What You Need to Know about Carrier Oils

I have a large collection of essential oils. Essential oils are highly potent, powerful, and effective. In fact, the sheer volume of raw plant matter necessary to create essential oils can be upwards of one thousand times greater than the volume of oil produced. Because pure essential oils are so incredibly concentrated, it’s recommended that most be diluted with carrier oils rather than applied neat (undiluted direct application). Carrier oils are recommended as a base for both diluting essential oils as well as applying over larger surface areas. With so many options available, it’s important to learn all about carrier oils.

Carrier Oils

There are a plethora of different carrier oils available for purchase. The most common include coconut oil (solid or fractionated liquid), almond oil, jojoba oil, avocado oil, grape seed oil, and castor oil. Shea nut oil, apricot kernal oil, and pure vegetable glycerin are also widely used. Carrier oils typically come in a liquid state, but some (like raw coconut oil) are in solid form. Each type of carrier oil has its own unique benefits, which are important to know when selecting one for use. I tend to purchase NOW Solutions on Amazon. NOW has been a leader in the natural products industry since 1968. A few years ago, my chiropractor highly recommended NOW supplements, specifically NOW Vitamin D-3, as preferred natural supplements. I’ve come to trust their products, so it was natural that when I started searching for carrier oils, I searched their first. It’s also a family owned company, and that means a lot to me.

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Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is available in either a solid or a fractionated liquid. Coconut oil is great as a deep moisturizer and softens skin. The liquid form is also great for hair as it prevents dryness, frizzing, and split ends. Fractionated coconut oil is odorless and does not leave a greasy feeling. It can be used in lotion, natural deodorant, face wash, hair conditioner, and lip balm. It can also be used in eye makeup remover.

NOW Solutions Liquid Coconut Oil, 16-OunceBuy Now

Sweet Almond Oil

Sweet almond oil contains vitamins A, E, B, & D in addition to zinc and calcium. It absorbs without blocking pores. It is lightweight and generally odorless. It is soothing on inflamed skin and great for use in lotions and more. It’s not too oily and works great in roller bottles.

NOW Solutions Sweet Almond Oil, 16-OunceBuy Now

Jojoba Oil

Jojoba oil is great for use on the the skin, scalp, beard and hair. It is lightweight and absorbs quickly. It is gentle and works great for those with sensitive skin.

NOW Solutions Jojoba Oil, 16-ounceBuy Now

Avocado Oil

Avocado oil is rich with vitamins A, E, and K. It is great for dry skin, as a hair moisturizer, and as a massage oil. Avocado oil is known for its ability to deeply penetrate the outer layers of skin, which makes it a great oil for rough, dry heels!

NOW Solutions Avocado Oil, 16-OunceBuy Now

Grape Seed Oil

Grape seed oil is is rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and essential fatty acids like Oleic, Linoleic, Stearic, Palmitic, Myristic and Lauric. It can be used as a deep conditioner for skin and hair. It is suitable for all skin types. It won’t clog pores and has mild astringent properties, so it will not aggravate acne.

NOW Solutions Grape Seed Oil, 16-OunceBuy Now

Castor Oil

Castor oil is rich in vitamins, especially vitamin E, and fatty-acids. It is believed to promote better hair growth because the antioxidants in it support natural keratin, making the hair stronger and smoother. It also nourishes and hydrates skin. It is suitable for all skin types

NOW Solutions Castor Oil, 100% Pure, 16 ounce (Pack of 3)Buy Now

Shea Nut Oil

Shea Nut Oil is rich in oleic and stearic essential fatty acids. It absorbs quickly and is great for moisturizing your hair, scalp and skin.

NOW Solutions Shea Nut Oil, 16-OunceBuy Now

Apricot Kernel Oil

Apricot Kernel Oil is rich in fatty acids, is gentle, and ideal for softening fine lines and restoring a healthy glow to skin.

NOW Solutions Apricot Kernel Oil,16-OunceBuy Now

Pure Vegetable Glycerine

While not an oil, pure vegetable glycerine is a great moisturizer and skin cleanser that also provides softening and lubricating benefits. It’s easily soluble in water, is gentle, and hypoallergenic. It keeps skin moist by attracting water both from within the body and the surrounding air, and then helps retain it.

NOW Solutions Vegetable Glycerine (Liquid), 16-OunceBuy Now

You can create amazing blends, salves, and lotions by combining liquid carrier oils with solid compounds like shea butter and cocoa butter and essential oils. I make a homemade lotion that is a mixture of coconut oil, shea butter, and essential oils. It is lovely!

When combining solids with essential oils, they do need to be melted (and slightly cooled) to ensure an even mixture and optimal distribution of the essential oil. High temperatures can break down the therapeutic properties of essential oils, which is why the mixture should be slightly cooled before adding the essential oils.

For most essential oils, a dilution of 1-5% if most optimal. A 1% solution can be achieved by adding one drop of essential oil to one teaspoon of carrier oil. A 5% solution can be achieved by adding five drops of essential oil to one teaspoon of carrier oil. For oils that are typically known as “hot oils” such as Oregano, Cinnamon, Clove, Thyme, Cassia and Peppermint need a generous amount of carrier oil for any kind of topical application to avoid a burning sensation. I like to keep hot oils at 1%. For others, including my favorite Hinoki Oil, I do the 5% solution. Remember, if you have sensitive skin, consider keeping all oil mixtures at a 1% solution! Also, keep in mind that infants, toddlers, and elderly folks tend to have thinner skin which might put them at a greater risk for sensitivity. When diluting larger volumes of oils for use over an extended period of time, it is always best to store your oil mixture in glass containers!

Read more about my favorite essential oil in my Top 8 Uses for Hinoki Essential Oil post!

One of my favorite resources on Essential Oils is the Essential Oils Pocket Reference by Life Science. It is a condensed version of the popular Essential Oil Desk Reference. It is divided into 7 chapters with 3 appendices, containing usage in history and modern medicine, the top scientific research, methods to safely use and apply essential oils, and much more. The Essential Oils Pocket Reference includes a directory (single oils, blends and personal usage). It features Young Living oil blends and formulations, which is the brand of essential oils that I prefer.

Essential Oils Pocket Reference 7th EditionBuy Now