Reviewed By: Kacie La
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We all know that essential oils are extremely potent and that they need to be mixed with a carrier oil in order for them to be safe, viable and convenient upon use. No one wants disaster to strike when they’re diffusing, soap or candle-making, or using essential oils in their skincare or hair care routine!
So, when it comes to choosing a carrier oil, one should be able to know what kinds are out there and which ones are best to use for different purposes. Not to mention that we also need to choose the right one that works best for our needs!
So, which carrier oils are best to use for each intended purpose? And how do you know which one is right to mix with your essential oils? With N-Essentials’ help, of course!
This article is a comprehensive guide for which carrier oils are best mixed with your essential oils. Keep reading to learn more!
What Is a Carrier Oil?
A carrier oil, also known as a base oil, is primarily used to dilute essential oils before they are applied to the skin in aromatherapy and massage. They "carry" the essential oil onto the skin, reducing the concentration of the volatile compounds and minimising potential skin irritation.
Carrier oils are typically derived from the fatty portions of plants, such as the seeds, nuts, or kernels. They contain various nutrients and can have their own therapeutic properties. Examples of popular carrier oils include jojoba oil, coconut oil, and borage oil. Unlike essential oils, carrier oils do not evaporate or have a strong aroma.
One good thing about carrier oils is that they don’t alter an essential oil’s cosmetic properties even when thoroughly mixed. This is really important, especially if you are making DIY soaps or candles, or incorporating oils into skincare products such as lotions, hair oils, or lip balms.
Why Do You Need Carrier Oils?
Carrier oils are crucial for the safe use of essential oils, which are typically highly concentrated and can cause skin irritation or adverse reactions if applied directly. Carrier oils for essential oils help to reduce the essential oils’ concentration without altering their beneficial qualities, making them safer for topical applications.
Carrier oils also have their own beneficial properties, such as vitamins and fatty acids, that nourish and moisturise the skin. They also help in spreading essential oils over a larger surface area of the skin.
Furthermore, carrier oils can prolong the evaporation of essential oils, allowing their aroma and benefits to last longer. Hence, carrier oils are an integral part of oil blends for diffusers and topical application of essential oils.
Choosing a Carrier Oil
Before you get started on your skincare, hair care or crafting, you need to know what is the best carrier oil for the essential oils you are using. Here is a guide on what carrier oil you should pair with your chosen essential oil, and for what activity you should use it for!
Carrier Oils for Skincare
If you are looking at integrating carrier oils into your skincare routine but aren’t sure where to start, this is your new bible. Just like there are different skin types out there, there are different carrier oils for essential oils that will best complement it.
For normal skin – This type of skin refers to a complexion that is neither too dry or oily. People with this skin type can use coconut oil, sweet almond oil, and/or sunflower oil.
For oily skin – Oily skin is basically caused by the overproduction of sebum across all parts of the face. To give the appearance of a brighter complexion in order to combat this, we suggest using grapeseed oil and jojoba oil. These carrier oils will give the look of a radiant complexion without accentuating the excess oil.
For dry skin – People who have this type of skin may experience dull and rough-looking skin due to less production of sebum. Avocado oil and apricot kernel oil are the recommended carrier oils for this skin type, as they can give the appearance of a hydrated, smooth complexion.
Remember to always do a patch test before applying a new oil or product all over your skin. If you have any skin sensitivities, we recommend speaking to your GP or dermatologist.
Carrier Oils for Freshening Up Rooms
While carrier oils don’t possess the strongest scent themselves, they are still important when it comes to diffusing due to their ability to dilute essential oils. Carrier oils for essential oils are best paired when both scents complement each other rather than clash.
Fractionated coconut oil is a great carrier oil to use with essential oils, as it has little to no scent. It pairs beautifully with essential oils like lemon, lime, and grapefruit. An added bonus is that unlike normal coconut oil, fractionated coconut oil does not solidify – even at lower temperatures!
Sweet almond oil is another great carrier oil to use in diffusing because of its mild yet sweet scent. Combine it with essential oils such as peppermint or eucalyptus for a fresh and invigorating scent.
Carrier Oils for Massage Oils
When selecting carrier oils for massage oils, it’s important to choose oils that have good slip and allow your hands to glide over the skin smoothly. Some popular carrier oils for massage include:
These oils have mild to little aroma, which makes them perfect for massages. You don’t want your massage oil to overwhelm your senses during a time of relaxation.
Which Is the Lightest Carrier Oil?
One of the lightest carrier oil is fractionated coconut oil. There are other lightweight carrier oils too that have high skin absorbency such as grapeseed oil, apricot kernel oil and sweet almond oil.
Fractionated coconut oil, an example of the many light carrier oils, is created through a process that removes the long-chain fatty acids, leaving behind only the lighter, medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). This refining process results in a lightweight, non-greasy oil that remains liquid at room temperature, unlike regular coconut oil, which goes solid.
Can You Mix Carrier Oils Together?
Absolutely! Mixing carrier oils together can create a customised blend tailored to you and what you’re doing. Not only this, but it can enhance the carrier oils’ benefits, improve their texture, or create a more balanced oil. When mixing carrier oils, consider factors such as their viscosity, absorption rate, and the desired properties you want to achieve.
Now that you know all about the carrier oils to mix with essential oils, it’s time to get to know each carrier oil a little bit better. Read our top carrier oil article, or start shopping our carrier oils today!
