Many people overlook carrier oils mainly because they lack the therapeutic attributes found in essential oils. But, carrier oils are beneficial as it acts as a ?catalyst? when used together with essential oils. Here?s everything you need to know about carrier oils.

Understanding What Carrier Oils Are

What Is A Carrier Oil

Are vegetable oils healthy? thanks @CNN for the healthy benefits of Vegetable oils https://t.co/1cyZooDk1L

? Katherine Greiner (@KGBody) March 28, 2017

In simple terms, carrier oils are vegetable oils. It’s naturally derived from vegetables? fatty portion such as the kernels, seeds, or nuts. It has a neutral smell and, unlike essential oils, they are not as volatile. Carrier oils work perfectly for dilution and application.

Carrier Oil vs. Essential Oil

An essential oil comes from the plant?s leaves, roots, bark, and other aromatic portion of a plant. On the other hand, carrier oils are derived from the plant?s (vegetables) fatty areas. Essential oils also evaporate and contain concentrated aroma while carrier oils do not evaporate and do not have a strong aromatic smell. Lastly, essential oils have oxidizing attributes. They lose their therapeutic effects, but they don?t go rancid, unlike carrier oils.

How Are Carrier Oils Used

Carrier oils do not evaporate and do not carry a strong aromatic scent, this type of oil is a perfect match to dilute essential oils. With the use of carrier oils, the concentration of the essential oils can be reduced without affecting the therapeutic effects. On top of that, you can also control the concentration of the essential oils with the help of carrier oil before application.

Carrier Oil Examples

Here?s a list of vegetable oils used as a carrier oil:

• Almond Oil
• Avocado Oil
• Borage Seed Oil
• Coconut Oil, Fractionated or Virgin
• Cranberry Seed Oil
• Grapeseed Oil
• Hazelnut Oil
• Jojoba Oil
• Kukui Nut Oil
• Macadamia Nut Oil
• Olive Oil
• Pecan Oil
• Pomegranate Seed Oil
• Rose Hip Oil
• Seabuckthorn Berry Oil
• Sesame Oil
• Sunflower Oil

How to Choose a Carrier Oil

To help you decide the best carrier oil to use or buy, here are some tips you need to consider:

• Skin Type: Like other skin products, some carrier oils might irritate your skin.
• Absorption: This is highly dependent on the person?s skin. Your skin may absorb some carrier or base oils better than others.
• Odor: In general, carrier oils have a neutral scent. However, there are some carrier oils that have a distinct scent. Using it together with an essential oil might change the aroma.
• Shelf Life: Carrier oils can go rancid. How long before it does depends on its shelf life.
• Processing Method:?Always buy carrier oils that have been ?cold expeller pressed? or ?cold pressed.? This processing method ensures only minimal to no heat was used when pressing the oil from the plant?s fatty portions. This is important as it prevents harming the nutrients on the plants.
• Nutrients:?Carrier oils have varying levels of fat-soluble vitamins and other nutrients. Depending on how you want to use the carrier oil and what you?re aiming to achieve, check the nutrients included in the carrier oil first before buying.
• Price:?The price of carrier oils varies depending on different factors such as processing method used, organic/non-organic, source, and the plant where it?s made from.
• Organic:?The cost of organic carrier oils are higher compared to conventional types. As it costs more, make sure the oil you?re buying is certified as organic.
• Color:?For most people, the color of the carrier oil doesn?t really matter, especially if it?s going to be used for basic blends. However, if you?re planning on creating a complex mixture, you might want to consider this aspect.

How To Store Carrier Oils

For long-term storage, it?s best to keep carrier oils in a dark glass bottle. The bottles should have tight-fitting caps as well. Make sure to store them in a dark and cool location.

If you?re just using essential oils until before its shelf life, you don?t need to transfer them to a dark glass bottle. However, it?s still important to put them in a cool location such as your refrigerator. In some reports, it is also believed that storing carrier oils in the fridge can extend the shelf life.

Learn how to use carrier oils with essential oils by watching this video from Lance McGowan:

To sum it up, carrier oils are a perfect match when using essential oils. They will help with absorption, nourishment, and moisturizing of the skin. There are different varieties of carrier oils. Whatever type you?ll use, this guide will help you know everything you need before purchasing.

Have you used carrier oils with your essential oils? What’s your favorite? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!

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