | No | Light and heat speed up breakdown |
| Car or handbag in summer | Only briefly | Temperatures can rise quickly |
Should CBD oil go in the fridge?
No, it doesn't need to. A cool, dark cupboard is enough for the whole shelf life. If you do keep it in the fridge, the oil may thicken, so let it come back to room temperature before you use it. Don't freeze it.
Can I use CBD oil after the expiry date?
We can only stand behind the quality up to the date on the label. After that, the CBD content per drop may be lower than stated on the label, and the smell may change as terpenes fade. If the oil smells rancid or looks cloudy, throw it away. Our dosage guide lists the CBD content per drop of each oil when it is within its date.
How should I store CBD creams and balms?
The same way: closed, in their original packaging, somewhere cool, dark and dry. Use clean, dry fingers or a spatula so that water and dirt don't get into the jar. Use them by the date on the pack.
From our production
An opened bottle of our oil lasts 6 to 12 months, and an unopened one at least 36 months. We test every batch in Switzerland, and we have never had a failed test since 2013.
— Robin Roy Krigslund-Hansen, co-founder and CEO
Frequently asked questions
How long does CBD oil last?
Our CBD oils last at least 36 months unopened and 6 to 12 months once opened, if stored closed, in a cool, dark and dry place. The expiry date is printed on every bottle.
Does CBD oil go off?
Yes, slowly. Light, heat and air break down CBD and terpenes, and the carrier oil can turn rancid. A sharp smell, a cloudy look or a sticky texture are signs it is past its best.
Does CBD oil need to be refrigerated?
No. A cool, dark cupboard at room temperature is enough. In the fridge the oil may thicken, so let it warm up before use.
Can I use CBD oil after the expiry date?
We can only stand behind the quality up to the date on the label. After that, the CBD content per drop may be lower than stated. Throw the oil away if it smells rancid or looks cloudy.
What is the best way to store CBD oil?
Keep it in its original dark bottle and box, close the cap straight after use, and store it in a cupboard at about 16–21°C, away from sunlight, heat and damp.
Related guides
Formula Swiss CBD oils are sold as cosmetics for use on the skin. They are not food supplements or medicines. Always follow the directions on the label.
Last reviewed:
Sources
- Fraguas-Sánchez AI, Fernández-Carballido A, Martin-Sabroso C, Torres-Suárez AI. Stability characteristics of cannabidiol for the design of pharmacological, biochemical and pharmaceutical studies. J Chromatogr B 2020;1150:122188. doi:10.1016/j.jchromb.2020.122188, PMID 32506012
- Fairbairn JW, Liebmann JA, Rowan MG. The stability of cannabis and its preparations on storage. J Pharm Pharmacol 1976;28(1):1–7. doi:10.1111/j.2042-7158.1976.tb04014.x
