Carrier Oil Options from TJ's
Essential oils are often – though not always – used in combination with a carrier oil. Using essential oils and carrier oils in combination can increase the benefits received from both. If you’re new to essential oils, it’s a good idea to dilute your essential oils with a carrier oil before using topically, at least until you know how your body responds to a particular essential oil.
So, what exactly is the difference between an essential oil and a carrier oil?
Essential oils are aromatic in nature. They are made up of small, light, organic molecules (i.e., limonene, linalool, eucalyptol) that are volatile (easily evaporated at normal temperatures). Carrier oils generally have only a light aroma, if any. They are made up of large, heavy organic molecules (i.e., fatty acids) which are nonvolatile.
Carrier oils themselves have many health benefits, even without the addition of essential oils. But how does one decide which carrier oil to use? There are so many choices – including some that sound exotic and can be difficult to find. Baobab Seed oil, Moringa oil, Tamanu oil, Marula oil, to name a few…
Partly to simplify – but mostly because I’ll be doing a “Crew Tasting” on carrier oils at work tomorrow – I’ve chosen to include only those carrier oils that are available for purchase at Trader Joe’s. Chances are quite high that you have at least one of these carrier oils already in your house!
If you’re interested in learning more about these carrier oils, I’ve included a resource list at the end of this blog post.
Enjoy! And happy oiling!
Argan Oil
argan trees are native to Morocco
oil extracted from the seeds
very light, silky, smooth, with a nutty aroma
does not feel oily or greasy, does not clog pores
a good choice for a facial moisturizer
can be used as a face wash instead of soap
rich in antioxidants, in Vitamins A and E, and in oleic and linoleic fatty acids
one of the best oils to use for regenerating skin cells
well known for its anti-aging properties
excellent carrier oil for general skin care and massage oils, anti-aging salves and lotions
can help nourish and treat dry skin and hair, wrinkles, and skin inflammation
beneficial for healing inflammation and damage caused by UV rays of the sun
reduces the appearance of stretch marks and scars
promotes healthy cuticles and nails
promotes hair growth; repairs hair damage, split ends; reduces frizz; brings back glow and shine in hair
for an anti-aging moisturizer
apply 1 drop of oil on your fingertips and tap into the wrinkle-prone areas of your face, such as around the nose and the temple area
use the same gentle tapping motion and apply a drop under your eye area as well, every night before bed
for acne
combine 1-2 drops of oil with a drop of tea tree essential oil
dab onto problem areas
natural leave-in hair conditioner
depending on the length of your hair, use 1 to 3 drops
massage onto the scalp, and run hands through hair
finally, rub it in well at the end tips of hair
Avocado Oil
the oil is cold-pressed from the avocado fruit
fruit of the avocado tree is almost one-third oil
avocado trees typically grow in sunny, tropical, and Mediterranean climates
one of the thickest, most luxurious oils
delicate, fresh, and similar to the ripe fruit with an earthy, slightly nutty aroma
organic, unrefined avocado oil is rich in chlorophyll
has a distinctive dark green color
when the oil is refined, the chlorophyll is removed and the oil looks pale yellow
unrefined avocado oil has more to offer your skin
contains palmitoleic acid
a type of fatty acid, found naturally in human fatty tissues just under the skin
since avocado oil mimics this fat, the skin absorbs it in
provides excellent nourishment for older, mature skin that has thinned with age
contains high concentrations of oleic and linoleic fatty acids
rich in vitamins A, D & E
can be a good carrier oil for dry skin remedies and body creams
deeply moisturizing
a potent anti-inflammatory
can help skin retain its natural moisture and elasticity
good at penetrating the first few layers of skin to make it feel supple and nourished
for dry skin, use as a face cleanser
reduces the appearance of scars and stretch marks
may increase sebum production, so if skin is acne-prone, check with dermatologist before use
ideal for irritable skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema
due to its high viscosity, dries slowly making it a good carrier oil for massage
to thin it out a bit and make it more free flowing, can be blended with another carrier oil (such as olive oil or grapeseed oil)
green color may stain light-colored clothing or linens
Coconut Oil
cold-pressed from the meat of mature coconuts
available in refined or unrefined varieties
unrefined coconut oil comes from fresh coconut meat
not processed with chemicals and retains its coconut aroma and flavor
refined coconut oil comes from dried coconut meat (copra)
bleached and deodorized to remove contaminants
also removes the distinct coconut aroma and flavor
refined coconut oil isn’t all-natural
not recommended for use as a carrier oil
fractionated coconut oil is also processed
to keep it from solidifying at room temperature
more convenient, but also more processed
coconut oil is most effective
when it’s raw, unrefined, unfractionated, organic, and virgin
full of naturally present antioxidants, skin-nourishing saturated fatty acids and polyphenols
