Welcome to the world of aromatherapy, where essential oils reign supreme! But did you know that using essential oils without a carrier oil can be a recipe for disaster? Enter carrier oils – the unsung heroes of aromatherapy. In this article, we will dive deep into the world of carrier oils, discussing what they are, why they are important, and how to use them effectively. So if you want to take your essential oil game to the next level, keep reading to learn everything you need to know about carrier oils!
Many people ask about the term “carrier oil” as it is used in aromatherapy. In this post, I’m going to cover what a carrier oil is and why they are used. The term “carrier oil” derives from the action of the oil when mixed with an essential oil to form a dilution.
Carrier oils are used in aromatherapy to dilute essential oils for use in topical applications. There are several choices of carrier oils depending on the intended uses and intended benefits. Why are these oils used to dilute essential oils in aromatherapy? Because applying undiluted essential oils can cause irritation, rashes, and sensitization when applied directly. They can have additional benefits for the skin such as containing Vitamin E and other vitamins and minerals.
What Is A Carrier Oil?
A carrier oil is a cold-pressed vegetable-based oil that is used to “carry” essential oils into your skin and body. Most pure essential oils are too strong to be used undiluted on the skin. They can cause skin sensitization (an allergic reaction) and other skin issues.
The way we can apply essential oils topically to the skin is by diluting them in a carrier oil that is readily absorbed by the skin. In this way, the essential oil also passes into the skin and into the capillaries beneath the skin.
Once the essential oils reach the bloodstream through the skin, they are then carried throughout the body and are absorbed by the cells that need them.
How Carrier Oils Differ From Essential Oils
Essential oils are derived from the aromatic portions of plants. These include the leaves, flowers, bark, and roots. Essential oils are concentrated oils that can oxidize and lose their potency. Essential oils, however, will not spoil. They should be stored in dark-colored sealed glass bottles to prevent the essential oils from breaking down. Essential oils are concentrated and are added to carrier oils to create a mixture that contains more of the oils and only a few drops of the essential oil. Essential oils can also evaporate. This is another reason they should be stored in sealed glass bottles.
Carrier oils are derived from the fatty portions of plants. The seeds, nuts, or kernels are pressed to obtain the oils. For use in aromatherapy, you should look for oils that are cold-pressed. These oils are usually sold in health food or specialized stores. The oils used for cooking are heat-processed or pasteurized and should not be used for aromatherapy. All oils can spoil and go rancid over time, so it is suggested to buy them in smaller batches or keep them in the refrigerator. Note that when stored in the refrigerator carrier oils may turn cloudy. They need to be returned to room temperature before use.
How Do We Know Carrier Oils Are Work?
In 1940 there was research done on the absorption of essential oils through the skin by a researcher named Straehli. The research found that after applying essential oils to the skin the essential oils would appear in the test subjects’ breath and could be measured after a time.
In other words, the oil was absorbed through the skin, reached the bloodstream, and circulated throughout the body, and then some of it was exhaled from the lungs as the blood passed through the lungs.
Now being a respiratory therapist and also a bit of a science geek, my first thought was “How did they know the test subject wasn’t just breathing in the aroma of the essential oil and then exhaling that”? That thought was not addressed in the research, so we’ll never know.
What we do know, however, is that inhalation of essential oils is an effective way to get the molecules of essential oils into the body as well. Inhalation is the second-quickest way to get something into the body behind direct injection.
We also know that a molecule of a substance that is less than 500 Dalton (this is a standard unit of molecular weight) can penetrate the outer layer of our skin. This is why our skin is impervious to water, yet it can absorb some chemicals.
The ability of the skin to repel water is a wonderful adaptation. Just think if your skin absorbed water. You couldn’t go swimming or take a shower because you would just soak up all the water. A very unpleasant thought indeed.
The molecules of the constituents in essential oils are smaller than the 500 Dalton threshold. Therefore, they can easily pass through the skin and be absorbed.
How is a Carrier Oil Extracted?
Carrier oils are extracted from the fruits, seeds, or nuts of various plants. They are extracted by the cold press method because it is believed that the heat needed to extract the oils would destroy some of the more delicate constituents of the oil.
