What Are Carrier Oils And How To I Choose One?

By Author: Kim KJ Jong
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Carrier oils (or base oils) are vegetable oils derived from the oily part of plants like the seeds, nuts or kernals. They are used to dilute essential oils (which are too strong to use in their pure form), and can be used to make a therapeutic massage oil or a facial oil, and treat a number of skin complaints. Typically classed as ‘fixed oils’ because they do not evaporate, carrier oils constitute 98% of a typical aromatherapy treatment, so are more important than you may first think. On average it is advised that you use just 2-6 drops of essential oil for each tablespoon of carrier oil. Choosing suitable carrier oils is an important part of aromatherapy, and although the choice is wide, it may not be as hard as you think.

Because Carrier Oils derive from the fatty parts of the plants (and are lipids), they tend to possess a faintly sweet and nutty aroma. Sweet Almond Oil is almost odourless however, and the scent and properties of carrier oils greatly vary. Most are extracted from seeds and nuts, but Coconut Oil is produced from the fruit’s white flesh and Jojoba Oil comes from a leathery-leaved shrub, creating ...
... more of a liquid than an oil. Adding an essential oil or two will give extra benefits to your carrier oil and give them a more pleasant smell of your selection. Carrier oils do however, have their own aromatherapy qualities. Nearly all oils are softening to skin because of their fat content, so they act as an efficient moisturiser when massaged into skin.

Sweet Almond Oil is the most popular of all of the carrier oils. It is rich in minerals, vitamins, proteins and fatty acids, so is nourishing and revitalises skin. It is versatile and is used extensively in cosmetics and therapeutic skincare, and resists oxidisation so it is a good option for buying in large quantities for massage treatments. Peach and Apricot carrier oils are similarly versatile and can be used for body massage and facial treatments, as they are light and can be absorbed easily by the skin. If you are nervous about nut allergy reactions then try Sunflower or Grapeseed. They offer similar properties but are extracted from seeds.

Evening Primrose carrier oils are rich in an Omega-6 fatty acid named gammalinolenic acid. This is known to limit the signs of aging and helping to repair weather or atmospheric skin damage. It is also thought to sooth hormonal fluctuations and can ease persistent skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis, and is heavy so ideal for use in facial treatments. Evening Primrose Oil is one of the more expensive carrier oils, so it is best to combine with another essential oil like Almond Oil if using for body massage. Jojoba is also a good carrier oil for facial treatments, but may also need diluting for use on the body.

Another health benefit of carrier oils is helping to battle arthritis, which Peanut Oil is said to do. Extra Virgin Olive Oil is used in many cosmetics, and has been long used in its native Mediterranean countries as a successful skin treatment, and it can help heal skin conditions and cuts and wounds. Unrefined Wheat Germ Oil and Avocado Oil are loaded with vitamin E which make them a perfect oil to use for skin with environmental damage. These have a strong smell though so are best for overnight treatments.

It is advisable to look for carrier oils which are blends of two or less plants, and ones which have no additives. The selection of carrier oils is wide, and each have their own properties and benefits. Think about what properties you are looking for in an aromatherapy treatment and look for carrier oils which match these.

Resource

Base Formula are specialist importers, exporters and analysers of 100% natural aromatherapy products, and have been supplying aromatherapists around the world for the past fifteen years. They offer a huge assortment of carrier oils and provide information about the properties of each so you are sure to find one to suit your needs. They also sell 100% pure essential oils, organic essential oils, natural hydrolats and other aromatherapy products, and are registered members of the Aromatherapy Trade Council.