Carrier Oils for Your Adventures in Essential Oils

Carrier Oils

Most of the time you will be using your essential oils in combination of carrier oils and other ingredients. I usually keep Coconut Oil, Jojoba, Sweet Almond Oil, and Grapeseed Oil on hand in addition to Vitamin E Oil and Vegetable Glycerin. You can find these oils at Whole Foods or online through Amazon. 

Carrier oils are usually vegetable oils that come from their seeds, nuts, or plant kernels. Most essential oils should not be applied directly to the skin, so they have to be diluted with a carrier oils. These oils, when combined with essential oils, are also used in many beauty products such as sugar scrubs, lotions, balms, moisturizers, perfumes, and more. Carrier oils are usually odorless except coconut oil.

Apricot Kernel Oil is very gentle and is ideal for sensitive skin and safe for children. It can be substituted for sweet almond oil. It is often used in beauty products for lotion recipes and hot oil treatments. 

Argan Oil has benefits range from being nourishing for your hair to repairing split ends and taming frizz. In addition to being an excellent carrier oil for your hair, it can be applied to your skin and nails, or callused feet to improve cracks in heels and to nail, cuticles to strengthen brittle nails.

Avocado Oil is high in essential fatty acids and fat-soluble vitamins. It is ideal for sensitive skin or problem skin and eczema.  Avocado is usually combined with other carrier oils and not used alone. 

Castor Oil is an antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal carrier oil. It can be used on irritated skin. It is usually combined with other carrier oils and not used alone.

Coconut Oil has a myriad of uses for hair and skin products. It provides antioxidants that protect against the signs of aging, making it the perfect quick and easy moisturizer for your face and body. It can also be used in moderation for shampoo and nourishing conditioner. It has antifungal and antibacterial properties and can be used for lip balms and lotions. It is solid at room temperature but can melt when in warmer conditions. Coconut oil can be combined with other carrier oils so that it becomes more pliable. Unrefined coconut oil is the best for beauty products because the refinement process uses chemicals to extract more oil, and in turn bleaches and deodorizes the oil. It has a shelf-life of 2-4 years.

Evening Primrose Oil is used for dry skin, eczema and minor skin irritations.  It is great for the skin and hair and is said to reduce the effects of aging.

Flaxseed Oil is high in vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids. It promotes hair growth as well.

Grapeseed Oil is a dry oil so that it does not contribute to oily skin.  It's used in hair recipes and skin recipes. It works as a natural astringent, so it is ideal for acne-prone or oily skin.

Jojoba oil has a moderately low comedogenic rating, making it ideal for both oily and mature skin. It can be used to remove makeup while acting as a moisturizer. It also can be used on your nails to improve strength and overall growth and on hair to soften hair follicles and to reduce split ends.  It absorbs into your skin easily without leaving a  greasy residue.  Jojoba oil can clog pores, so it's best used with other oils.

Macadamia Nut Oil is a dry oil like Grapeseed oil, so it absorbs quickly without leaving an oily residue and is great for skin and hair.  

Neem Oil is the perfect for sensitive skin because it is rich in antioxidant and fatty acids. It can help to reverse sun damage and to prevent moisture loss. Neem also naturally nourishes the skin while tackling wrinkles and other fine lines.

Olive Oil is available in supermarkets and is a popular beauty recipe ingredient. It has good fats for your skin and hair. It can leave behind excess oil that doesn't soak into your skin right away. It works as an exfoliant and does not clog pores. It works as an excellent makeup remover as well and doesn't irritate the skin in the process. Some people may be allergic to olive oil in which case; it can cause skin irritation.

Rosehip Oil is a fast-absorbing dry oil that helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles, dark spots, eye bags and fine lines by soaking into the skin easily and without leaving an oily residue. It helps to heal blemishes while restoring moisture to any rough patches on your skin. The fatty acid content also contributes to rosehips ability to diminish scars and other dark marks to promote the production of new cells. Rosehip oil is high in vitamins A and E which are good for your skin. It also has essential fatty acids that promote elastin and collagen production.  It's often used in beauty products such as creams and balms for stretch marks, burns, wrinkles, eczema, and sunburn. 

Safflower Oil is high in linoleic acid and is great for acne prone skin. It is also often used for cleansing purposes because it removes oil and dirt from the skin and hair without drying it.  It lubricates the skin protecting your natural moisture.
 
Sesame Seed Oil is a lightweight oil that can be used in massage oils. It moisturizes the skin without leaving an oily residue. 

Sunflower Oil is often used in recipes to treat psoriasis, eczema, dry skin, or damaged skin. It is a lightweight oil that can be used as a massage oil.

Sweet Almond Oil is perfect for any skin type especially if you have sensitive skin, acne, eczema, dry, irritated, or oily skin; Almond Oil provides a plethora of hydrating benefits without agitating sensitive skin. Not only is it a perfect moisturizer, but Almond Oil also helps to restore the skins natural protective barrier. It moisturizes your skin and is versatile, so it works in many beauty recipes.  It is high in vitamins A and E which nourishes your skin. Do not use sweet almond oil if you have a nut allergy.