What is a Carrier Oil?

The term carrier oil is derived from its purpose, which is to carry and spread essential oils onto your body. When used correctly, carrier oils deliver serious moisture, essential fatty acids, vitamins, minerals and other amazing benefits to your skin and hair. 

Carrier oils are mostly vegetable oils, and are derived from the fatty part of the plant, typically from nuts, seeds, and kernels. Each Carrier Oil is made up of different components, each with unique characteristics, such as color, scent, viscosity, and penetration speed, while also providing their therapeutic properties.

 Carrier oils are used to dilute essential oils before they can safely be applied topically. When applied undiluted, essential oils are too potent and irritate, sensitize, and burn your skin. The majority of carrier oils produce little to no scent, making them perfect for aromatherapy use, allowing your essential oils to diffuse into the air unaltered.

Carrier oils play an important part in unlocking the medicinal aspects of essential oils, because they do not reduce an essential oil’s potency or therapeutic properties. We recommend purchasing therapeutic quality carrier oils, from reputable and trusted sources. Since these oils will be applied to and absorbed by your precious skin, select only cold-pressed, organic, additive free, preservative free, and 100% pure.

Selecting a carrier oil

When selecting a carrier oil there are a few important things to consider:

Scent: Most carrier oils have little to no scent, but if you are using an carrier oil for aromatherapy it may alter the scent of the essential oil you are combing it with. 

Use: Make sure to think about your primary use of the carrier oil. Some oils are better for hair care and some are better for skin care, while some make better oils for a therapeutic massage.  If you are using your oil for skin care make sure you are selecting an oil based on your skin type.

Absorption: Different oils absorb at different rates. Some will absorb quickly (these are known as “dry” oils) and some oils will leave a greasy feel.

Storage and Shelf Life: Think about how quickly you will use your oil as some oils have a shorter shelf life compared to others, also consider storing your oil in the fridge to preserve its shelf life.

Skin Care

When it comes to skin care not all oils are created equal and it is important to select the right carrier oil for your skin type. If you have naturally oily skin select a light oil like Jojoba oil. If you are on the drier side look for a heavier oil, like an avocado oil (it’s packed with fatty acids and will seal in moisture!).

Carrier oils that have high nutrient levels including fatty acids, minerals, and vitamins (look for vitamins A,C, D, E, and K) are known for locking in moisture and creating healthy radiant skin.

An additional benefit with some carrier oils is that they can offer regenerative properties and help with the appearance of scaring and the healing of wounds.

Things to look for in a carrier oil for your skin:

Oleic acid

Always look for a carrier oil that is high in oleic acid, meaning it will absorb quickly into the skin, won’t leave your feeling greasy, and will penetrate deeper into the skin.

Phytosterols

These help regulate your skin’s water levels and helps your skin maintain its plumpness.

Linoleic acids

These can help sooth acne and protect you against future outbreaks along with helping your skin maintain its moisture barrier. 

Hair Care

Your hair needs the same specialized care your skin does. Did you know that by adding a few drops of essential oil to your selected carrier oil and applying it evenly to your scalp and hair you can achieve nourished, healthy, shiny, and moisturized scalp and hair?

Some essential oils are widely revered for their scalp healing abilities and when combined with carrier oils become even more effective at aiding in hair growth, minimizing dandruff and reducing the appearance of split ends.

Things to look for in a carrier oil for your hair: 

This is a must have in your carrier oil if you are looking to soften and sooth dry and brittle hair.

Look for Medium-chain triglycerides in your carrier oil if you are looking to boost hair growth and increase moisture. They can also help fight off dandruff by hydrating your scalp.

Oleic Acid

Carrier oils that are high in oleic acid are perfect if you are wanting to Stimulate the growth of thicker, longer and stronger hair. Oils that are high in Oleic acid also boost hair growth by eliminating dandruff.

Things to remember

Carrier oils are beneficial in a verity of ways, including  skin rejuvenation, reducing the visible signs of aging, soothing irritation, and a multitude of other benefits.  Before applying any oils to your skin, do a patch test on the inside of your elbow to ensure no adverse reactions. When diluting essential oils with carrier oils, it is critical to follow the correct ratio, please make sure you are following a guide.