Base Oils

Carrier Oils, What Are They?

Carrier oils (or base oils) are a key part of aromatherapy. They should be used to dilute essential oils so they can be applied to the skin without causing reactions or side effects such as irritation, flushing, or burning.

These base oils are usually vegetable, such as coconut or avocado. It stands to reason that carrier oils each have different properties and uses. The carrier oil you choose will depend on the intended use and the desired outcome.

Why Are Base Oils Used In Aromatherapy?

Aromatherapy has been around for centuries. The practice entails using essential oils that have been extracted from various parts of plants (flowers, bark, leaves, fruit, and other aromatic portions of a botanical) and then distilled. These plant extracts contain a high concentration of aromatic compounds that offer many impressive therapeutic properties.

Aromatic use is one of three primary methods of using essential oils, along with topical applications. When inhaled, either directly from the bottle or used in a diffuser, the molecules in essential oils travel from the olfactory nerves directly to the brain, impacting the amygdala (the emotional center of the brain). Essential oils can also be diluted with carrier oils and applied to the skin through massage, lotions, or bath salts and may be added to shampoos and conditioners, etc. 

Common Carrier Oils in Aromatherapy

Some of the most frequently used carrier oils include:

Apricot Kernel Oil – has antiseptic, antibacterial, and antioxidant effects. It nourishes the skin, decreases the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, improves skin tone, and is an excellent base for essential oils.

Argan Oil – is a plant oil produced from the kernels of the argan tree that is endemic to Morocco. The oil is made up of fatty acids and various phenolic compounds and is a rich source of vitamin E. It offers potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Avocado Oil – is rich in healthy fats. In fact, almost 70% of avocado oil is oleic acid, a monounsaturated omega-9 fatty acid. Used topically, avocado oil is highly emollient for dry skin types and offers balancing and nourishing properties.

Black Seed Oil – comes from the black cumin seed, which contains Nigellone, a natural antihistamine compound. Black seed oil also possesses anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal properties, making it ideal for treating numerous skin conditions.

Coconut Oil – a very popular carrier oil that is exceptionally light and emollient. It softens and hydrates dry skin while increasing essential oil distribution. Coconut oil leaves skin feeling silky smooth, without any greasy residue.

Grapeseed Oil – is pressed from different grape varieties, including chardonnay and riesling grapes. It is commonly used in aromatherapy as an all-purpose oil and is appropriate in a wide range of applications, from massage to skin care.

Jojoba Oil – has a mild, almost imperceptible scent, so it takes on the smell of its immediate environment. As such, when used as a carrier, jojoba fixes the scent of the essential oil(s) you add to it, making it an ideal carrier or base for essential oils and perfumes.

Olive Oil – is rich in fatty acids and vitamin E and is easily absorbed into the skin. However, olive oil has an extremely heavy viscosity, oily texture, and distinct aroma, which makes it less preferred than other oils for skin care and aromatherapy applications.

Rosehip Oil – contains vitamins A and C and oleic acid, palmitic acid, linoleic acid, and gamma-linolenic acid, which are all essential fatty acids. It is ideally suited to reduce the look of sun damage, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation and treat acne.

Sweet Almond Oil – is one of the most widely used carrier oils in aromatherapy and cosmetic applications. It provides excellent slip and is not easily absorbed, which makes it ideal for massage. It helps hydrate dry, itchy skin and is the perfect base oil to use with essential oils for DIY cosmetic/self-care recipes.

How to Dilute Essential Oils In Carrier Oils/Base Oils

According to The National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy, DIY massage and body oil blends should contain no more than 2.5% of essential oils, depending on the essential oil(s) being used. Essential oils blends for the face should be more diluted, typically containing no more than 1% to 2.5% of essential oils. Those with sensitive skin should use no more than 0.5% to 1% of essential oils in their facial treatments.

Carrier oils can vary widely in price based on several factors, such as the plant it's made from, how it is processed, whether or not it’s organic, the quantity, and its source. Read labels carefully to ensure you select the oil that best suits your needs.