What are Carrier Oils?
Pictured above is a variety of cold pressed vegetable oils ranging in colour from clear Fractionated Coconut Oil to dark Avocado Oil
A carrier oil is a vegetable oil derived from the fatty portion of a plant, usually from the seeds, kernels or the nuts.
If applied to the skin undiluted, essential oils, absolutes, CO2s and other concentrated aromatics can cause severe irritation, sensitization, redness or burning or other reactions. Carrier oils are used to dilute essential and other oils prior to topical application (it’s important to be sure to dilute essential oils adequately). The term carrier oil is derived from their purpose in carrying the essential oil onto the skin. Aloe vera gel and unscented body lotion are also commonly used as “carriers.” For the scope of this article, however, we will be focusing upon the use of natural vegetable oils as carriers.
Each carrier oil offers a different combination of properties and characteristics. The choice of carrier oil can depend on the benefit being sought.
Natural lotions, creams, body oils, bath oils, lip balms and other moisturizing skin care products are also made using vegetable (carrier) oils. From a simple essential oil/carrier oil blend to a more complex natural lotion, your choice of carrier oil can make a difference in the properties, color, overall aroma and shelf life of your final product.
Adding essential oil, drop by drop, to a tablespoon of carrier oil.
How to select the carrier oil you need
There are many carrier oils available. Most are suitable to use with any essential oil, but you should consider a few things before choosing one.
- Odor: A few carrier oils have a distinct odor. When added to an essential oil, it may alter the aroma.
- Absorption: Your skin can absorb some carrier oils better than others.
- Skin type: Depending on your skin type, some oils may irritate skin or worsen a skin condition such as acne.
- Shelf life: Some carrier oils can be stored for longer periods than others without going bad.
Essential Oils vs. Carrier Oils
Essential oils are distilled from the leaves, bark, roots and other aromatic portions of a botanical. Essential oils evaporate and have a concentrated aroma. Carrier oils, on the other hand, are pressed from the fatty portions (seeds, nuts, kernels) and do not evaporate or impart their aroma as strongly as essential oils. Carrier oils can go rancid over time, but essential oils do not. Instead, essential oils “oxidize” and lose their therapeutic benefits, but they don’t go rancid.
Vegetable Oils are Also Known as Carrier Oils or Base Oils
The term carrier oil is generally limited to use within the practice of aromatherapy. In natural skin care, carrier oils are typically referred to as vegetable oils, fixed oils or base oils. Not all fixed oils/base oils are vegetable oils. Emu oil (from the emu bird) and fish (marine) oils are also classified as fixed/base oils, but these animal-based oils are generally not used for aromatherapy work.
After reading this article, be sure to also view AromaWeb’s Guide to Carrier Oils to view profiles and properties for many carrier oils used in aromatherapy and skin/hair care.
The Aroma of Carrier Oils
Some carrier oils are odorless, but generally speaking, most have a faintly sweet, nutty aroma. If you come across a carrier oil that has a strong, bitter aroma, the carrier oil may have gone rancid, but some carriers such as Neem or Tamanu are very potent. See the Carrier Oils and Rancidity section of this article for information on rancidity.
Examples of Vegetable Oils that are Commonly Used as Carrier Oils in Aromatherapy:
Coconut oil
Coconut oil is an edible oil made from the meat of mature coconuts. It’s available in refined or unrefined varieties.
Unrefined coconut oil comes from fresh coconut meat. It’s not processed with chemicals and retains its coconut aroma and flavor.
Refined coconut oil comes from dried coconut meat, also called copra. It’s bleached and deodorized to remove contaminants, as well as the distinct coconut aroma and flavor. Refined coconut isn’t all-natural and isn’t recommended for use as a carrier oil.
Uses: Coconut oil contains skin-nourishing fatty acids and polyphenols, which make it a great carrier oil for massage oils and skin care preparations.
2. Jojoba oil
Jojoba oil comes from the seeds of the jojoba plant. It has a delicate, nutty aroma. Technically, jojoba isn’t an oil, but a wax with powerful moisturizing properties. It’s thought to closely mimic sebum, the skin’s natural oil.
Using jojoba oil may help reduce the skin’s oil production in acne-prone people by making the skin think it’s produced enough oil.
Uses: Jojoba oil absorbs easily in the skin and doesn’t clog pores. This makes it a good carrier oil option for massage oils, facial moisturizers, and bath oils.
3. Apricot kernel oil
Apricot kernel oil is made from apricot seeds, also known as kernels. It’s an emollient oil high in fatty acids and vitamin E. It absorbs easily into the skin and has a slightly sweet, nutty scent. You can buy edible apricot kernel oil, or apricot kernel oil for cosmetic use only.
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.
