Carrier oils are also extracted from plants like essential oils. However, they are not as powerful and concentrated as essential oils. Therefore, they are blended with essential oils to dilute them as applying essential oils directly can cause rashes or skin irritation.
Carrier oils usually have a neutral aroma and some of them are completely unscented. However, that does not mean that it applies to all the carrier oils. Some carrier oils have a distinct aroma of their own and can alter the fragrance of essential oils when mixed with them. Therefore, you need to be very careful while selecting them.
Apart from the odor, you need to consider these factors before you buy carrier oils. These factors are:
Durability – Some carrier oils last for a long time whereas some do not.
Compatibility – Different carrier oils are suited for different skin types. Some of them may irritate if you apply them directly and some of them might enhance pimple or acne formation if used topically. Therefore, we recommend you to perform a small patch test before using any of the carrier oils.
Absorption capacity – Carrier oils have varying absorption capacities. Some of them get quickly absorbed in your skin whereas some of them get absorbed a bit slowly.
Here is the list of carrier oils that are popular and packed with benefits:
Coconut oil
Coconut oil is one of the most popular carrier oils. It is packed with natural benefits and is derived from the fresh coconut fruit. We usually use coconut oil to nourish our skin and hair. However, coconut oil also proves to be excellent carrier oil for the essential oils that are meant to treat skin issues.
Coconut oil contains polyphenols and fatty acids that are healthy for your skin. As a result, it proves to be an excellent massage oil as well.
Refined coconut oil should not be used as a carrier oil since it may contain some additives. Therefore, unrefined and organic coconut oil that does not contain any preservatives or chemicals proves to be ideal for external application.
Jojoba oil
Jojoba oil has its distinct aroma that is nutty and pleasant. Moreover, it has a high absorption capacity as it gets readily absorbed in the skin cells. Therefore, it is one of the most popular oils when it comes to massage or therapeutic use.
The composition of Jojoba oil resembles closely with sebum which is the natural oil produced by our skin. However, it is not an oil but a powerful wax that nourishes your skin owing to its moisturizing properties.
Sweet Almond Oil
Sweet Almond carrier oil is widely used for skin application. It is extracted from sweet almonds and has a nutty but strong fragrance. It is light on the skin and moisturizes it effectively.
We do not recommend it for aromatherapy because of its strong scent that can ruin the aroma of the essential oil that you are intending to enjoy. However, it is great for the skin and is also used for creating bath oils and handmade soaps.
Argan Oil
Argan oil is a rich source of Vitamin E, Vitamin A, and skin-friendly fatty acids. It also proves to be useful for treating skin issues like wrinkles, dryness, itchiness, etc.
Its anti-inflammation property makes it excellent carrier oil for treating skin inflammation. Therefore, it proves to be an exceptional carrier oil for massages and other skincare purposes.
Olive oil
Olive oil is one of the most preferred aromatherapy oils because of its inviting fruity scent. However, it is also used as a carrier oil for massages, hair care, and skincare purposes as it is rich in plant sterols and skin-friendly fatty acids.
You must choose olive oil only with some of the essential oils when it comes to aromatherapy purposes since it can manipulate the fragrance of most of them. Cold-pressed, unrefined, and organic olive oil is the best for your skin and hair.