What Exactly are Carrier Oils?
Think of carrier oils as the “helper” that carries your essential oils onto your skin. They are often derived from nuts, seeds, or fruits, and they’re used to dilute essential oils before applying them to your skin. This dilution not only ensures that essential oils are gentler on your skin but also helps them spread evenly. They’re your trusty sidekicks, always ready to help you get the most out of your essential oils.
Why Use Carrier Oils?
- Safety First: Undiluted essential oils can be potent and may cause skin irritation or sensitivity. Carrier oils act as a buffer, reducing the risk of any adverse reactions.
- Spread the Love: Carrier oils help essential oils cover a larger surface area when applied to the skin, ensuring better absorption and effectiveness.
- Tailored Experience: Different carrier oils have unique properties, so you can choose one that suits your skin type and preferences.
How to Use Carrier Oils^
- Choose Your Carrier Oil: Select one that suits your needs.
- Add Essential Oils: Mix a few drops of your favorite essential oil(s) with the carrier oil. The number of drops depends on the essential oil and your personal preference.
- Apply: Gently massage the mixture onto your skin or use it for massage, aromatherapy, or as a base for DIY products.
For essential oil dilution ratios tailored to different ages and needs, click here.
^Opt for organic, cold pressed, and unrefined carrier oils.
Extending the Shelf Life of Carrier Oils
Carrier oils have a limited shelf life, meaning that eventually they can go bad. Depending on the type, oils with a short shelf life should typically be used within six months, while oils with a longer shelf life may stay good for up to a year. It’s important to store oils in their original air-tight containers in a cool, dark place, to maximize shelf life.
Get to know some of the more popular carrier oils!
Sweet Almond Oil*
- Moisturizing for the skin, hair, and nails
- Slightly sweet, nutty aroma
- Medium consistency
- Rich in vitamin E and oleic acid
*Caution: May cause a reaction to those with nut allergies.
Jojoba Oil
- Mimics skin’s natural sebum, making it a great option for your face!
- Gentle, moisturizing, and absorbs quickly
- Slightly nutty aroma
- Perfect for DIY facial serums
- Long shelf life (up to a year)
If you want to explore the benefits of Jojoba Oil for your skin, check out this Pure, Organic, Cold Pressed Jojoba Oil – a high-quality favorite of many.
Fractionated Coconut Oil
- Fractionated coconut oil differs from regular coconut oil as it remains in a liquid state at room temperature
- No noticeable aroma
- Absorbs well; leaves skin feeling silky and moisturized; non-greasy
- Its richness in essential fatty acids ensures a long shelf life (up to a year)
- Universally a favorite
Grapeseed Oil
- Light and thin consistency
- Moisturizing and non-greasy
- High in linoleic acid and vitamin E
- Relatively short shelf life
Olive Oil
- Has a denser consistency, which may leave a noticeable oily sensation on the skin
- Stronger aroma
- Good source of oleic acid
- Relatively short shelf life
V-6® Enhanced Vegetable Oil Complex**
- A proprietary Young Living formula combining fractionated coconut oil, sesame seed oil, grapeseed oil, sweet almond oil, wheat germ oil (contains a lot of vitamin E and acts as a natural preservative), sunflower seed oil, and olive fruit oil
- Moisturizes and nourishes the skin
- An excellent carrier oil for all your essential oils and applications
**Caution: May cause a reaction to those with nut allergies.
🛈 What aren’t carrier oils?
Vegetable shortening, butter, and margarine are best left in the kitchen—they’re not intended for topical use. Mineral oil and other petroleum derivatives like petroleum jelly should also not be used as carrier oils.
(Disclosure: This blog post contains affiliate links. I may earn a commission if you make a purchase through these links, at no additional cost to you. I recommend products that I genuinely believe will add value to my readers. Your support helps me continue to provide valuable content like this.)