From grapeseed to jojoba, Carrier oils play an important role in ‘carrying’ essential oils to your skin. They each have unique properties and benefits.
What are carrier oils?
Carrier oils are naturally derived or extracted from vegetarian sources like from the nuts, seeds or kernels of plants. They have a neutral scent and dilute concentrated essential oils and absolutes so they can be safely applied to the skin in spa massages and aromatherapy. They are so named because they carry the essential oil onto the skin.
Essential oils alone are volatile; they begin to dissipate as soon as they are applied. Carrier oils do not contain a concentrated aroma, unlike essential oils, though some, such as olive, have a mild distinctive smell. Neither do they evaporate like essential oils, which are more volatile.
The carrier oils used should be as natural and unadulterated as possible. Many people feel organic oils are of higher quality. Cold-pressing and maceration are the two main methods of producing carrier oils.
Vegetable shortening, margarine and animal products like butter cannot be used as carrier oils. Neither can petroleum jelly.
Why do we need carrier oils?
Diluting essential oils is a critical safety practice. Essential oils are volatile, which means they evaporate quickly and contain the natural scent and characteristics of the plant they’re derived from. This can make them too strong to use directly and can result in skin irritation if applied undiluted. This is where Carrier oils come in. They do not evaporate or have a strong scent or aroma, which makes them ideal for diluting essential oils – this helps essential oil companies reduce the concentration of the essential oil without diminishing its properties. The rate of dispersion will vary based on how light or heavy the carrier oil is. Also, based on the essential oils you are using, you have full control on concentration levels by deciding the ratio of each essential oil to carrier oil. As they are fairly neutral, carrier oils complement essential oils and are an excellent choice for skin and hair products such as massage oils, scrubs, salves, lotions and balms.
But there’s more to carrier oils than meets the eye. Different carrier oils carry their own amazing therapeutic properties based on the essential fatty acids and natural nutrients they contain, that might often get overlooked as most of the focus is on the essential oils being paired with them. These characteristics of each carrier oil influence their unique application and their shelf-life. Pairing your essential oils with the right carrier oils can be extremely beneficial in realising the full benefits of what you are trying to achieve.
For massage, viscosity is a major consideration; for example, grape seed oil is typically very thin, while olive oil is much thicker. Sunflower, sweet almond and grape seed oils have viscosities midway between these extremes. Carrier oils can be easily blended to combine their properties of viscosity, acceptability, lubrication, absorption, aroma and so forth.
All carrier oils should be kept cool, and away from strong light, to retard rancidification. Rancid oils should be avoided. Refrigerating oils helps preserve their freshness but some oils should not be refrigerated (e.g. avocado). Very cold oils may appear cloudy, but regain their clear state on returning to room temperature.
Here are some of the most important carrier oils:
Coconut Oil
By far coconut oil is one of the most popular carrier oils used to dilute essential oils and for good reason. Coconut Oil contains 92% saturated fat, contains natural moisturising properties and is packed full of super rich antioxidants, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Its almost 50% content of lauric acid means that coconut oil can retain a long shelf life and improve good cholesterol (HDL). Fractionated coconut oil which is liquid at room temperature and has almost no aroma is ideal as a carrier oil.
Argan Oil
Best known for its anti-ageing properties and promoting hair growth and repairing hair damage and split ends, argan oil is a carrier oil that is loaded with rich, nourishing properties and healing benefits. It is extracted from kernels inside the fruit of argan trees, native to Morocco. It is one of the best oils to use for regenerating skin cells, making it an excellent choice for anti-aging salves and lotions.
Avocado Oil
The fruit of the avocado tree is almost one-third oil and is one of the thickest, most luxurious oils Avocado oil is also a good oil to use for anti-aging as it contains palmitoleic acid, and this carrier oil is ideal for irritable skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema. Due to its high viscosity, avocado oil dries slowly making it a good carrier oil for massage. To make it more free flowing, it can be blended with another carrier oil such as olive oil or sweet almond oil.
Grapeseed Oil
Just like the name suggests, grapeseed oil is extracted from the seeds of grapes. Grape seeds are loaded with antioxidants and other beneficial nutrients. It does not make skin greasy, has antiseptic properties and is a mild astringent, making it a good carrier oil for acne-prone skin or oily skin. Being lighter than coconut oil for example, grapeseed oil is rich in Vitamin E, a nutrient to help reduce wrinkles, fine lines and heal skin.
Jojoba Oil
Jojoba oil is extracted from the liquid produced inside the seed of the jojoba plant. Although referred to as an oil, it’s actually a liquid plant wax. Comprised of over 75% eicosenoic acid, a long omega-9 fatty acid that cannot be digested by humans, but most closely resembles human sebum – jojoba oil is famous for being the carrier oil that is closest to the natural oil secretions of human skin. The oil has a light nutty aroma and with its ability to resist oxidation, it has a long shelf-life. Its high rate of absorption make it one of the top carrier oils.
Olive Oil
Extracted from the fruit of the olive tree, olive oil is a light oil with a fruity aroma that is not overpowering so it works well for blending most essential oils. The oil contains 75% monounsaturated omega-9 fatty acid, antioxidants, anti-inflammatory properties and Vitamin E. Olive oil is used for dry skin without clogging skin pores and great for dandruff and frizzy hair. Unrefined extra virgin olive oil is the best as no heat or chemicals are used in the extraction process and it contains the highest concentration of oleic acid.
Sunflower Oil
Sunflower Oil is extracted from sunflower seeds. Sunflower Oil is rich in Vitamins A, C and D and contains antioxidants to regenerate new skin cells. The oil is used as a skin barrier for germs and toxins that cause skin infections and used to moisturise and sooth irritated skin.
Sweet Almond Oil
Highly rich in Vitamin E and an excellent natural antioxidant, sweet almond oil is extracted from the dried fruit of the almond tree. Being non-greasy and hypoallergenic, it makes an excellent massage oil and its rich Vitamin E content can actually help repair damage in the collagen layer of the skin, making facial skin supple and reducing wrinkles. The oil has a high concentration of essential fatty acids and helps to soothe skin irritation and relieve inflammation.
Rosehip Oil
Rosehip Oil is extracted from the seeds of the rosa moschata bush or rosa rubiginosa bush. Rosehip oil contains essential fatty acids, including a natural retinoid that helps fight ageing. With its naturally high dose of Vitamins A and C, it can help reverse the effects of the sun on your skin.
Moringa Oil
Extracted from the seeds of the Moringa Oleifera (drumstick) tree, the oil has been used for centuries and has some amazing medicinal properties for skin and hair health. Cold-pressed moringa oil is rich in antioxidants and is a powerful anti-inflammatory. Moringa oil works wonders for the skin as a fast-absorbing natural moisturiser and can also accelerate wound healing. It makes an excellent natural conditioner to nourish the hair and scalp and can protect the hair from UV radiation and environmental damage.
Castor Oil
Obtained from the seeds of the castor bean plant, castor oil has been used for centuries to treat constipation, ailments of the skin and improve hair health. It contains ricinoleic acid, a rare unsaturated fatty acid that is found in high-quality cold-pressed castor oil and provides many healing benefits such as enhancing immunity through improving the lymphatic system, which in turn helps the body to detoxify, positively impacts circulation and supports the digestive system.
