If you use and love essential oils, you’ve most likely used carrier oils in some of your recipes. Maybe you’ve only been using one or two carrier oils, like coconut oil and almond oil. Did you know that there are a bunch of other carrier oils that you can incorporate into your recipes? Each oil has specific properties and benefits that make it a better choice for a specific recipe or usage. By the end of this blog, you’ll know so much more about carrier oils! Next time you make a recipe, you’ll be able to choose the carrier oil that would make the most sense for the purpose of your recipe!
What Are Carrier Oils?
Carrier oils, in aromatherapy, are vegetable oils that are naturally derived from a plant’s fatty portion like seeds, kernels, or nuts. They are mainly used to dilute essential oils and make them safe for topical applications. Hence, the term “carrier”, because they carry essential oils onto the skin and disperse them evenly.
Best Carrier Oils
Like essential oils, carrier oils also have therapeutic benefits and properties that make each one unique. You can choose a carrier oil to use depending on the benefit you’re looking for in a recipe. Here are some of the best carrier oils to choose from.
Fractionated Coconut Oil
Fractionated Coconut Oil, unlike Solid Coconut Oil, is liquid at room temperature. It is expressed and heat processed from coconut oil and is a highly stable, light, and non-greasy oil that absorbs really well on the skin. It can even nourish and soften the skin and correct skin discoloration.
Its odorless and colorless nature makes it the carrier of choice for roll-on recipes where you want the aroma of the essential oils to pop. FCO is a great oil to always have around. It has a long shelf life and is affordable!
Here’s Everything About Fractionated Coconut Oil.
Almond Oil
Almond Oil is cold-pressed from the kernels of sweet almonds. It has a very subtle scent with a hint of nuttiness. It is pale to golden yellow in color and has a medium consistency. When applied to the skin, it leaves a slightly oily feeling but also absorbs relatively quickly. It is rich in vitamins A, B, and E, and oleic acid.
Caution: Though skin reactions are rare, those with nut allergies should consult their doctor before using Sweet Almond Oil.
Here are The Amazing Benefits of Sweet Almond Oil.
Jojoba Oil
Jojoba Oil is cold-pressed from Jojoba seeds. It has a subtly pleasant, slightly nutty aroma and is golden in color. This non-greasy oil with medium consistency is often used as a natural moisturizer as it is known to promote healthy, vibrant skin. It is very similar to our own skin’s natural sebum, making it a great carrier oil for cosmetics and other personal care recipes. Jojoba creates a nice barrier on the skin and will leave a satiny finish. Moreover, Jojoba Oil has a long shelf life.
Camellia Seed Oil
Camellia Seed Oil is cold-pressed from the seeds of the Camellia plant. It has a sharp aroma with a complex texture and has a pale yellow to golden yellow color. Camellia Seed Oil provides high-end skin treatment without extra additives. It is full of antioxidants that help to revitalize and rejuvenate the hair and skin. For mature skin, Camellia Seed softens fine lines and protects against damage caused by age, weather, and sun.
Camellia Seed Oil is easily absorbed into the skin, leaving a smooth finish and a non-greasy feeling.
Here are more reasons Why Camellia Seed Oil Is So Good For You.
Meadowfoam Seed Oil
Meadowfoam Seed Oil is extracted from the seeds of the Meadowfoam plant. It is virtually odorless and is pale yellow to golden yellow in color. Meadowfoam Oil consists of a luxurious blend of antioxidants, fatty acids, and vitamin E. This unique composition enhances the skin’s natural glow while working as an anti-aging moisturizer. As it softens and protects, Meadowfoam’s emollient qualities capture and contain the moisture on the skin and hair.
Meadowfoam absorbs easily into the skin, leaving a silky smooth feeling. It is an excellent carrier oil for skin blends, balms, body butter, and lotions.
Castor Oil
Castor Oil is expeller-pressed from castor seeds. This is a heavy oil with very little. Its fatty and thick nature sits on the skin and creates a thick, shiny, protective layer. It is useful for nourishing sensitive, inflamed, dry, and mature skin.
Avocado Oil
Avocado Oil is cold-pressed from avocado seeds. It has a similar aroma to olive oil, but is slightly milder and is light green in color. It is a thick and rich oil that works best on dry skin. Because it’s heavy oil, it blends best with other carrier oils like Camellia Seed or Meadowfoam.
How Are Carrier Oils Used?
Essential oils are volatile and may cause severe irritation, sensitization, redness, burning, or other reactions when applied to the skin undiluted. Carrier oils, however, are stable oils that are safe for topical use. They are best used to dilute essential oils, reducing their concentration without affecting their therapeutic properties.
Carrier oils can be used as-is or turned into natural body oils, lotions, and other products derived from blended carrier oils.
Storing Carrier Oils
Most carrier oils have a long shelf life but can go rancid over time. Some oils with a shorter shelf life should be used within six months, while others last for a year.
To maximize shelf life, store your carrier oil in dark, air-tight bottles in a cool, dark place. You don’t have to worry about plastic containers, especially if you are to use the oils shortly after purchase. Unlike essential oils, carrier oils can be stored in PET plastic bottles.
Most carrier oils (except Avocado Oil) can also be stored in a refrigerator to prolong their shelf life. Just make sure to give it enough time to return to room temperature before using it.
What is Your Favorite Carrier Oil?
Did you know that carrier oils can be blended to achieve a specific consistency or to combine their therapeutic benefits? Would you want to experiment and blend your favorite carrier oil with other oils? We’d love to hear about it on social media with @fromsimplyearth and in the comments below!
Are you ready to master essential oils? You get FREE access to our Hero Course if you subscribe to our Monthly Essential Oil Recipe Box. With it, you’ll receive 4 pure essential oils, 6 aromatherapist-created recipes, and more—all delivered directly to your door each month for just $44.99/month. Plus, we’ll give you a FREE Big Bonus Box!
Don’t miss out on the all-natural fun that comes with the Recipe Box; get yours today: Subscribe now to learn how to use essential oils!