Essential oils are the main components of aromatherapy and are often too concentrated to be applied directly to the skin. Moreover, applying them directly may worsen the skin ailment. The solution? Carrier oils. These dilute the essential oils and help reduce their harsh effects on the skin. So, which carrier oils are the best? How to choose them?
This article explores the 10 best carrier oil options available, their benefits, and tips to use them effectively. Keep reading to learn more.
Did You Know?Genuine carrier oils are usually macerated vegetable oils. Therefore, vegetable oil is another name for a carrier oil.
In This Article
What Are Carrier Oils?
Shutterstock
Carrier oils are naturally derived from nuts, seeds, and the kernels of plants. These oils augment the healing process intended by the use of a base (essential) oil. They are mostly odorless and help carry the base oil into the skin through enhanced absorption. Carrier oils also make it possible to apply essential oils directly to the skin without causing rashes, irritation, or burns. They dilute the concentration of the base oils, especially the hot oils that might otherwise scald the skin. Moreover, carrier oils also have antimicrobial properties and enhance the performance of the base oil. Also, their non-volatile characteristics may help increase the shelf life of essential oils (1).
Stylecraze TriviaAlthough carrier oils do not contain any concentrated aroma, some, like olive, may have a subtle, distinctive smell.
A plethora of carrier oils are available for use in aromatherapy. You may choose them based on their source, concentration level, and purity. In the next section, we list some highly effective and viable carrier oils. Keep reading.
Types Of Carrier Oils
Shutterstock
1. Fractionated Coconut Oil (Cocos nucifera): It is an edible oil with a great skin-penetrating effect and is derived from the mature meat of coconut (2). Coconut oil has fatty acids and polyphenols in its unrefined, natural form that nourish the skin (3). However, it becomes viable as a carrier oil when its thick fatty acid chains are separated through fractionation.
2. Sweet Almond Oil (Oleum amygdalae): This edible oil, derived by crushing mature almond kernels, is light in consistency but has a strong nutty aroma. It also works wonders as a massage and carrier oil in aromatherapy and in manufacturing soaps, bath oils, and more (4).
Almond oil also has moisturizing and emollient properties. It has historically been used to treat dry skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. Anecdotal evidence also suggests that this oil helps reduce post-operative scars besides improving complexion (5).
Related: 9 Amazing Health Benefits Of Almond Oil And Side Effects
3. Jojoba Oil (Simmondsia chinensis): Jojoba oil, as both carrier and essential oil, has many benefits. Jojoba plants produce wax (mostly in seeds) in large amounts. Hence, the oil contains almost 98% pure waxes (mainly wax esters and a few free fatty acids, alcohols, and hydrocarbons). These wax esters have many applications in dermatology (6).
Jojoba oil has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiviral properties and may help treat several skin conditions, wounds, and burns. It also moisturizes the skin and improves the skin barrier function (6),(7).
“Jojoba oil is non-allergenic and chemically similar to the dermal layer of the skin from a structural perspective. Jojoba offers a more significant depth of absorption than many other carrier oils and is incredibly moisturizing for the skin,” says Adora Winquist, an experienced aromatherapist.
4. Sunflower Oil (Helianthus annus): It is an edible oil extracted from sunflower seeds and has a neutral odor. It is rich in linoleic acid, which makes this oil an ideal ingredient in skin products. The oil acts as a skin barrier against infectious toxins and germs and helps treat irritated skin.
Besides, sunflower oil keeps the skin hydrated and improves the skin barrier function. Sesamol, one of its key constituents, has chemopreventive effects and may reduce the risk of skin cancer (8), (9).
Shutterstock
Related: 7 Amazing Benefits Of Sunflower Oil, Nutrition, & Side Effects
5. Apricot Kernel Oil (Prunus armeniaca L.): Apricot kernel oil is extracted by cold-pressing the temperate-zone fruit that is mainly found in Asia. It is a significant source of oleic acid, linoleic acid, phytosterols, polyphenols, carotenoids, α-, γ- and δ-tocopherol, vitamin C, thiamin, riboflavin, and niacin (10).
This oil has traditionally been used to treat skin diseases like psoriasis, vaginal infections, furuncle (an infection of hair follicles), acne, and dandruff (10),(c11).
Besides, apricot kernel oil has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties. Applying it topically may protect the skin against free radicals, and promote skin barrier function and wound healing. Moreover, it penetrates the skin easily and doesn’t leave the skin feeling oily.
Apricot kernel oil is widely used in making moisturizers, face scrubs, lip balms, UV protection moisturizers/ointments, and baby oils. Besides, it is also added to essential oils used for hair, body, and massage. This oil may also help relieve backache and joint aches (12).
Related: Apricot Oil For Skin: Benefits And 5 Easy Ways To Use
6. Blackseed Oil (Nigella sativa): Black seeds are traditionally used to treat headaches, coughs, abdominal pain, diarrhea, asthma, rheumatism, and more. The seeds of this plant are phytochemically rich and are much researched pharmacologically.
The blackseed oil extract contains antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, analgesic (pain-relieving), and antimicrobial properties due to the presence of thymoquinone (13).
Related: Black Seed Oil Benefits For Skin, How To Apply, & Side Effects
7. Argan Oil (Argania spinosa): Argan oil is extracted from finely crushed kernels through cold-pressing. It can be enriched with antioxidants, making it the most suitable carrier oil for cosmetic therapy.
