Base Oils
What Are Carrier Oils?
Base oils (sometimes called "carrier" 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 extracted from seeds and nuts, 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. Read more >-
Queen of the Thrones Certified Organic, Extra Virgin Golden Castor Oil is a versatile, nutrient-rich oil designed to support your daily beauty routine. Gently pressed without excessive heat, it retains its natural properties and signature golden colour. Rich in omegas and plant compounds, it helps moisturize skin, soften hair, and condition nails, lashes, and brows for a healthy-looking appeara...
+ Earn 19 Reward PointsOur Price: $19.95In Stock -
Queen of the Thrones Certified Organic, Extra Virgin Golden Castor Oil is a versatile, nutrient-rich oil designed to support your daily beauty routine. Gently pressed without excessive heat, it retains its natural properties and signature golden colour. Rich in omegas and plant compounds, it helps moisturize skin, soften hair, and condition nails, lashes, and brows for a healthy-looking appeara...
+ Earn 27 Reward PointsOur Price: $27.95In Stock -
Refresh Botanicals ecocert certified Jojoba oil is extracted from the nuts of Jojoba plant which is a hearty, perennial plant that grows in North America. This 100% pure and organic cold pressed Jojoba Oil is obtained by pressing jojoba seeds without use of any chemicals or solvents. It is rich in Omega fatty acids, vitamins and minerals. Refresh Botanicals organic and cold-pressed Jojoba Oil p...
+ Earn 22 Reward PointsOur Price: $22.99In Stock -
Nurture your skin, hair, and nails with St. Francis Herb Farm's Organic Castor Oil. Castor oil has been a trusted natural remedy for centuries, renowned for its skin care and beauty benefits. Our premium, certified organic castor oil deeply hydrates, softens, and revitalizes skin, hair, and nails. To make application effortless, it includes a specialized applicator wand for precise use on brows...
+ Earn 11 Reward PointsSale: $11.99
Reg.: $13.49 (Save $1.50)
In Stock -
CASTOR OIL - PACK ON THE HEALING Castor Oil From St. Francis is extracted from the bean of the Castor plant (Ricinus communis Linnaeus) making fresh, , cold-pressed, cultivated, hexane free, organic Castor Oil. Castor Oil has been used medicinally for thousands of years. It is most commonly used to relieve pain, aid circulation, enhance the condition of tissues and organs beneath the skin, st...
+ Earn 13 Reward PointsSale: $13.99
Reg.: $16.99 (Save $3.00)
In Stock -
CASTOR OIL - PACK ON THE HEALING Castor Oil From St. Francis is extracted from the bean of the Castor plant (Ricinus communis Linnaeus) making fresh, , cold-pressed, cultivated, hexane free, organic Castor Oil. Castor Oil has been used medicinally for thousands of years. It is most commonly used to relieve pain, aid circulation, enhance the condition of tissues and organs beneath the skin, st...
+ Earn 21 Reward PointsSale: $21.99
Reg.: $27.49 (Save $5.50)
In Stock -
Aura Cacia Apricot Kernel Skin Care Oil is toted for being able to soak into the skin more readily without leaving behind a greasy feel. It is also high in Vitamin E, Vitamin A and Vitamin C, all of which act as a protective anti-aging antioxidant for the skin. Apricot kernel oil is high in skin-nourishing essential fatty acids. Aura Cacia Apricot Kernel Skin Care Oil has light, smooth properti...
+ Earn 20 Reward PointsOur Price: $20.46Out of Stock
Get Notified When in Stock
-
Sweet almond (Prunus amygdalus dulcis) oil is one of the most diverse and accessible face and skincare oils, making it one of the most popular natural skincare ingredients. Due to its weight and nutrient density, Sweet Almond Skin Care Oil from Aura Cacia is excellent for bath and after-shower applications, and especially appropriate for caring for dry skin. The sweet almond nut is actually a d...
+ Earn 10 Reward PointsOur Price: $10.32Out of Stock
Get Notified When in Stock
-
This 100% pure certified organic Jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis) oil from Promise is ideal to use as a body conditioner, in your hair and on your skin. Promise pure Jojoba oil is cold-pressed + UV Protected. Jojoba oil is very close in structure to our natural skin oil (sebum) and makes a great natural moisturizer and cleanser. [LIQUID]
+ Earn 12 Reward PointsOur Price: $12.00Out of Stock
Get Notified When in Stock
-
This 100% pure certified organic Jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis) oil from Promise is ideal to use as a body conditioner, in your hair and on your skin. Promise pure Jojoba oil is cold-pressed + UV Protected. Jojoba oil is very close in structure to our natural skin oil (sebum) and makes a great natural moisturizer and cleanser. [LIQUID]
+ Earn 25 Reward PointsOur Price: $25.50Out of Stock
Get Notified When in Stock
-
This 100% pure certified organic Jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis) oil from Promise is ideal to use as a body conditioner, in your hair and on your skin. Promise pure Jojoba oil is cold-pressed + UV Protected. Jojoba oil is very close in structure to our natural skin oil (sebum) and makes a great natural moisturizer and cleanser. [LIQUID]
+ Earn 30 Reward PointsOur Price: $30.00Out of Stock
Get Notified When in Stock
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.
Back to Top ↑
