Carrier Oils are a nutrient-rich source of vitamins, proteins, minerals and essential fatty acids and are the pinnacle for the effective and safe use of essential oils. Whether it’s for massage oils, skincare formulations or cosmetic purposes, carrier oils play a key role in aromatherapy and wellness practice.
Eager to know more? Read on.
What Are Carrier Oils?
Carrier oils are made through the extraction of nuts, seeds and kernels that come from various botanical species. These nuts, seeds and kernels are then crushed, pressed, and refined to extract the oil content.
While carrier oils are a staple ingredient in many skin, hair and cosmetic products, their main flex is to help absorb essential oil nutrients into the skin, scalp or hair. Essential oils are far too potent to use on the skin directly, the carrier oil provides a natural “carrier” to allow for safe topical use.
The therapeutic benefits of carrier oils have been used for thousands of years across various ancient medicinal and cosmetic practices. Each with its own unique profile of properties, you can also pair carrier oils with a range of essential oils to assist with various ailments across, skin and hair.
How to Use Carrier Oils with Essential Oils
Carrier oils make the perfect base for the dilution of essential oils and are known to promote a host of topical therapeutic benefits. As a result, carrier oils may assist in areas across skin and hair care; they are also used for muscle and joint pain.
When it comes to essential oil dilution, less is more. It’s important to practice caution when using essential oils and never apply them directly onto the skin due to their high potency. This is why we always recommend safe dilution guides.
As a general guide for adults, we recommend:
- 2-4% dilution for skin application
- 1-2% dilution for facial application
Here’s our helpful guide on how to apply carrier oils when diluting essential oils:
Choosing the Best Carrier Oil for Your Skin
There is no “one-size-fits-all” when it comes to carrier oils. They each feature different aromas and consistencies that may alter their suitability for your skin type. Here are some factors to consider when choosing the best carrier oils:
Carrier Oil Odour
Because some essential oils have a very potent smell, they may not pair well with carrier oils that have a subtle aroma. Some carrier oils may have a faint nutty, earthy or sweet scent, so make sure you choose like-minded essential oils to avoid a disappointing blend.
Carrier Oil Absorption Rate
Carrier oils have different absorption rates - some are heavy, while others are more lightweight. As a result, heavier oils may take longer to penetrate the skin and lightweight oils absorb quicker while the scent disappears faster.
Light oils such as Apricot Kernel Oil and Rosehip Oil absorb fast without leaving a greasy residue or clogging the pores. This makes them suitable for oily skin or hair. Slightly heavier oils with a medium absorption rate like Avocado, Jojoba or Castor Oil tend to have more moisturising qualities and are great for dry skin.
Understand Your Skin Type
Some carrier oils are better off for your skin than others. Heavier oils, for example, are likely to leave behind an unwanted greasy residue and are not the best for oily skin types. But they may exhibit some benefits for those with dry skin by smoothing out complexions and helping to build moisture.
If you’re unsure about what carrier oil is best suited for your skin type, check the recommendations in the product description on our website. Alternatively, speak with your aromatherapy practitioner.
Best Carrier Oils for Essential Oils
No matter what ailment you’re looking to treat, carrier oils are the perfect base to dilute with essential oils. Here are a few of our favourites:
Fractionated Coconut Oil
Fractionated Coconut Oil stays in its liquid form, is clear in colour, has a lightweight consistency and is completely odourless. Perfect to blend with any of your favourite essential oils.
It's filled with protective qualities and essential fatty acids that give your skin a deep sense of hydration and nourishment. Perfect for sensitive and dry skin types.
On the other hand, Fractionated Coconut Oil is known to be a little comedogenic so be wary if you have oily or acne-prone skin.
Jojoba Oil
Jojoba Oil has a delicate, somewhat nutty aroma and contains natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
It’s most well-known to balance oil production due to its ability to closely match our sebum levels.
It doesn’t clog pores, easily absorbs into the skin and can be used on all skin types. It also may help with encouraging collagen production and may be used as a natural make-up remover.
It’s an all-round winner to use as a base with any essential oil.
Apricot Kernel Oil
Apricot Kernel Oil is highly concentrated with omega 6 and 9 essential fatty acids as well as vitamins A, E and K.
It’s lightweight, easily absorbable and super gentle on the skin. It’s a well-known ingredient for cosmetic formulas, serums and lotions, so it’s likely to leave your skin feeling soft, supple and smooth.
If it’s inflammation you’re looking to ease, Apricot Kernel Oil is widely known for its natural anti-inflammatory components.
It may assist to reduce redness, soothe skin irritations and help with skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.
Perfect to use as a base with your favourite essential oil.
Caring for Carrier Oils
Carrier oils are each filled with unique, precious and natural properties and can go rancid quickly if not cared for. This is also why carrier oils tend to be packaged in dark coloured bottles. Shelf life can easily be affected by temperature, light and oxygenation, so it’s important to store them in cool, dark places and away from direct sunlight.
Where To Buy Carrier Oils
While carrier oils are generally available to purchase at health, wellness and retail stores it is important to keep in mind that the quality and purity of these carrier oils will vary. This is why we recommend finding a reputable supplier.
Here at AWO we have a wide selection of carrier oils and organic carrier oils that are sold at reasonable prices. Because our stock is purchased in bulk quantities our costs are significantly less which allows us to offer high-quality products at affordable prices. We are also based right here in Australia!