What are Carrier Oils?

June 12, 2014

Written by Traci

What are Carrier Oils?

Unrefined Jojoba Oil

Carrier oils are fatty oils like vegetable oils that “carry” or deliver essential oils to the skin and body.  Other carriers include gels, lotions and even salts.  Essential oils are highly concentrated plant substances that are best used in a carrier base when applied to the skin.  Diluting essential oils in a carrier base allows us to use essential oils safely and in many cases more effectively than using the essential oil undiluted on the skin.  Most carrier oils have a shorter shelf life than essential oils because of their their fatty acid composition.  I recommend using most carrier oils within a year from the date you purchase it.  Some carrier oils include sweet almond oil, coconut oil, jojoba oil and argan oil.  When purchasing carrier or vegetable oils it is important to buy unrefined or cold pressed oils.  Once a carrier oil is refined through high heat processes or chemical solvents, they are stripped of their natural health benefits.

Best Carriers

• Jojoba Oil
• Aloe Gel
• Coconut Oil
• Himalayan Pink Salt

Jojoba oil has an indefinite shelf life because it is scientifically a wax, not a vegetable oil.  It is skin penetrating and a good oil for delivering essential oils into the body through the skin.  Aloe gel penetrates skin the quickest making it a great carrier for pain relief blends.  Coconut oil has anti fungal and cooling properties and is my favorite for hair conditioners and after sun aromatherapy blends.  Himalayan pink salts are a must for all over body aches and pains.  Add half a cup to a warm bath with pain relieving essential oils and soak for 20 minutes.

Essential Oil Dilution Guide

• For children over 3 and elderly people with health concerns use 5 to 6 drops of essential oil per ounce of carrier.
• For healthy adults use 15-18 drops of essential oil per ounce of carrier if you plan to use your blend occasionally.
• If you plan to use your aromatherapy blend daily 8 to 10 drops of essential oil drops per ounce of carrier is ideal and safe.

To learn more about carrier oils, I highly recommend Liquid Sunshine by Jan Kusmirek.

What are your favorite carrier oils?