ABSTRACT
The main concern regarding handling and storage of essential oils is their stability. With respect to their main constituents, namely fragrance terpenes, they are generally associated with significant susceptibility to autoxidation after being air-exposed. Hydroperoxides are commonly derived as primary oxidation products whereas various kinds of secondary oxidation products (epoxides, aldehydes, ketones, alcohols, etc.) are yielded. Increased sensitizing capacity (e.g., allergic contact dermatitis) is the major side effect of fragrance terpene autoxidation. In order to prevent oxidative degradation of fragrance terpenes, proper management is needed, including all phases of manipulation: pre- and postproduction as well as consumer phase.
