The first time I heard “you have to dilute your carrier oil with an essential oil before applying it to your hair scalp or skin” I was astonished tbvh, I did not understood what a carrier oil was nor what an essential oil was about. Yeah, I had my coconut oil, jojoba and tea tree oil but never did I imagine they were different nor I needed to dilute them before usage.
What is a Carrier Oil?
I’d simply say “A carrier oil is used to dilute an essential oil, which helps ‘carry or transport’ the essential oil into the skin or hair scalp without irritation. This is because, an essential oil is concentrated, when applied without dilution, it can cause side effect such as severe irritation, flushing, itching or burning to the skin or scalp”.
Most carrier oil are usually light scented or odorless , but when diluted with an essential oil, it does not interfere with its therapeutic properties. Carrier oils are a major part of aromatherapy, which is a complementary therapy that involves using essential oils to aid physical and emotional health.
Additionally, carrier oil could be used alone or with other oil to maintain and nourish the skin and hair scalp.
Carrier oils are usually vegetable oils, such as coconut oil or avocado oil, derived from the seeds, kernels, or nuts of a plant.
Most people get these oils through cold pressing. To perform this process, you would press or crush a plant without subjecting it to heat. This minimal processing can help preserve bioactive substances in oils.
Types of Carrier Oil
Sweet almond oil
The Sweet almond oil has a strong, nutty aroma. It is an edible oil made from the seed of sweet almonds. The sweet almond oil is lightweight and absorbs easily, and is a great moisturiser for dry skin and scalp.
It is also used in general aromatherapy, but its strong scent may overshadow an essential oil’s aroma.
Sweet almond oil is one of the most popular carrier oils for skin care. It’s great in massage oils, bath oils, and soaps.
Jojoba oil
Jojoba oil comes from the seeds of the jojoba plant. It has a delicate, nutty aroma. Technically, jojoba isn’t an oil, but a wax with powerful moisturizing properties. It’s thought to closely mimic sebum, the skin’s natural oil.
Jojoba oil is yellow and has a distinct but pleasant smell. Using jojoba oil may help reduce the skin’s oil production in acne-prone people by making the skin think it’s produced enough oil.
In aromatherapy, it absorbs well and could be a good choice for those with oily or acne-prone skin. Because of its natural anti-inflammatory properties, it can also help treat acne or skin breakouts.
Apricot seed oil
In most skin scrubs and products, the apricot kernel oil or seed has been proven to be effect in unclogging skin pores or reducing skin breakouts or irritation.
Apricot kernel oil is made from apricot seeds, also known as kernels. It is an emollient oil high in fatty acids and vitamin E. It absorbs easily into the skin and has a slightly sweet, nutty scent. You can buy edible apricot kernel oil, or apricot kernel oil for cosmetic use only.
The apricot seed oil is thought to help soften and calm irritated, itchy skin. Use it as a carrier oil to make massage oils, bath oil, and hair care preparations
Olive Oil
I think olive oil is one of the most common carrier oil and it is easy to purchase. Olive oil comes from cold pressed olives. It is best known for its healthy, edible oil with a fruity aroma, but can also be used in aromatherapy as a carrier oil.
Extra-virgin olive oil is the preferred variety for aromatherapy and skincare preparations. Olive oil’s scent may interfere with the scent of some essential oil.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is an edible oil made from advanced coconut seeds. It is usually available in refined or unrefined varieties.
The unrefined coconut oil comes from fresh coconut seed. It’s not processed with chemicals and retains its coconut aroma and flavour.
Refined coconut oil comes from dried coconut seed, also called copra. It is bleached and deodorized to remove contaminants, as well as the distinct coconut aroma and flavor. Refined coconut isn’t all-natural and isn’t recommended for use as a carrier oil
Rose-hip Oil
Rose-hip oils are rich in essential fatty acids, including alpha-linolenic acid. It may aid in physiological and physical relaxation, help reduce anxiety, and have other therapeutic effects.
Rose-hip oil is high in vitamins A and C. Vitamin A is a natural retinoid that helps fight aging, and both vitamins can help reverse the effects of the sun on your skin. Use it as a carrier oil for dry skin remedies, massage oils, and moisturisers.
Grape-seed oil
Grapeseed oil comes from grape seeds. It is rich in vitamin E, a nutrient thought to heal the skin and reduce wrinkles, although scientific research is inconsistent.
It has documented antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. It has a light aroma that is slightly sweet and nutty, and it is virtually clear in colour. It leaves a glossy film on the skin.
This oil is the result of pressing the seeds of particular grape varieties. The oil is lightweight, easily absorbed by the skin, and has a neutral scent. It’s a good carrier oil to use with essential oils to make body oils and massage oils.
The Evening primrose oil
The Evening primrose oil has a long history as a natural remedy. Some studies report that it may improve quality of life for people with multiple sclerosis and may help reduce eczema symptoms.
Aromatherapists tend to blend evening primrose oil with other carrier oils. It has a high essential fatty acid content, meaning that it deteriorates and goes rancid quite quickly.
How To Use a Carrier oil
The National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy recommends using 2.5% to 10% essential oils when creating massage and body oils. A person should use a carrier oil for the rest of the mixture.
The ratio of essential oil dilution is lower in facial treatments. People with sensitive skin should use 0.5% to 1% of essential oils in facial treatments, whereas those with less sensitive skin can use 1% to 2.5%.
For adults:
- 2.5 percent dilution: 15 drops essential oil per 6 teaspoons carrier oil
- 3 percent dilution: 20 drops essential oil per 6 teaspoons carrier oil
- 5 percent dilution: 30 drops essential oil per 6 teaspoons carrier oil
- 10 percent dilution: 60 drops essential oil per 6 teaspoons carrier oil
For children:
- .5 to 1 percent dilution: 3 to 6 drops essential oil per 6 teaspoons carrier oil
How To Select A Carrier Oil
Selecting a carrier oil varies from individual to individual, and skin to skin. But noting the following could also help:
- Smell: A few carrier oils have a distinct smell. When added to an essential oil, it may alter the aroma.
- Skin type: Depending on your skin type, some oils may irritate skin or worsen a skin condition such as acne.
- Absorption: Your skin can absorb some carrier oils better than others.
- Shelf life: Some carrier oils can be stored for longer periods than others without going bad.
