What’s the Best Carrier Oil and Why Do You Need It?

Carrier oils are necessity in the oil and body care product industry. A carrier oil is simply a base oil mainly derived from nuts and seeds of different plants. Different carrier oils will offer varied therapeutic benefits and are suitable for different skin types and products.

It is possible to use them on their own or together with another oil whether as a moisturizer or to treat some problems.

One common application of carrier oils is diluting strong essential oils as well as other fragrances in order to make them safe for application on the body.

When used with essential oils, they serve to prevent them from evaporating too quickly. They also effectively ‘carry’ the other ingredients into the skin and body.

Carrier oils are also used for their therapeutic properties in formulating deodorants, soaps, scrubs, body butter and so much more.

Types of carrier oils

There are many types of carrier oils from various sources.

One mode of extraction of carrier oils can be through the cold press, which does not apply any heat to the source for the extraction. This method is the best because the extract retains its natural beneficial properties.

If a carrier oil undergoes no refinement to very minimal refinement it will keep its strength and richness. It is universally agreed that the best carrier oils include:

• Coconut oil – extracted from the coconut fruit, it can be fractionated coconut oil which has a different texture from the regular cold pressed sort that solidifies under room temperature.
• Avocado oil – refined avocado is best suited for use in cosmetics. It can also be incorporated into some massage oil blends. The cold pressed version has thick moisturizing properties.
• Emu oil – this is an almost 100% triglyceride lipid and resembles olive or cottonseed oil more than animal fat. Containing no phosphorus molecules it has short chain fatty acids like most animal fats but amazingly acts like a long chain fatty acid which you can find in plant oils.
• Sweet almond oil – rich in minerals, proteins, vitamins and essential fatty acids, it is the most widely used carrier oil as it is beneficial in nourishing and revitalizing the skin besides being hypoallergenic.
• Argan oil – can be used alone as a moisturizer and conditioner or as a carrier oil for essential oils. It is quite effective for nourishing and hydrating.
• Olive oil – has a mild and distinctive subtle smell and is popularly used as a carrier oil in cosmetics because of this. It is also a great moisturizer.
• Tamanu oil – is cold pressed from the fruit of the calophyllum inophyllum tree and is high on the list of great skin care oils. It can be used directly on the skin or within formulations.
• Neem oil – due to its richness in fatty acids and glycerides, neem oil posses amazing moisturizing and cleansing properties. It is very viscous and easily solidifies in the cold.
• Apricot kernel oil – it is very rich in vitamin A and is good for all skin types. It is notable for its very mild scent which makes it ideal as a carrier oil.
• Jojoba oil – is a popular carrier oil mainly because it does not oxidize and turn rancid. This quality allows it to extend the shelf life of the blends it is used in. It is also considered the perfect carrier for persons with ultra-sensitive skin.
• Castor oil – castor oil is extracted from the castor plant (Ricinus Communis) and is known to leave a sticky residue and will stain clothing when used with essential oils. Because of this, it is recommended that you use only about 10% of castor oil as carrier oil in your beauty formulations. It is great for hair, eyebrows and eyelashes.

Another carrier oil that is wonderful for the skin is neem. Neem oil is viscous with a strong scent and contains Omega 3, 6 and 9 fatty acids. It is popular to be found in body and skin care products and insect repellents and is favored by people with acne prone skin.

Other carrier oils that are good for the hair include castor oil, coconut oil, sweet almond and jojoba oils. They also have powerful hydration and strengthening properties which they easily infuse in the hair.

Mixing essential oils with carrier oil

As a consumer of oils, the rule of thumb when it comes to essential oil is they should not be applied topically when ‘neat’. Neat is the word used to refer to an undiluted essential oil. Applying essential oils at full strength on your skin can be harmful.

It is sensible to dilute essential oils with a carrier oil before topical use on your skin in order to prevent developing sensitization. Proper dilution is always recommended (do not ignore the dilution instructions). Furthermore, carrier oils promote better absorption of essential oils into the skin for maximum benefits.

