Choosing the Right Carrier Oil for Essential Oil Use
Choosing the right carrier oil for your essential oils can be overwhelming. Many essential oils are so powerful, they need to be diluted and used with a carrier oil, which is typically vegetable or nut based. They are often used when applying essential oils directly onto the skin or diffusing.
Many people don’t realize that carrier oils don’t simply dilute. They add another dimension to essential oils and aromatherapy, often delivering healing properties, protection, and vitamins and minerals of their own.[1] Each oil has a unique set of beneficial properties and works best for certain uses. The following are some of the most commonly used carrier oils and their ideal uses:
Fractionated coconut oil. Because it is almost completely odorless, colorless, and tasteless, fractionated coconut is one of the most versatile carrier oils available. It has a wide array of uses, including cooking, massage, topical application, and more.
Avocado oil. Rich and heavy, this oil penetrates deep into the skin and is full of vitamins A, D, and E.[2] It’s a great carrier oil for skincare products because of its ability to help sun and climate damaged skin.[2]
Sweet almond oil. This affordable oil is often used as an all-purpose carrier and leaves a light, nutty scent. People with potential nut allergies should use caution with this product.
Grapeseed oil. Commonly used in cooking, grapeseed oil is also a great carrier option, especially for homemade massage and skin products.
Castor oil. Boasts sanitizing properties, which make it a great addition to blends used for cleaning and disinfecting. Applied topically, it helps soothe irritated skin.[3]
Jojoba oil. Mimics the natural oils on your skin, making it a good choice for bath and beauty recipes.[2] Its calming characteristics also make it ideal as the base of a massage oil blend for working deep into tissues and muscles.[4]
Evening primrose oil. Has many properties that may help with common skin concerns, because its high levels of gamma linoleic acid, omega 2, and omega 6 fatty acids nourish the skin.[5]
Peach and apricot oil. Both are very versatile and can be used as a massage oil base or for facial treatments and applications because they are very light and are easily absorbed into the skin.[6]
Choosing the right carrier oil is crucial for getting the most from your essential oils. Opt for oils that have beneficial properties based on your intended use. If you’re looking to make homemade skincare products, select an oil that will restore and support the skin. If you wish to dilute an essential oil for cleaning, choose a carrier oil with disinfecting properties.
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[1] Stansfield, B. (2010). Aromatherapy: the best carrier oils. Accessed November 23, 2015. Retrieved from http://www.motherearthliving.com/natural-health/the-bestcarrier-oils-for-aromatherapy.aspx
[2] Esoteric oils. (n.d.) Avocado oil. Accessed November 23, 2015. Retrieved from http://www.essentialoils.co.za/avocado-oil.htm
[3] Nelson, N. (n.d.). Get to know your carrier oils. Accessed November 23, 2015. Retrieved from http://www.diynatural.com/carrier-oils/
[4] Harris, L. (2013). What carriers to use. Accessed November 23, 2015. Retireved from http://www.learningabouteos.com/index.php/2013/08/07/what-carriers-to-use/
[5] Naturally Proven (n.d.). The benefits of Evening Primrose oil. Accessed November 23, 2015. Retrieved from http://www.naturallyproven.com/evening-primrose-oil-carrier-oil/
[6] Herboloy (n.d.). The good oil—a guide to carrier oils. Accessed November 23, 2015. Retrieved from http://www.herbology.com.au/the-good-oil/
