What are Base Carrier Oils and How to Use Them
In aromatherapy and skincare, different oils are used to create different products that offer various benefits, scents and combinations. When using oils, there are different types that are usually combined. These are essential oils and base carrier oils. At their most basic, base carrier oils are just that – a base, while essential oils are the “top layer”. But there are more to them than just this:
Carrier oils
Carrier oils, also known as base oils, act as the foundation to any oil mixture. Combined with essential oils, it dilutes the oil to stop it from irritating the skin and improving the spread of the oil. They usually have very little aroma, are a light yellow colour and sourced from vegetable nuts and seeds.
Essential oils
Essential oils, on the other hand, are highly fragrant liquids that come from the other parts of a plant (such as the leaves and flowers). They have little colour but a potent smell. As a highly concentrated oil, a little goes a long way and it is important to combine them with carrier oils before applying directly on the skin.
How to use carrier oils
There are hundreds of different types of carrier oils, all with unique properties. When creating aromatherapy or skincare oils, it is important to choose the right oil and have the right ratio of ingredients. First, you need to decide what the oil is going to be used for. Then you need to define whether it will be matched with an essential oil or some other product. Dependent on the product and person, you will need a particular ratio for the oil to be most effective. Take a look online for various recipes here.
If you need some advice on finding the right carrier oil or would like to order some online, N-essentials has everything you need. Click here to see the list of carrier oils available, as well as other essential oils, cosmetic butters and extracts in the left hand bar.