How to choose a carrier oil
Carrier oils are an essential yet overlooked area of aromatherapy. Essential oils are too strong to use in their pure form, so they will need diluting with a carrier oil. Carrier oils have their own health benefits, ranging from treating arthritis to anti-aging , so it is valuable to find one to suit your needs.
Carrier oils (or base oils) are vegetable oils made from the oily part of plants like the seeds, nuts or kernals. They are used to dilute essential oils (which are too strong to use in their natural form), and can be used to create a massage oil or a facial oil, and treat a number of skin complaints. Typically classed as ‘fixed oils’ because they do not evaporate, carrier oils make up 98% of a typical aromatherapy treatment, so are more important than you may first think. On average it is advised that you use just 2-6 drops of essential oil for each tablespoon of carrier oil. Choosing appropriate carrier oils is an important part of aromatherapy, and although the choice is wide, it may not be as hard as you think.
Because Carrier Oils derive from the fatty parts of the plants (and are lipids), they tend to possess a faintly sweet and nutty aroma. Sweet Almond Oil is almost odourless however, and the scent and properties of carrier oils greatly vary. Most are created from seeds and nuts, but Coconut Oil is derived from the fruit’s white flesh and Jojoba Oil comes from a leathery-leaved shrub, creating more of a liquid than an oil. Adding an essential oil or two will give extra health benefits to your carrier oil and give them a more pleasing smell of your selection. Carrier oils however, have their own aromatherapy qualities. The majority of oils are softening to skin because of their fat content, so they work as an efficient moisturiser when massaged into skin.
Sweet Almond Oil is the most common of all of the carrier oils. It is rich in minerals, vitamins, proteins and fatty acids, so is nourishing and revitalises skin. It is versatile and is used extensively in cosmetics and therapeutic skincare, and resists oxidisation so it is a good choice for buying in large quantities for massage treatments. Peach and Apricot carrier oils are also versatile and can be used for body massage and facial treatments, as they are light and can be absorbed easily by the skin. If you are nervous about nut allergy reactions then try Sunflower or Grapeseed. They offer similar properties but are extracted from seeds.
Evening Primrose carrier oils are high in an Omega-6 fatty acid named gammalinolenic acid. This is known to reduce the signs of aging and helping to repair weather or atmospheric skin damage. It is also thought to sooth hormonal fluctuations and can help with chronic skin problems such as eczema and psoriasis, and is heavy so ideal for use in facial treatments. Evening Primrose Oil is one of the more pricey carrier oils, so it is best to combine with another essential oil like Almond Oil if using for body massage. Jojoba is also a good carrier oil for facial treatments, but may also require diluting for use on the body.
Another health benefit of carrier oils is helping to combat arthritis, which Peanut Oil is said to do. Extra Virgin Olive Oil is used in many cosmetics, and has been long used in its native Mediterranean countries as a successful skin treatment, and it can help heal skin conditions and cuts and wounds. Unrefined Wheat Germ Oil and Avocado Oil are rich in vitamin E which make them a perfect oil to use for skin with sun damage. These have a strong odour though so are best for overnight treatments.
It is advisable to look for carrier oils which are blends of two or less plants, and ones which have no additives. The choice of carrier oils is wide, and each have their own properties and benefits. Think about what properties you are seeking in an aromatherapy treatment and look for carrier oils which match these.
Resource:
Base Formula are expert importers, exporters and analysers of 100% natural aromatherapy products, and have been supplying aromatherapists around the world for the past fifteen years. They offer a huge selection of carrier oils and provide information about the properties of each so you are sure to find one to suit your needs. They also sell 100% pure essential oils, organic essential oils, natural hydrolats and other aromatherapy products, and are registered members of the Aromatherapy Trade Council.
Processing your request, Please wait....
