If you are first starting off using essential oils, you have probably heard the term "carrier oil". Or you have seen "FCO". You might be wondering what does all of this mean......I am going to break it all down for you.
What is a Carrier Oil?
A carrier oil is a vegetable oil derived from the fatty portion of a plant. Carrier oils are used to dilute essential oils to apply topically. The carrier oil literally carries the essential oil onto the skin. Essential oils applied directly to the skin can sometimes cause severe irritation or reactions to some people. Each carrier oil offers different combination of therapeutic properties. So, how do you know which one is best? What one helps with dry skin, anti-aging? What one is best to use with essential oils, or to use for massages? I'm going to go through 14 different carrier oils and what they are best known for.
**** This can seem very overwhelming at first. .....so I recommend for people just starting off with essential oils, start off with doTERRA Fractionated Coconut Oil This is what I use with all my roller bottle recipes.
Almond (Virgin, Sweet) Carrier Oil: Sweet Almond Carrier Oil is the most versatile and popular carrier oil. It has been used as a digestive tonic, to promote menstruation and to reduce fever and expel worms. It is also used by massage therapists.
Apricot Kernel Carrier Oil: Apricot Kernel Carrier Oil is a very popular oil and is suitable for manufacturers, aromatherapists and massage therapists. It also works great for dry hair.
Avocado Carrier Oil: A small amount of Avocado Oil is typically added to other carrier oils in order to enrich protein and vitamin content. It is used predominantly by manufacturers (particularly great in soaps, lotions and creams) and massage therapists.
Camellia Seed Carrier Oil: Camellia oil protects the skin from free radical damage, refines mature skin, and nourishes the complexion. It is easily absorbed by the skin, leaving it silky smooth without the greasy feeling, making it one of the best kept secrets in the cosmetic and hair care industry. For centuries its been used as a traditional hair conditioner and also as a treatment to strengthen brittle nails.
Coconut (Fractionated) Carrier Oil: Fractionated Coconut Carrier Oil is an excellent essential oil carrier. This is the one that I use sold by doTERRA
Evening Primrose (Refined) Carrier Oil: Massage 100% Pure Evening Primrose Oil gently into the skin to help reduce skin irritation or dryness. When used in dilution with other carrier oils, it is suitable for massage. It is also reputed to nourish the skin and hair; reduce signs of eczema and fights the effects of aging.
Grapeseed Carrier Oil: As a natural moisturizer, apply oil directly to skin or use as a base for essential oils or lotions. Grapeseed Oil is heavily used in skincare formulations for creams and lotions, and in aromatherapy. It is the preferred carrier oils for many massage therapists because of its light, satin like finish. It also has some astringent qualities and is good for oily, acne prone skin.
Hemp Seed (Refined) Carrier Oil: Hemp seed oil is highly emollient and can be used directly on the skin to nourish and regenerate. Because it is capable of deeply penetrating the skin, it allows the essential fatty acids to help prevent aging and encourages a healthy moisture balance.
Jojoba (Golden) Carrier Oil: Jojoba Golden Carrier Oil can be added to other carrier oils in order to extend shelf lives, and has become a common oil in the aromatherapy industries because of it’s excellent skin care properties. The golden variety of Jojoba is less desired in cosmetic manufacturing; nonetheless, in applications that aren’t sensitive to discoloration or odor, Golden Jojoba is still commonly used. Massage therapists may use small amounts in their carrier oil blends, but as it will clog pores, its application is limited.
Macadamia Nut Carrier Oil: Macadamia Carrier Oil is popular in cosmetic manufacturing and in combination with other carrier oils, can be used in both massage and aromatherapy.
Meadowfoam Carrier Oil: Meadowfoam Carrier Oil contains 98% fatty acids long-chain carbon atoms. It is resistant to oxidation due to naturally occurring tocopherols, and is one of the most stable lipids known and will actually extend the shelf life of less stable ingredients. As a result, it has an extremely long shelf life. Meadowfoam Carrier Oil has wonderful moisturizing and rejuvenating properties and is highly recommended for use in cosmetics and skin care products especially for its UV protection properties. It is a key ingredient in many different products such as suntan lotions, massage oils and lotions, hand/facial creams, hair and scalp products, cuticle repair cream, foundations, rouges, face powders, lip sticks, shampoos, shaving creams and various other balms.
Rosehip Carrier Oil (Extra Virgin): Vitamin E Enriched Rosehip Oil contains a high amount of vitamin E, vitamin A and essential fatty acids which promotes collagen and elastin levels to increase and assists with cell regeneration. It promotes healthy skin and, can be used to treat burns, sunburns, wrinkles, stretch marks and eczema. Rosehip Oil is becoming popular with massage therapists for its skin healing properties, though it is typically in dilution (10% recommended). It is highly recommended for use in cosmetics, hair and skin care. It is a key ingredient in creams, lotions, massage oil, face oil, and body oil to name a few.
Sesame Seed Carrier Oil: Sesame Carrier Oil is popular in cosmetics as a natural moisturizer. Similarly, it is a good choice for massage therapists and aromatherapists alike.
Sunflower Carrier Oil- ORGANIC: Deeply nourishing, Sunflower Oil is a wonderful skin conditioner and can be used in manufacturing skin care products designed to treat dry & damaged skin, eczema and psoriasis. Sunflower is a versatile oil that can be used in massage and in aromatherapy.
So, what Carrier Oil is best for you?
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions!!!
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