Some Popular Carrier Oils
Sweet Almond Oil
Sweet Almond oil is probably the most popular carrier oil. Sweet Almond oil has a strong, nutty aroma. It absorbs into the skin well and it is popular due to this, and also because it is relatively inexpensive. It is used in massage as well as bath and skincare products.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is probably the second most used carrier oil. It contains many nutrients that are exceptional for skin and hair.
Coconut oil comes in two types. Unrefined coconut oil is the type of coconut oil you see in the supermarket. It is a solid at 76 degrees or below but melts above that temperature. That makes it great for use on the skin because as soon as it is applied to the skin it liquefies.
The other type of coconut oil we use is fractionated coconut oil. This is a type of coconut oil that has had the lipids removed and so it is a “fraction” of unrefined coconut oil. This is the type most used in massage because it is a liquid at all times.
Other Popular Carrier Oils
Each of the carrier oils has specific properties that are also taken into account when deciding which oil to use. Some are better for certain skin conditions such as acne or eczema. Others are absorbed better and some are non-staining when used for massage. This list is not by any means all-inclusive. It is simply there to give you a better idea of what carrier oils are and what they do as are related to aromatherapy.
What To Look For When Choosing A Carrier Oil
When shopping for oils you should look for oils that have been cold-pressed. This means the oils were processed without the addition of heat. Heat during the process can damage the nutrients in the oils. Organically certified oils are also an option. However, these oils are going to be more expensive.
Nutrients
As stated before carrier oils contain vitamins and nutrients that can be helpful to the skin. Oils high in Vitamin E are good for the skin. Vitamin E is a potent antioxidant. A high Vitamin E content can also improve the shelf life of the oil. Some oils also contain essential fatty acids, which are also helpful to the skin. When choosing a carrier oil it helps to know what your purpose is for the oil. You may want the benefits of a high Vitamin E content in a massage oil so you can treat your skin in addition to getting a relaxing massage. When you add the benefit of one or more of the relaxing essential oils to the mix, you have a winning combination.
Storage
Storage of carrier oils is a concern as they can go bad when stored for long periods. Purchasing smaller amounts and knowing the storage length and recommendations are important. Storage in dark glass bottles with a tight-fitting lid will help your oils last longer in storage. Using the carrier oil by the expiration date will help ensure that your carrier oils contain the highest levels of vitamins and minerals.
Conclusion
We covered what a carrier oil is and how they are used in aromatherapy, especially their use in massage to carry essential oils into the body. We looked at some of the most popular essential oils, and we covered how they are used.
Be sure and check out our list of articles for more great information on aromatherapy and essential oils.
FAQs:
Q: What is a carrier oil for aromatherapy?
A: A carrier oil is a type of oil that is used to dilute essential oils in aromatherapy. It helps to “carry” the essential oils onto the skin, making them safe for topical application.
Q: What carrier oil is best for aromatherapy?
A: The best carrier oil for aromatherapy depends on the individual’s needs and preferences. Some popular carrier oils include sweet almond oil, jojoba oil, coconut oil, and grapeseed oil.
Q: What is the best carrier oil to mix with essential oils?
A: Again, the best carrier oil to mix with essential oils will depend on the individual’s needs and preferences. Some good options include jojoba oil, sweet almond oil, and fractionated coconut oil.
Q: How do you use a carrier oil for aromatherapy?
A: To use a carrier oil for aromatherapy, simply mix a few drops of your chosen essential oil with a carrier oil and apply it to the skin or use it in a diffuser.
Q: Which carrier oil is best for my hair?
A: The best carrier oil for your hair will depend on your hair type and specific needs. Some popular options include coconut oil, jojoba oil, and argan oil.
Q: Which oils should not be mixed for hair?
A: Some oils should not be mixed for hair, such as castor oil and olive oil, which can cause hair to become too heavy and greasy.
Q: How do you mix carrier oil for hair growth?
A: To mix carrier oil for hair growth, simply combine a few drops of your chosen essential oil with a carrier oil such as coconut oil or jojoba oil, and massage into the scalp and hair.
Q: Can carrier oil be used directly on the skin?
A: Yes, carrier oil can be used directly on the skin, but it is recommended to dilute it with essential oils for safe use.
Q: What is the best carrier oil for aging skin?
A: Some popular carrier oils for aging skin include argan oil, rosehip oil, and avocado oil. These oils are high in antioxidants and have anti-aging properties.