What is a carrier oil?
Carrier oils are used to dilute essential oils when you apply them directly to your skin.
Diluting essential oils in a carrier oil increases their effectiveness.
They help essential oils be better absorbed into the skin.
A carrier oil (aka base oil) is a vegetable oil typically extracted from the kernels, nuts, or seeds of a plant.
Different carrier oils have different health benefits, nourishing effects,and therapeutic properties.
They can form an essential part of your beauty and wellness routine.
It’s important to make sure you’re only using high-quality body oils.
Choose certified organic and 100% pure oils that aren’t extracted with high heat or harsh chemicals.
What are essential oils?
Essential oils (EOs) are highly concentrated plant extracts that can improve physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health and well-being.
EOs are sourced from various plant material – tree bark and resin, roots, plants, stems, flowers, and even fruit.
EOs contain many active compounds that offer various health benefits.
Just a few drops of essential oils are all it takes to influence your body’s nervous system, immune system, digestive system, respiratory system, etc.
According to research, essential oils can help by:
- Relieving pain and discomfort
- Soothing eczema, psoriasis, and other skin conditions
- Boosting immunity
- Treating colds, coughs, sinus infections, and sore throats
- Addressing allergy symptoms
- Soothing headaches and migraines
- Treating warts
- Healing bug bites
- Treating hemorrhoids
- Soothing arthritis symptoms
- Helping sunburns and skin burns
What are the best carrier oils to dilute essential oils?
Coconut oil
Unrefined coconut oil is one of the most popular carrier oils and massage oils.
It’s very moisturizing for dry skin, and its high essential fatty acid content makes it a powerful anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal.
Thanks to these antibacterial properties coconut oil can also be used for acne-prone skin and to reduce acne scarring.
Coconut oil is typically gentle enough for most skin types, including sensitive skin.
It might not be suitable for oily skin.
At room temperature, coconut oil is solid, and it liquefies at warmer temperatures.
Olive oil
Extra virgin is preferred for aromatherapy because it’s cold-pressed and not extracted using high heat or chemicals.
Olive oil is rich in a compound called Oleocanthal, which is a known anti-inflammatory.
This oil is high in oleic acid.
Pure olive oil becomes solid in cold temperatures.
It oxidizes more slowly than other oils which give it a longer shelf life.
Jojoba oil
Thanks to its anti-inflammatory effects jojoba is a good carrier oil for acne-prone skin care.
Jojoba is also thought to mimic the skin’s natural oil called sebum.
It also makes a good moisturizer option that can reduce the appearance of blemishes and stretch marks.
Jojoba oil is considered a stable oil that can last for many years if you store it properly.
Sweet Almond oil
Thanks to its high content of linoleic acid almond oil is anti-inflammatory and can help calm irritated skin.
It has a sweet-smelling nutty aroma that blends well with essential oils like lavender and ylang-ylang.
It’s also rich in Vitamins A, B, D, & E.
Rosehip oil
This oil is extracted from the seeds of rose bushes.
It’s full of fatty acids like linoleic acid, antioxidants, and Vitamins E, A, and C.
It’s believed to help acne-prone skin and can be used as part of an anti-aging regimen.
Argan oil
This non-greasy is thought to have protective effects on the skin.
It can help nourish damaged skin cells while also softening and tightening the skin thanks to its high content of Vitamins A and E.
It does have a shorter shelf life so smaller quantities are recommended.
Apricot Kernel oil
This oil is extracted from the apricot kernel or seed.
It has a similar texture and properties to almond oil.
It’s also very soothing to the skin thanks to its anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, and antiseptic properties.
Other topical carrier oil options include:
- Evening primrose oil
- Avocado oil
- Sunflower oil
- Grapeseed oil
Avoid using these as carrier oils:
- Mineral oil
- Petroleum jelly
How do you mix essential oils with carrier oils?
For safety, start out with a smaller dosage and repeat the application after one hour if necessary.
A general rule of thumb for dilution with carrier oils is:
- Babies – 1 drop of essential oil per 1 tablespoon of carrier oil
- Children – 2-3 drops of essential oil per 1 teaspoon of carrier oil
- Adults – 3-5 drops of essential oil per 1 teaspoon of carrier oil
A DIY Carrier Oil Blend For Skin Care
- 2 cups of melted of organic, raw, and unrefined coconut oil(or fractionated coconut oil)
- 1 cup sweet almond oil
- ½ cup of jojoba oil
- ½ cup of apricot kernel oil
- 4 tablespoon of vitamin E
Conduct a patch test before use.
Do not use if you have a tree nut allergy.