wonderfully moisturizing, nourishing, and protective for skin
rich, but not heavy
an excellent antifungal, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial
exceptional for dry skin and treating skin conditions, including itching and redness
generally safe for very sensitive skin
has natural, deep-moisturizing properties
also exceptional for nourishing hair and nails
almost 50% content of lauric acid
means that coconut oil can retain a long shelf life
great for removing makeup
mixed info about whether coconut oil will clog pores
some sources suggest that it may clog pores because the molecules of this carrier are large and will sit on the surface of your skin
other sources suggest that it will not clog pores
perhaps this depends on the oil content of a person’s skin
Flaxseed Oil
also known as linseed oil
extracted from seeds of the flax plant
provides some incredible benefits
contains the highest concentration of alpha-linoleic acid amongst all vegetable-based carrier oils, making it a powerful anti-inflammatory
highly beneficial in treating inflammatory skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema
beneficial for joint inflammation caused by conditions like rheumatoid arthritis
Grapeseed Oil
extracted from the seeds of grapes
a byproduct of the winemaking process
grape seeds are loaded with antioxidants and other beneficial nutrients
high in proteins and minerals
high in linoleic acid (a natural anti-inflammatory)
rich in vitamin E (a nutrient thought to heal the skin and reduce wrinkles)
has a neutral scent
lightweight and easily absorbed by the skin
does not make skin greasy
great for balancing, toning, and smoothing the skin
also beneficial for blemish-prone skin
a good carrier oil to use with essential oils to make body oils, massage oils, face serums
great carrier oil for rollerballs
has antiseptic properties and is a mild astringent
this makes it a good carrier oil for acne-prone skin or oily skin
moisturizes and nourishes hair without making it greasy
works well to combat dandruff
Jojoba Oil
jojoba is an evergreen shrub that grows in dry areas
the seeds look similar to coffee beans
when cold-pressed, the seeds yield up to 60% of themselves as liquid wax
technically, jojoba isn’t an oil, but a liquid wax
yet looks and feels like a carrier oil, with powerful moisturizing properties
a benefit of being a wax
resists oxidation and does not go rancid
this extends the shelf lives of essential oil blends
has a light nutty aroma
solidifies in cold temperatures, but returns to liquid form easily
thought to closely mimic sebum, the natural oil secretions of human skin
absorbs easily through the skin, and doesn’t clog pores
this makes it a good carrier oil option for massage oils, facial moisturizers, and bath oils
a natural anti-fungal
works well when combined with essential oils that also have anti-fungal properties and are used for topical fungal infections
removes makeup naturally from the face and eye area
nourishes the skin at the same time
soak a cotton ball with the oil and use it to remove makeup, dirt and grime
as a remedy for cracked feet and hands
soak hands and feet in warm water for 10 minutes (can add essential oils to enhance relaxation or invigorate)
dry with a towel
massage in the oil
Olive Oil
extracted from the fruit of the olive tree
best known as a healthy, edible oil with a fruity aroma
but it’s also used in aromatherapy as a carrier oil
unrefined extra virgin olive oil is preferred for aromatherapy and skin care preparations
no heat or chemicals are used in the extraction process
contains the highest concentration of oleic acid
a light oil with a fruity aroma that is not overpowering
the scent may interfere with the scent of some essential oils
use as a carrier oil for massage, facial cleansers, hair care, and homemade soaps
packed with fatty acids and plant sterols
which make it great for cleansing and moisturizing dry skin
non-greasy
can be used for almost any skin or hair type
does not clog skin pores or leave hair looking greasy
excellent for dandruff, frizzy hair
Sunflower Oil
an edible oil extracted from sunflower seeds
has a neutral odor
can act as a skin barrier against toxins and germs that cause infection
a great choice for irritated skin
softens and moisturizes skin, soothes irritation
can be added to massage oils
use for general skin care
Vitamin E Oil
a fat-soluble oil, easily absorbed by the skin
provides antioxidant properties to help smooth wrinkles and keep skin looking youthful
helps block free radicals
its chemical composition makes it ideal for mixing with essential oils
can prolong the shelf life of other carrier oils when combined
can feel thick and greasy
so best to use topically at night before bed
or combine with another carrier oil
if using the pure oil, it only takes a few drops massaged into the area of concern to see positive effects
Sources:
Butje, Andrea. The Heart of Aromatherpy: An Easy-to-Use Guide for Essential Oils. (2017)
O’Sullivan, Jen. French Aromatherapy: Essential Oil Recipes & Usage Guidw (2018)
https://www.up-nature.com/blogs/news/top-20-best-carrier-oils-for-essential-oils-revealed
https://www.healthline.com/health/carrier-oil
https://www.recipeswithessentialoils.com/vitamin-e-oil-14-recipes-use-everyday-life/
https://draxe.com/vitamin-e-oil/
https://www.aromatics.com/collections/carriers