The oil is rich in fatty acids and also contains polyphenols, tocopherols, sterols, squalene, and triterpene alcohols (14). “Argan oil is one of the most popular and noteworthy oils for hair and skin due to its rich profile of fatty acids. It also contains vitamin E, which is a potent antioxidant for the body from head to toe. It also supports skin cell regeneration, lending itself as a top choice for wound and scar tissue healing,” says Adora.
8. Rosehip Oil (Rosa rubiginosa/Rosa moschata): Rosehip oil is extracted by cold pressing select varieties of rose flower-hips after the petals have withered. It is mildly scented and complements essential oils in treating skin disorders.
The oil is rich in unsaturated fatty acids and antioxidants, and protects against inflammation and oxidative stress. Applying the oil topically may help treat various skin conditions like acne, eczema, neurodermatitis (chronic itching and scaling), and cheilitis (inflamed lips) (8). Besides, it may help accelerate wound healing and reduce scars, including that of acne (15). Its diluted form is also used as a cleanser, moisturizer, and makeup remover.
Adora says, “Rosehip seed is a vitamin C-rich carrier you can add to your skin care regime. Add this oil in a smaller ratio, approximately 5 percent of your overall blend, as an anti-aging serum. It also carries anti-inflammatory properties and is often used for rosacea.”
9. Avocado Oil (Persea americana): Avocado oil, obtained by a cold extraction method, retains a majority of bioactive phytochemicals. It is a strong preservant of the essential oil and does not interfere with the base oils. Avocado oil is also less greasy and scented than other carrier oils, making it one of the best in aromatherapy.
Subscribe
Avocado oil is rich in linoleic acid, linolenic acid, and oleic acid besides containing β-sitosterol, β-carotene, lecithin, minerals, and vitamins A, C, D, and E. It helps nourish dry, damaged, or chapped skin. Moreover, topical application of the oil was found to accelerate wound healing and increase collagen production in rats (8).
Related: 5 Benefits Of Avocado Oil For Skin, How To Use, And Warnings
10. Grapeseed Oil (Vitis vinifera): It is made from discarded grape seeds after the pulp is extracted for making wine. The oil is rich in vitamin E, linoleic acid, omega fatty acids, phenolic compounds, and antioxidants. Studies suggest that the oil may help close the wound faster (8).
According to another study, grapeseed extract may significantly moisturize skin, improve skin tone, and slow down premature aging signs like wrinkles. Besides, grapeseed oil is also used as an emollient in cosmetic products (16).
Many of these carrier oils can benefit the skin on their own too. But how do these oils behave when mixed with an essential oil? What benefits do they offer? Keep reading to know.
Carrier Oil Benefits
Shutterstock
According to Adora Winquist, the aromatherapist, following are the benefits of using carrier oils:
- Carrier oils work as a key delivery method for essential oils.
- They offer their phytonutrients (vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants) through massage, skin care, hair care, and other body care products.
- The skin, the largest organ of the body, requires deep levels of hydration. Drinking water addresses our internal process while vitamin-rich carrier oils support hydration externally, moisturizing the skin to ensure its subtle elasticity.
- Carrier oils also offer their protective and healing properties to the skin, with many of them containing natural antibacterial activity.
Choosing the right carrier oil is important based on the essential oil being used and your skin type. Read on to understand how you can choose your carrier oil.
How To Choose Carrier Oils
Shutterstock
Here are a few tips for picking the right carrier oil:
- Make sure to check if the oil has any distinct or pungent odors. It may affect the aroma of your essential oil.
- Check how your skin absorbs the carrier oil. Some carrier oils are easier to be absorbed than others.
- Adora warns, “People who have nut or other idiosyncratic allergies may be allergic to almond oil, coconut oil, or olive oil. So, you can conduct a patch test to see if there is any irritation or sensitization, which involves the immune system and causes what look like irritations.”
- Apply a drop of the carrier oil to the area under your ear.
- Cover it with a band-aid for 24 hours to see if you have any irritation or rashes.
- It would be better if the carrier oil has a longer shelf life.
What should the concentrations of the carrier oil and base oil be? Following are some guidelines you must follow to achieve better results.
For Adults:
- 5% dilution: 15 drops of essential oil in 6 teaspoons of carrier oil
- 3% dilution: 20 drops of essential oil in 6 teaspoons of carrier oil
- 10% dilution: 60 drops of essential oil in 6 teaspoons of carrier oil
For Children
- 5% to 1% dilution: 3 to 6 drops of essential oil in 6 teaspoons of carrier oil.
Note: There is insufficient scientific data on the recommended concentrations of carrier and base oils. Consult a doctor before using them.
Adora Winquist gives the following advice for those using aromatherapy:
- A standard therapeutic dilution rate is 15 drops of one essential oil or synergy of 3 to 5 essential oils to 1 oz. (30 ml) of your carrier oil. In plant medicine, a synergy offers greater potency and efficacy than the use of a single essential oil.
- Always use dark(blue/brown) glass for storing and mixing oils. Keep them away from exposure to direct heat and sunlight.
- Any blends that are mixed with carrier oil will last up to 6 months.
- Shake well before use to maintain the synergistic balance of the formula.
Carrier oils are made from the nuts and kernels of plants that help dilute essential oils for better absorption. Since essential oils are highly concentrated and may cause skin irritation, carrier oils are mixed with them to enhance their effectiveness. Incorporating carrier oils such as grapeseed oil or coconut oil into your skin care routine can nourish, hydrate, and heal your skin. Remember to mix the oils properly and store them in airtight containers to avoid exposure to the sun and contamination. Conduct a patch test before application.