To create viable and effective blends the following points should be taken into consideration:

1. Chemistry and constitution of the oil

This looks at what properties the oil has, how viscous it is and its volatility. A heavy oil, like Vitamin E essential oil, needs to be balanced by a smooth carrier oil like coconut oil.

2. Purpose of the blend

Mixing correctly allows for a synergistic effect within your mixture. The action of the oil is increased and improved by mixing a carrier oil and an essential oil. For instance, the blend has better absorption into the skin, body or hair and more power to actively impact your body.

3. Sequence

In some instances, the sequence in which you mix a recipe can be a factor. A change in the sequence can alter the properties along with the fragrance. A drop by drop mixing process is better than pouring the oils into each other.

As a general rule of thumb when it comes to mixing carrier oil and essential oils, it good to note that:

• Lighter and smaller molecules produce thinner oils (less viscous) that are more volatile and aromatic
• Heavier and larger molecules produce thicker oils (more viscous) that are less volatile (aromatic)
• Absorption to the body is faster when the molecules are lighter and smaller

With this oil as part of your beauty arsenal and regular application, you can be sure to protect your skin from oxidative stress and UV radiation damage, ensuring it remains rejuvenated, soft and supple.

Although not a cure, NOW sweet almond 100% pure oil helps reduce symptoms like itching in persons with eczema and psoriasis. When skin is broken, it weeps and makes crusty deposits. Scratching only exacerbates the irritation, paving way for fungal and bacterial infections that complicate these chronic conditions.

Sweet almond oil, being gentle and hypoallergenic, can help keep the affected skin soft and hydrated. It plays a great role in nourishing your skin without irritating it further.

Our conclusion

With this carrier oil, you can reap double benefits by mixing with some of your favorite essential oils. It is the ideal option for healthy skin.

• Hair – Viva coconut oil is good for hair and can be used by melting a spoonful or three of this organic coconut oil and applying it to the roots and ends to promote healthier and sleek looking hair. You can create a hair mask and let it stay on the hair for an hour before showering or overnight for a deep conditioning treatment.
• Culinary – if you love the organic coconut flavor then your scramble eggs rice and stir fry will never be the same again. This organic oil can also be used for baking to add that special coconut flavor to your dessert

Our conclusion

From the harvesting stage to manufacturing stage, viva organic coconut is engineered to provide farm to table freshness by preserving all nutrients and aroma of choice coconut.

Our conclusion

This carrier oil makes a great mix with your favorite essential oil for enhanced benefits to both the skin and hair. It is smooth on its own yet very accommodating of other oils.

The high content of vitamin E within the oil has amazing effects on your complexion. If you are suffering from acne, pure castor oil is a great oil to consider as it helps reduce symptoms of acne, sunburn and dry skin.

Just makes sure that you test a small amount on a small patch of skin to see your reaction to it before applying it widely.

Our conclusion

Pure castor oil for great hair and glowing skin is must-have for every beauty chest. Although it is viscous, it applies well because you need just a small amount of it for use.

Because the oil is readily absorbed by the skin, it works well for massages and you can always add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to personalize it. Now grapeseed oil can also be used on the hair because of its rich content of vitamin E. The oil help builds the hair tissue while the linoleic acid in the oil promotes hair growth.

In addition to taking care of dandruff, the oil is thin and as such does not leave your hair feeling greasy.

Our conclusion

Now grapeseed oil is versatile and would be a great addition to your collection of carrier oils for various beauty purposes for both your hair and skin.

It is very versatile in use but stays true to its core components of healing, rejuvenating and regenerating cells no matter what the application.

Final word

Carrier oils tend to be less known. However, having learned some of the great benefits they have, you are positioned to take advantage of their great value and stress the value of essential oils you might already have by marrying the two for incredible results both on your skin and hair.

And for good measure where applicable as seen above, some carrier oils can make for excellent culinary flavoring!

Image credits: Everypixel.com and Amazon.com