Carrier oils are an important part of essential oil use, but which one is right for you?
Carrier oils, as their name implies, "carry" the essential oil onto
the skin, which in turn absorbs into the bloodstream to spread the
healing powers. Carrier oils not only extend the life of your essential oils by decreasing their rate of evaporation but carrier oils also protect the skin from irritation. Another benefit of carrier oils is that they are often nutrient-rich oils that can help skin maintain elasticity, vitality and also add moisture.
There is a range of different carrier oils, each with a various
therapeutic properties. Get to know the best carrier oils with Melissa's list below!
ALMOND OIL
Almond oil is great for mature dry skin and also for acne prone skin! It's popular because of it's high concentration of oleic and linoleic fatty acids. Sweet almond oil absorbs easily into your skin giving it needed moisture and it doesn't clog pores, making it a top carrier oil. High in minerals, protein and vitamins, sweet almond oil contains
resveratrol, touted as being the "fountain of youth." Sweet almond oil also is high in Vitamin E, which helps protect against UV damage. Young and old will appreciate almond oil, because along with a potent supply of Vitamin E, sweet almond oil has
Vitamin A to help prevent breakouts.
COCONUT OIL *caution with nut allergies
Coconut oil is considered a soft oil as it has a fluffy state (though sometimes it's also a liquid). Coconut oil is among the most widely used carrier oils. Coconut oil is solid at room temperature but you can also find fractionated coconut, which is liquid at room temperature. What makes a "fractionated" coconut oil different from an ordinary coconut oil? Fractionated coconut oil has had the long-chain fatty acids removed via hydrolysis and steam distillation. Fractionated coconut oil is a fraction of coconut oil. To make fractionated coconut oils, manufacturers remove the long chain triglycerides. The saturation gives the oil stability and a long shelf life. Fractionated coconut oil stays in liquid from, unlike regular coconut oil. Fractionated coconut oil is a carrier that never goes rancid. It basically has an indefinite shelf life and is in a perfectly clear liquid form.
JOJOBA OIL
Jojoba contains many nutritional compounds, such as long-chain essential fatty acids and fatty alcohols which benefit your skin. From a chemical standpoint, jojoba oil is the closest carrier to our own natural skin sebum. Because it's similar to what the body produces, jojob oils absorbs easily into the skin and feels light. Jojoba oil is also an excellent oil for general bath care and massage therapy. Jojoba oil, from the Simmondsia chinensis shrub, is arguably one of the most popular cosmetic oils available today. Great for fighting acne, reducing fine lines, and moisturizing your skin.
CASTOR OIL *not safe during pregnancy
Castor oil is beneficial for your hair to deal with very thin, coarse, brittle, frizzy, or naturally curly hair. While castor oil is not the first carrier oil that comes to mind when starting with essential oils, it is among the most effective. Caster oil acts as a humectant, attracting moisture to the skin to both nourish and hydrate making it an ideal choice as an essential oil carrier. Derived from the seeds of the castor bean plant, caster oil simultaneously detoxifies and cleanses the skin. A sideline benefit of caster oil is that it's extremely beneficial for your hair. Castor oil promotes better hair growth! Castor Oil has a very high concentration of antioxidants, vitamin E, and essential fatty acids, which will help repair your dry, damaged skin and hair. As a hair care product this oil will give you soft, thick, healthy hair!
GRAPESEED OIL
Grapeseed oils are generally very thin compared to oils like olive oil. However, it's easily absorbed by the skin and has a number of benefits including toning and moisturizing skin. It's also exceptional to use daily to control frizzy and dry hair.
OLIVE OIL
You may be surprised to find that the same olive oil you use in your kitchen is a really god carrier oil for your skin. It's much thicker than other oils but if you are wanting a calming effect then this is the carrier you should opt for. It calms and moisturizes so its a great option for diaper rash, burns, and bug bites!
TRAUMA OIL
Trauma oil is actually an infused oil. This beautiful oil is a blend of calendula flower, st. johns wart flower, and arnica flower infused into olive oil. To aid in the healing of almost any kind of physical trauma, this blend of infused herbal oils is powerfully anti-inflammatory. It will ease the pain of bumps and bruises, strains and sprains, arthritis and sciatica. It can soothe and calm both nerve pain and muscular pain. I have seen testimonials of its hastening the healing of broken bones and torn ligaments.
LOTIONS AND ALOE VERA
Unscented lotions and aloe very jelly make excellent carriers. Lotions are less oily than oil based carrier and absorb well into the skin. Aloe vera jelly can be a great carrier for burns and rashes due to it's soothing and cooling effects!
Check out all the carrier available in our shop! Click the picture below!