4. Sweet almond oil
Sweet almond oil has a strong, nutty aroma. It’s an edible oil made from the kernels of sweet almonds. The oil is lightweight and absorbs easily, and is a great moisturizer for dry skin.
It’s also used in general aromatherapy, but its strong scent may mask an essential oil’s aroma.
Uses: Sweet almond oil is one of the most popular carrier oils for skin care. It’s great in massage oils, bath oils, and soaps.
5. Olive oil
Olive oil comes from pressed olives. It’s best known as a healthy, edible oil with a fruity aroma, but it’s also used in aromatherapy as a carrier oil.
Extra-virgin olive oil is the preferred variety for aromatherapy and skin care preparations. Olive oil’s scent may interfere with the scent of some essential oils.
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.
6. Argan oil
Argan oil is made from kernels found inside the fruit of argan trees, which are native to Morocco. The oil is edible and is traditionally used to nourish the body inside and out. It has a nutty aroma and is rich in vitamins A and E, and monounsaturated fatty acids.
Uses: Argan oil can help treat dry skin and hair, wrinkles, and skin inflammation. This makes it a terrific carrier oil for general skin care and massage oils.
7. Rosehip oil
Rosehips are the seeds of the Rosa rubiginosa bush or the Rosa moschata bush. The flowers of both bushes look different from traditional roses. When these flowers die and drop their petals, the rosehip is left behind. Rosehip oil is pressed from rosehips.
Rosehip oil doesn’t smell like a rose, though. It has a nutty, earthy scent.
Uses: Rosehip oil is high in vitamins A and C. Vitamin A is a natural retinoid that helps fight aging, and both vitamins can help reverse the effects of the sun on your skin. Use it as a carrier oil for dry skin remedies, massage oils, and moisturizers.
8. Black seed oil
Black seed oil is made from the Nigella sativa plant. Although it’s lesser known than other carrier oils, it’s richTrusted Source with unsaturated and saturated fatty acids. It’s also thought to have anti-inflammatory abilities.
Uses: Black seed oil is often used as a folk remedy to soothe skin conditions including eczema, acne, and psoriasis. With this in mind, it’s a great choice for facial care, massage oils, and general skin care.
9. Grape seed oil
Grape seed oil comes from grape seeds. It’s a byproduct of the winemaking process. It’s rich in vitamin E, a nutrient thought to heal the skin and reduce wrinkles, although scientific research is inconsistent.
Uses: Grape seed 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.
10. Avocado oil
Avocado oil is a heavy, thick, edible oil made from avocado fruit. It has a nutty aroma.
Avocado oil is high in oleic acid, a monounsaturated fatty acid thought to help dry, damaged skin.
Uses: This can be a good carrier oil for dry skin remedies and body creams — unless you’re dealing with acne. Avocado oil may increase sebum production, so if your skin is acne-prone, check with your dermatologist before use.
11. Sunflower oil
Sunflower oil is an edible oil extracted from sunflower seeds. It has a neutral odor.
The oil is said to act as a skin barrier against toxins and germs that cause infection, making it a great choice for irritated skin.
Uses: It’s thought to help soften skin, moisturize skin, and soothe irritation, so add this carrier oil to your massage oils or use for general skin care.
BEESWAX
Beeswax is another one of those ingredients that you will want to have on hand when you start making your own skincare products. Not only does it have amazing benefits for the skin, but it also helps to thicken and give homemade lotion the correct consistency.
With it’s antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties, this ingredient can be very helpful for sunburned, chapped, or dry skin. It forms a protective wall by sealing moisture in the skin without clogging up the pores.
Beeswax is another one of those ingredients that you will want to have on hand when you start making your own skincare products. Not only does it have amazing benefits for the skin, but it also helps to thicken and give homemade lotion the correct consistency.
With it’s antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties, this ingredient can be very helpful for sunburned, chapped, or dry skin. It forms a protective wall by sealing moisture in the skin without clogging up the pores.
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 prior to using.
To perform a patch test:
- Add a small amount of carrier oil to the inside of your wrist or just below your ear.
- Cover the oil with a bandage.
- Check back on the area after 24 hours.
- 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. This includes sweet almond oil, argan oil, and apricot kernel oil.
When diluting essential oils with a carrier oil, it’s important 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
Always store carrier oils in a cool, dark place, preferably in the refrigerator. You should also keep them in a dark glass bottle.
The bottom line
Carrier oils make it possible to use essential oils safely. They also help nourish and moisturize your skin. Not all oils make good carrier oils, though. You should avoid using things like butter, petroleum jelly, and mineral oil.
Whatever oil you choose, avoid using it on your lips, eyes, or other sensitive areas after it’s been mixed with an essential oil. However, you can safely apply carrier oil alone to these areas.
