What are carrier oils?
Carrier oils are made from plants just like essential oils. The carrier oil transports the essential oil to the skin and helps spread it over large areas. Essential oils are potent and should be used along with a carrier oil for dilution.
How to select a carrier oil
There are many carrier oils to choose from, and most are suitable for essential oils. Things you should think about when selecting a carrier are.
1. Skin Type: Some carrier oils can irate or worsen conditions such as acne.
2. Absorption: Some oils can absorb better than others.
Types of carrier oil
Carrier oils are sourced from the nut, seed, or kernel of a plant. Some of the more popular oils include:
Sweet almond oil
Apricot kernel oil
Jojoba oil
Grapeseed oil
Coconut oil
Olive oil
Argan oil
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is an edible oil made from the meat of mature coconuts. It’s available in refined or unrefined varieties.
Uses: Coconut oil contains skin-nourishing fatty acids and polyphenols, which make it an excellent carrier oil for massage oils and skincare preparations.
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Jojoba oil
Jojoba oil comes from the seeds of the jojoba plant. It has a delicate, nutty aroma. Jojoba has powerful moisturizing properties that closely mimic sebum, the skin’s natural oil.
Uses: Jojoba oil absorbs easily in the skin and doesn’t clog pores, making it a good carrier oil for massage oils, facial moisturizers, and bath oils.
Apricot kernel oil
Apricot kernel oil is made from apricot seeds or the kernel. It is high in fatty acids and vitamin E. It absorbs easily into the skin and has a slightly sweet, nutty scent.
Uses: Apricot kernel oil is thought to help soften and calm irritated, itchy skin. Use it as a carrier oil to make massage oils, bath oil, and hair care preparations.
Sweet almond oil
Sweet almond oil has a strong, nutty aroma and is edible oil. Sweet Almond oil is lightweight and absorbs into the skin quickly.
Uses: Sweet almond oil is one of the most popular carrier oils for skincare. It’s excellent in massage oils, bath oils, and soaps.
Olive oil
Olive oil comes from pressed olives and is found in most homes for cooking. It’s also used in aromatherapy as a carrier oil.
Uses: It’s packed with fatty acids and plant sterols, which make it great for cleansing and moisturizing dry skin. Use olive oil as a carrier oil for massage, facial cleansers, hair care, and homemade soaps.
Argan oil
Argan oil is made from kernels found inside the fruit of argan trees. It has a nutty aroma and is rich in vitamins A and E.
Uses: Argan oil can help treat dry skin and hair, wrinkles, and skin inflammation, making it a great carrier oil for general skincare and massage oils.
Grapeseed oil
Grapeseed oil comes from grape seeds. It’s rich in vitamin E; a nutrient thought to heal the skin and reduce wrinkles.
Uses: Grapeseed oil is lightweight, easily absorbed by the skin, and has a neutral scent. It’s a good carrier oil to use with essential oils to make body oils and massage oils.
How to mix carrier oil with essential oils
Whenever possible, purchase organic, cold-pressed carrier oils from a manufacturer you trust. Although most carrier oils don’t cause an allergic reaction, you should always do a patch test before using it. I prefer my essential oils from Young Living, and they can be bought from my website at www.essenty.com/Carla Gibson
To perform a patch test:
1. Add a small amount of carrier oil to the inside of your wrist or just below your ear.
2. Cover the oil with a bandage.
3. Check back on the area after 24 hours.
4. If irritation occurs, rinse thoroughly, and avoid future use.
If you’re allergic to tree nuts, you shouldn’t use oils derived from tree nuts—carrier oils such as sweet almond oil, argan oil, and apricot kernel oil.
When diluting essential oils with a carrier oil, it’s vital to follow these dilution guidelines.
For adults:
2.5 percent dilution: 15 drops essential oil per 6 teaspoons carrier oil
3 percent dilution: 20 drops essential oil per 6 teaspoons carrier oil
5 percent dilution: 30 drops essential oil per 6 teaspoons carrier oil
10 percent dilution: 60 drops essential oil per 6 teaspoons carrier oil
For children:
.5 to 1 percent dilution: 3 to 6 drops essential oil per 6 teaspoons carrier oil
Store carrier oils in a cool dark place.
The bottom line
Carrier oils help nourish and moisturize the skin. They also help dilute essential oils, making them safe to use. Not all oils make good carrier oils. You should avoid using things like mineral oil, petroleum jelly, and butter.
Avoid putting essential oils around the eyes, lips, and in-ears.
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