Choosing A Carrier Oil That Works For You
Carrier oils are the unsung heroes of the essential oil world. They are often used, but get very little credit for what they do! Let’s take a closer look at carrier oils and why they deserve to be in the spotlight too!!
What Are Carrier Oils?
Carrier oils are fatty vegetable oils, often used in cooking, derived from plants (usually the seeds, kernels or nuts).
These oils do not elaborate like essential oils do and they tend to have a neutral aroma making them the perfect choice to combine with essential oils.
They are very commonly used to dilute and carry essential oils onto and across the skin.
Unlike essential oils, carrier oils have a limited shelf life so make sure to check them every 6 months especially if you don’t use them very often.
Each carrier oil has their own consistency, absorption rate, aroma, shelf life. But the cool thing is you can mix and match to find the perfect weight and consistency for you.
Becky’s Picks
Young Living’s V-6 Vegetable Based Carrier Oil is a blend of 6 oils. It doesn’t stain and it absorbs quickly, making it ideal for massage and a variety of other uses.
Coconut oil is another great choice for dry skin and for children with skin imbalances. It is easy to find in the local grocery store or online and it makes a great neutral base for DIY salves using essential oils. Note - for roller balls you will need fractionated coconut oil or substitute another favorite carrier that remains a liquid.
Jojoba oil is a wonderful choice for the delicate facial skin. It is extremely hydrating while still absorbing without a heavy feeling.
When is a Carrier Oil Needed?
Check your essential oil bottle labels and reference guide. If diluting is recommended, use your choice of carrier oil.
When applying an essential oil to a larger body area, use a carrier oil to help spread it around.
Always dilute when using on babies and small children, especially at first until you get to know what works well on your infant or child.
****Note - Good rules of thumb - 1. If you aren’t comfortable with it, don’t do it. 2. Start low and go slow.****
How Do I Know Which Carrier Oil to Choose?
Jojoba is naturally similar to human sebum. Therefore women with oily skin and scalp can benefit the most from a moisturizer with jojoba to help regulate the epidermis’ natural production of oil.
Antioxidant-rich olive oil is the ideal DIY-recipe ingredient for women with dry skin and eczema. This heartier liquid is also a good choice for women with aging skin because of the vitamins A and E.
Antioxidant-rich olive oil is the ideal DIY-recipe ingredient for women with dry skin and eczema. This heartier liquid is also a good choice for women with aging skin because of the vitamins A and E.
Almond oil is a natural way to clear dead skin cells. You can apply the elixir to get a more even skin tone and remedy dark spots. However, take note that almond oil should not be used by those with nut allergies.
Rubbing down in avocado oil can give you the same omega-3 acids and antioxidants that you get when you eat the delicious fruit.
Rubbing down in avocado oil can give you the same omega-3 acids and antioxidants that you get when you eat the delicious fruit.
Naturally coconuts are packed with protein, vitamin E, and fatty acids that can be absorbed into the skin easily. It also has antibacterial properties. The oil is solid at room temperature, making it easy for travel and a good base for your DIY lotion recipes.
For women with acne-prone skin, grape-seed oil is one of the best picks because of its astringent properties. It naturally contains linoleic acid, which has healing and anti-inflammatory properties.
Young Living’s V-6 Carrier Oil
Young Living’s V-6 Vegetable Oil Complex can be used to create custom massage oils or to dilute essential oils for sensitive skin. The pure vegetable oils blended in V-6 are moisturizing and nourishing to help heal and soothe all skin types. **Check ingredients list here to see if this product is right for you.
