10 Types Of Carrier Oils To Dilute Essential Oils

Types Of Carrier Oils are crucial for increasing the effectiveness of essential oils while limiting their negative effects. Aromatherapy comprises primary components such as essential oils that cannot be applied directly to the skin due to their high concentration.

Applying them straight to the skin may worsen the condition. Therefore, carrier oils are used as a solution. These oils dilute the essential oils, reducing their abrasive effects on the skin. To pick the finest carrier oils, you need to know about the top ten carrier oil options, their benefits, and how to use them successfully.

This article delves into the Types Of Carrier Oils, discussing their benefits and providing tips on how to use them effectively. Keep reading to learn more.

What Are Carrier Oils?

Nuts, seeds, and plant kernels are natural sources from which carrier oils are obtained. These oils help to speed up the mending process when combined with a base (essential) oil. They are mostly odourless and aid in the absorption of the base oil into the epidermis. Carrier oils enable the direct application of essential oils to the skin without causing rashes, irritation, or burns. They dilute the concentration of the basic oils, particularly hot oils that could scald the epidermis. Furthermore, carrier oils have antimicrobial properties that improve the efficacy of the base oil. Furthermore, their non-volatile properties may aid in increasing the storage life of essential oils.

Types of carrier oils are available for use in aromatherapy and can be selected based on their source, concentration amount, and purity. The following section presents a list of highly effective and viable carrier oils. Keep reading.

Types Of Carrier Oils

1. Fractionated Coconut Oil (Cocos nucifera):

This is an edible oil with excellent skin penetration that is obtained from mature coconut meat. Unrefined coconut oil contains fatty acids and polyphenols that nourish the epidermis. When its thick fatty acid chains are separated through fractionation, it becomes feasible as a carrier oil.

2. Sweet Almond Oil (Oleum amygdalae):

This edible oil is made by crushing mature almond kernels and has a distinct nutty fragrance. It also functions well as a massage and carrier oil in aromatherapy, as well as in the production of soaps, bath oils, and other products.

Almond oil has moisturising and emollient qualities as well. It has traditionally been used to address dry skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. In addition to improving complexion, anecdotal evidence indicates that this oil helps reduce post-operative scars.

3. Jojoba Oil (Simmondsia chinensis):

Jojoba oil is an excellent carrier and essential oil with many benefits. A lot of wax is produced by jojoba plants (mostly in the seeds). As a result, the oil includes nearly 98% pure waxes (mainly wax esters and a few free fatty acids, alcohols, and hydrocarbons). These wax esters have a wide range of uses in dermatology.

Jojoba oil contains anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiviral qualities that may aid in the treatment of a variety of skin conditions, wounds, and burns. It also moisturises the epidermis and strengthens the skin barrier.
“From a structural standpoint, jojoba oil is non-allergenic and structurally comparable to the dermal layer of the skin. “Jojoba has a greater depth of absorption than many other carrier oils and is extremely moisturising for the face,” says Adora Winquist, an aromatherapist.

4. Sunflower Oil (Helianthus annus):

A neutral-smelling edible oil derived from sunflower seeds. Because it is high in linoleic acid, it is an excellent ingredient for skin care items. The oil protects the skin from infectious poisons and germs and aids in the treatment of irritated skin.

Furthermore, sunflower oil hydrates the epidermis and improves the skin barrier function. One of its key constituents, sesamol, has chemopreventive properties and may reduce the chance of skin cancer.

5. Apricot Kernel Oil (Prunus armeniaca L.):

Apricot kernel oil is extracted by cold pressing the temperate-zone fruit, which is located primarily in Asia. It is a significant source of oleic acid, linoleic acid, phytosterols, polyphenols, carotenoids, α-, γ- and δ-tocopherol, vitamin C, thiamin, riboflavin, and niacin.

This oil has historically been used to treat skin conditions such as psoriasis, vaginal infections, furuncles (hair follicle infections), acne, and dandruff.

Apricot kernel oil is also anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant. Topically applying it may shield the skin from free radicals while also promoting skin barrier function and wound healing. Furthermore, it readily penetrates the skin and does not leave it feeling oily.

Apricot kernel oil is commonly used in the manufacture of moisturisers, facial scrubs, lip balms, UV protection moisturizers/ointments, and infant oils. Furthermore, it is included in essential oils used for hair, body, and therapy. This oil may also assist with back pain and joint pain.

6. Blackseed Oil (Nigella sativa):

Black seeds have been used for centuries to cure headaches, coughs, abdominal discomfort, diarrhoea, asthma, rheumatism, and other ailments. This plant’s seeds are high in phytochemicals and have received extensive pharmacological study.

Because of the presence of thymoquinone, blackseed oil extract has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, analgesic (pain-relieving), and antimicrobial effects.

7. Argan Oil (Argania spinosa):

Argan oil is collected by cold-pressing finely crushed kernels. It can be antioxidant-enriched, making it the best carrier oil for cosmetic treatment.

The oil includes polyphenols, tocopherols, sterols, squalene, and triterpene alcohols in addition to fatty acids. “Argan oil is one of the most famous and notable oils for hair and skin due to its high fatty acid profile. It also includes vitamin E, which is a powerful antioxidant for the entire body. It also promotes skin cell regeneration, making it an excellent option for wound and scar tissue healing,” adds Adora.

