Carrier Oils: Benefits, Types and Uses
Carrier oils are essential for safely applying potent essential oils to the skin. They work by diluting concentrated oils without reducing their effectiveness, making them gentler and safer for topical use. Extracted from nuts, seeds, fruits, and vegetables, these oils are rich in essential fatty acids, offering numerous benefits such as hydration, anti-inflammatory properties, and nourishment. By enhancing the absorption of essential oils, carrier oils make them more effective and beneficial for skin health. Here's an in-depth look at popular carrier oils, their unique benefits, and how to best incorporate them into your skincare routine for optimal results.
Why Use Carrier Oils with Essential Oils?
Diluting essential oils with carrier oils not only reduces the risk of irritation but also ensures even application and absorption. Contrary to common misconceptions, using a carrier oil does not weaken the power of essential oils. In fact, it helps prevent them from becoming overpowering, allowing you to enjoy their benefits more comfortably. Carrier oils also improve coverage, making it easier to apply essential oils to larger areas of the body.
What Are Carrier Oils?
Carrier oils are natural, plant-derived oils rich in fatty acids, vitamins, and nutrients that make them essential for skincare, hair care, and massage. They serve as more than just a base for diluting essential oils; they also enhance hydration, soothe skin conditions, and support overall skin health. Unlike volatile essential oils, which are too concentrated for direct application, carrier oils are non-volatile and provide an ideal medium for absorption. Packed with nutrients like antioxidants and fatty acids, they nourish and protect the skin, making them beneficial on their own. Whether you're creating a massage oil, facial serum, or body lotion, carrier oils offer a foundation for achieving healthy, glowing skin.
How to Dilute Essential Oils with Carrier Oils
Dilution is crucial when using essential oils, as undiluted essential oils can cause skin irritation or sensitivity. Carrier oils allow for the safe application of essential oils while maintaining their therapeutic properties. A general dilution guideline is for every ounce of carrier oil, add about 6-12 drops of essential oil, depending on its potency and your desired concentration. Always ensure you research the specific essential oils, for proper dilution, you're using to prevent adverse skin reactions.
Popular Carrier Oils and Their Benefits
Here are some of the most commonly used carrier oils, each offering unique benefits:
Apricot Kernel Oil
Light scent, softens and soothes skin, moisturizing, great for sensitive and mature skin, absorbs well. Apricot kernel oil is extracted from the seeds (kernels) of apricots (Prunus armeniaca). Known for its light texture and rich nutrient profile, this oil is widely used in skincare and cosmetic formulations. It offers various benefits for the skin and hair due to its high content of essential fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants.
Avocado Oil
Rich and nourishing, great for dry or mature skin, absorbs well but can feel slightly oily at first. Avocado oil is a nutrient-rich oil extracted from the flesh of the avocado fruit (Persea americana). Known for its deep green color and creamy texture, avocado oil is packed with vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats, making it a popular choice in both culinary and cosmetic applications. As a carrier oil, it is particularly valued for its moisturizing properties and ability to nourish the skin.
Evening Primrose Oil
Subtle sweet scent, ideal for skin conditions like eczema, anti-inflammatory, healing. Evening primrose oil is derived from the seeds of the evening primrose plant (Oenothera biennis), which is native to North America. Known for its rich content of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an essential omega-6 fatty acid, evening primrose oil is widely used in skincare and health supplements for its various therapeutic properties. Its unique composition makes it beneficial for both skin and overall health.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Deeply moisturizing, soothing, with anti-inflammatory properties, but heavier in texture. Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is a popular and versatile carrier oil derived from the first cold pressing of olives. Known for its rich nutrient profile, EVOO is highly regarded in skincare for its moisturizing, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. It is suitable for a variety of uses, from nourishing dry skin to helping soothe inflammation. Extra virgin olive oil is a thicker oil, making it ideal for heavier moisturizing and repair treatments for the skin, hair, and nails.
Fractionated Coconut Oil (FCO)
Fractionated Coconut Oil has no scent, moisturizing, easily absorbed, suitable for most skin types. Fractionated coconut oil is a refined version of regular coconut oil that has been processed to remove long-chain fatty acids, leaving only the medium-chain fatty acids. This process makes the oil stay liquid at room temperature and extends its shelf life. Fractionated coconut oil is popular in skincare, hair care, and aromatherapy because of its light texture, fast absorption, and versatility as a carrier oil.
