Ultimate List of Carrier Oils for Diluting Essential Oils
What is a carrier oil?
Carrier oils are vegetable oils that are used to dilute essential oils. They help to dilute the potency of the essential oil on the skin without reducing the effectiveness of the essential oil. Essential oils are highly volatile compounds and therefore evaporate off your skin quickly. Carrier oils help you absorb oils into your skin more effectively by keeping them on your skin longer. They also help to dilute the potency of the oil ensure they are safer for those with skin sensitivities and children.
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Which carrier oil is best?
There are a lot of different options when it comes to carrier oils. Its important to choose a carrier oil that is 100 percent pure not ensure the effectiveness of the essential oils are kept intact. I have compiled a list below of some well-known carrier oil options.
Carrier Oils
Fractionated Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is a great option for aromatherapy as it is high in antioxidants and Vitamin E. Unlike regular coconut oil fractionated coconut oil is processed in a way that mean it has a longer shelf life, is non greasy, light and does not solidify. It is my favourite all round oil for aromatherapy use.
Sweet Almond Oil
Sweet Almond oil has a slightly nutty smell to it and is great for all skin types. Its moisturising so its great to use in skin care.
Jojoba Oil
Jojoba oil is an odourless oil often used in massage. Its great for skin as it is moisturising and is similar to the oils naturally produced by your skin.
Grapeseed Oil
Grapeseed oil is very moisturising and great for delicate skin. Its often used in cosmetics as its great for the occasional blemish. Its used in aromatherapy for massage and skincare.
Olive Oil
Olive oil is quite a heavy oil with a strong odour however it is high in vitamins and minerals. It’s not necessarily the best oil to use in aromatherapy as the smell can sometimes overpower the scent of the essential oils.
Rosehip
Rosehip oil is rich in essential fatty acids and is a natural source of Vitamin C and E. It has antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects and is a great oil to use on your skin and as part of your face care routine.
Avocado Oil
Avocado oil is rich in minerals and Vitamin A. It great for both skin and hair care. As it is quite thick and oily, its best to use this oil in combination with other carrier oils.
Apricot Kernel
Apricot Kernel Oil is a great all-purpose carrier oil. It is similar to sweet almond oil but it is a bit lighter. It’s a good oil to use in massage.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil has a very distinct coconut aroma. It’s great to use as it is moisturising for skin hair and lips. This oil does solidify at cool room temperatures so you may want to use fractionated coconut oil when you need something to stay in its liquid form.
Sunflower Seed
Sunflower Seed Oil is a great all-purpose carrier oil. Its best to choose the unrefined version of this oil. It is a thin oil and doesn’t leave an oily residue.
Sesame Seed
Sesame Seed Oil is a good choice for massage however it is quite a strong scent and may overpower the essential oil blend, so it is best to combine this with another carrier oil.
Evening Primrose
Evening Primrose oil is great for the skin especially for certain skin conditions; however, it can be more expensive and can go rancid quite quickly, so it is best to blend this with other carrier oils.
Macadamia
Macadamia Nut Oil is good for use in massage, it has a strong scent so may overpower a blend so it best to use in combination with other carrier oils.
Hazelnut
Hazelnut Oil is a good carrier oil for those with oily skin. It’s a great all-purpose oil for both skin and massage.
Black cumin seed oil
Black cumin seed oil absorbs into the skin quickly and has an earthy peppery smell. It is thought be helpful in healing wounds as it has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal properties.
Other Carriers to dilute essential oils in:
It’s not just carrier oils that you can dilute essential oils in. You can simply add a couple of drops to a plain moisturiser or add to one of the following carriers.
Aloe Vera Gel
Unscented Lotion
Shea Butter
Cocoa Butter