8. Rosehip oil

(Rosa rubiginosa/Rosa moschata) is extracted by cold pressing selected types of rose flower hips after the petals have withered. It has a light scent and works well with essential oils to address skin problems.

The oil is high in unsaturated fatty acids and antioxidants, and it can help prevent inflammation and reactive stress. Topically applying the oil may help cure skin conditions such as acne, eczema, neurodermatitis (chronic itching and scaling), and cheilitis (inflamed lips). Furthermore, it may aid in wound recovery and scar reduction, including acne scarring. It is also used as a cleanser, moisturiser, and makeup remover when reduced.

“Rosehip seed is a vitamin C-rich carrier you can add to your skincare regime,” Adora adds. As an anti-ageing serum, use this oil in a smaller proportion, about 5% of your total blend. It also has anti-inflammatory qualities and is frequently used to treat rosacea.”

9. Avocado Oil (Persea americana):

Avocado oil obtained through cold extraction maintains the majority of bioactive phytochemicals. It is a strong essential oil preservative that does not interact with the base oils. Avocado oil is also less greasy and fragrant than other carrier oils, making it ideal for massage.

Avocado oil contains -sitosterol, -carotene, lecithin, minerals, and vitamins A, C, D, and E in addition to linoleic acid, linolenic acid, and oleic acid. It hydrates dry, injured, or chapped skin.

Avocado oil is rich in linoleic acid, linolenic acid, and oleic acid besides containing β-sitosterol, β-carotene, lecithin, minerals, and vitamins A, C, D, and E. It hydrates dry, injured, or chapped skin. Furthermore, researchers found that when they applied the oil topically to rats, it accelerated wound healing and increased collagen production.

10. Grapeseed Oil (Vitis vinifera):

They produce this oil from discarded grape seeds after extracting the pulp for wine production. Vitamin E, linoleic acid, omega fatty acids, phenolic substances, and antioxidants are abundant in the oil. According to research, the oil may help the wound heal quickly.

Another research found that grapeseed extract can greatly moisturise skin, improve skin tone, and slow down premature ageing signs such as wrinkles. Moreover, cosmetic products use grapeseed oil as an emollient.
Many of these carrier oils are also beneficial to the epidermis on their own. What happens when you combine these oils with essential oils? What advantages do they provide? Continue reading to find out.

Carrier Oil Benefits

Carrier oils have the following advantages, according to aromatherapist Adora Winquist:

Essential oils can be delivered by crucial carrier oils. Massage, skincare, hair care, and other body care products contain phytonutrients (vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants).
The skin, the body’s biggest organ, requires intense hydration. Drinking water tackles our internal processes, whereas vitamin-rich carrier oils support hydration on the outside by moisturising the skin and ensuring its delicate elasticity.
Carrier oils also provide skin protection and healing properties, with many having natural antibacterial activity. It is crucial to select the appropriate carrier oil based on the essential oil being used and your skin condition.

Continue reading to learn how to select a carrier oil.

How To Choose Carrier Oils

Here are some pointers for selecting the best carrier oil:

Check to see if the oil has any distinctive or pungent smells. It may have an impact on the fragrance of your essential oil.
Examine how the carrier oil absorbs into your epidermis. Some carrier oils penetrate more readily than others.
“People who have nut or other idiosyncratic allergies may be allergic to almond oil, coconut oil, or olive oil,” Adora cautions. So, you can perform a patch test to see if there is any irritation or sensitization, which includes the immune system and results in what appear to be irritations.”

Apply a drop of carrier oil to the region behind your ear.
Cover it with a bandage for 24 hours to check for irritation or sores.
Extended shelf life for the carrier oil would be preferable.

What should the carrier oil and base oil amounts be? The guidelines listed below should help you obtain better results.

People should read:

15 droplets of essential oil in 6 teaspoons carrier oil, diluted to 5%
Dilution at 3%: 20 droplets of essential oil in 6 teaspoons of carrier oil
Dilution 10%: 60 droplets of essential oil in 6 teaspoons of carrier oil

For Young People

3 to 6 droplets of essential oil in 6 teaspoons carrier oil, diluted to 5% to 1%.
There is insufficient scientific evidence on the suggested carrier and base oil concentrations. Before using them, consult your doctor.
Adora Winquist offers the following guidance to aromatherapy users:

15 drops of one essential oil or a synergy of 3 to 5 essential oils to 1 oz. (30 ml) of your carrier oil is a normal therapeutic dilution rate. A synergy in plant medicine provides greater potency and efficacy than the use of a solitary essential oil.

Always store and combine oils in dark (blue/brown) glass. Avoid exposing them to intense heat and sunlight.
Carrier oil combined blends have a shelf life of up to 6 months. Shake well before using to keep the formula’s synergistic balance.

Plant nuts and kernels are used to derive carrier oils, which dilute essential oils for improved absorption. Carrier oils are combined with essential oils to increase their effectiveness, as essential oils are highly concentrated and may cause skin irritation.

Incorporating carrier oils in a skin care regimen, such as grapeseed oil or coconut oil, can nourish, hydrate, and heal your skin. Remember to correctly mix the oils and store them in airtight containers to prevent sun exposure and contamination. Before applying, run a fix test.