Grapeseed Oil
Light, non-greasy, excellent for oily or sensitive skin, nourishes mature skin. Grapeseed oil is a lightweight, non-greasy carrier oil extracted from the seeds of grapes, typically as a byproduct of winemaking. Known for its moisturizing, antioxidant-rich, and skin-balancing properties, grapeseed oil is highly regarded in skincare and hair care. It’s a versatile oil suitable for a variety of skin types, especially for those with oily or acne-prone skin due to its non-comedogenic nature.
Hazelnut Oil
Nutty scent, hydrating, soothing, great for sensitive or combination skin, absorbs quickly. Hazelnut oil is a nutrient-rich carrier oil extracted from the kernels of hazelnuts (Corylus avellana). Known for its light texture and fast absorption, hazelnut oil is highly regarded in skincare for its astringent, moisturizing, and nourishing properties. It’s particularly beneficial for oily or combination skin due to its ability to balance oil production, but it also provides hydration and protection for all skin types.
Jojoba Oil
Light and easily absorbed, resembles the skin’s natural oils, excellent for all skin types, non-greasy. Jojoba oil is a versatile and lightweight carrier oil extracted from the seeds of the jojoba plant (Simmondsia chinensis), which is native to desert regions in North America. Unlike most carrier oils, jojoba oil is technically a liquid wax ester, closely resembling the skin’s natural sebum. This makes it incredibly compatible with all skin types and particularly effective for balancing, moisturizing, and healing the skin and hair.
Rosehip Oil
Earthy scent, renowned for its anti-aging properties, heals scars and improves skin elasticity. Rosehip oil is a nourishing and regenerative carrier oil extracted from the seeds of wild rose bushes, particularly Rosa canina or Rosa rubiginosa. It’s highly prized in the skincare world due to its powerful anti-aging, healing, and moisturizing properties. Packed with essential fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants, rosehip oil is ideal for improving skin tone, texture, and overall appearance.
Safflower Oil
Light scent, moisturizing, perfect for sensitive or irritated skin. Safflower oil is a versatile and lightweight carrier oil derived from the seeds of the safflower plant (Carthamus tinctorius). It’s well-known for its high content of linoleic acid (omega-6), making it ideal for improving skin texture and promoting overall skin health. This oil is widely used in skincare, cosmetics, and hair care due to its gentle nature and non-comedogenic properties.
Sweet Almond Oil
Light nutty scent, moisturizing, anti-inflammatory, nourishing for dry skin, slightly oily until absorbed. Sweet almond oil is a lightweight, nutrient-rich carrier oil derived from the seeds of sweet almonds (Prunus amygdalus var. dulcis). Known for its gentle, soothing properties, it's widely used in skincare, hair care, and massage due to its moisturizing and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Tamanu Oil
Heavier scent, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial, ideal for dry, damaged, or mature skin. Tamanu oil is a powerful and versatile carrier oil known for its impressive skin-healing and anti-inflammatory properties. Extracted from the nuts of the Calophyllum inophyllum tree (Tamanu tree), native to Southeast Asia and Polynesia, tamanu oil has been used traditionally for centuries in various cultures to treat a wide range of skin ailments.
Storage and Shelf Life of Carrier Oils
To prolong the shelf life of carrier oils, store them in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Most carrier oils last between 6 - 10 months to a year, but some, like grapeseed oil, have shorter lifespans. Proper storage ensures that your oils remain effective and fresh for as long as possible. Refrigeration can extend the lifespan of oils prone to spoilage, such as avocado or flaxseed oil.
Tips for Using Carrier Oils
Melting and Blending: When combining carrier oils with essential oils, gently warm the carrier oil using a double boiler to help mix ingredients evenly.
Customizing Ratios: Start with smaller batches to test how your skin responds, and adjust the essential oil concentration to suit your specific needs.
Storage: Store carrier oils in cool, dark places, and use them within their shelf life (6-12 months depending on the oil) to preserve their beneficial properties.
Conclusion
Carrier oils are more than just a base for essential oils - they provide hydration, nourishment, and healing benefits on their own. By selecting the right carrier oil for your skin type and blending it with essential oils, you can create customized skincare solutions that are both safe and effective. Whether you’re making massage oils, moisturizers, or facial serums, carrier oils are an essential component for any DIY beauty regimen.
