A carrier oil is a vegetable oil derived from the fatty portion of a plant, usually the seed, nut or kernels. Carrier oils on their own have different therapeutic properties and are used to dilute essential oils before they are applied to the skin. A carrier oil will also help “carry” the essential oil into the skin.
Why Use a Carrier Oil?
Since essential oils should evaporate, it’s best to dilute the essential oil with a carrier oil before applying it to your skin. By doing this, you are getting more essential oil into your skin which means you need LESS essential oil! Plus the therapeutic properties of the essential oil will ONLY be strengthened by the carrier oil. Another reason you need to dilute essential oils is because they are strong and should be used with care.
Choosing a Carrier Oil:
Cold-pressed from the almond kernel, Sweet Almond Oil contains oleic acid, essential unsaturated fatty acids, sterolins and even vitamin E. This oil is an excellent emollient which softens and reconditions the skin, making it ideal for massage, oil cleansing or adding to your bath.
Grapeseed carrier oil is a versatile oil containing numerous essential fatty acids and is perfect for soothing away dryness and irritation. Grapeseed is non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores) and is suitable for all skin types. It is the preferred carrier oil for many massage therapists because of its light, satin-like finish. It also has some astringent qualities and is good for oily skin.
Fractionated Coconut Oil is a fraction of the coconut oil from which almost all the long chain triglycerides are removed, thus leaving mainly the medium-chain triglycerides and making it an absolutely saturated oil. This process refines, clarifies, and deodorizes the oil. Fractionated Coconut Oil is extremely resistant to rancidity and has a long shelf life.
Organic Sunflower carrier oil has high amounts of Vitamins A, B, D and E, minerals, and has beneficial amounts of lecithin and unsaturated fatty acids. Sunflower Oil is a wonderful skin softener and conditioner. Sunflower is a versatile cost-effective carrier oil that has applications in both massage and aromatherapy.
GMO-free golden Jojoba is a great carrier “oil”, but Jojoba is not actually an oil but a liquid wax. It’s unique in that it closely resembles the natural sebum (oil) of our own skin and is rich in vitamin E. making this one an excellent cleansing oil. Because of its extended shelf life, Jojoba carrier oil can be added to other carrier oils in order to extend their shelf life.
And last, but not least, Nature’s Sunshine’s Carrier Oil.
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