Aromatherapy Carrier Oil - What Are Carrier Oils

Carrier oils are used to dilute essential oils, Carbon Dioxide and absolutes before applying to the skin. They are also known as base oils or vegetable oils. They are called carrier oils since they carry the essential oil onto the skin. Choice of carrier oil can depend on the therapeutic benefit being sought.

Carrier oils are vegetable oils derived from the fatty portions of the plant generally through cold-pressing. Most oils bought in the grocery store are not cold-pressed. Instead, the oils are heated and therefore have less therapeutic benefit. Unlike essential oils that evaporate and have a concentrated aroma, carrier oils do not evaporate or impart their aroma as strongly as essential oils.

Unlike Essential oils, carrier oils can go rancid. Carrier oils should be natural and unadulterated except if natural vitamin E has been added which acts as a natural preservative.

Below is a list of many of the commonly used carrier oils:

Sweet Almond - a good all-purpose carrier oil to keep in hand.

Apricot Kernel - helpful in massage blends

Avocado - If not carefully used or used in a small dilution with another carrier, it may overpower a blend.

Borage - Is said to be excellent in treating many skin conditions It goes rancid rather quickly

Cocoa Butter - needs to be blended with other materials/oils to be workable. Suitable for use in lotions and creams.

Evening Primrose - excellent in treating many skin conditions. It goes rancid quickly.

Grapeseed - Unlike most other carrier oils, grapeseed oil is solvent extracted and may have trace amounts of chemical solvent remaining.

Hazelnut - a good choice for those with oilier skin

Jojoba - is actually a wax and is frequently blended in a small dilution (10%) with other oils. It has a very long shelf-life.

Kukui - said to be excellent in treating many skin conditions. It goes rancid rather quickly.

Macadamia Nut - If not carefully used or used in a small dilution with another carrier, it may overpower a blend.

Olive - If not carefully used or used in a small dilution with another carrier, it may overpower a blend.

Peanut - should not be used by anyone that has an allergy to peanuts. It is said to be a good choice for inclusion in massage blends. It has been said that it is a good oil to use for those with arthritis.

Pecan - goes rancid somewhat quickly.

Rose Hip - said to be excellent in treating many skin conditions. It goes rancid rather quickly.

Sesame - may overpower a blend if not diluted with another carrier oil

Shea Butter - Suitable for use in lotions and creams.

Sunflower- strive to get unrefined oil

AROMATHERAPY CARRIER OILS