Carrier oils, also known as base oils or vegetable oils, are used to dilute essential oils for use in aromatherapy, massage, and skincare. They “carry” the essential oils onto the skin. Carrier oils have emollient properties that nourish and moisturize the skin. Unlike essential oils that evaporate quickly, carrier oils can leave a light oil residue that softens skin over time.
Now, you have a clear understanding of what carrier oils are all about. With that in mind, let’s explore how to pick the right carrier oil for your uses.
Intended Use
Is it for massage, bath, aromatherapy, or skin/hair care? This determines the texture and absorbency you need. Lighter oils like jojoba or grapeseed suit massage or facial skin care. More emollient oils like olive or avocado suit body moisturizers. Coconut oil offers deep conditioning for hair.
Skin Type
Oily Skin: Go for lighter, non-greasy oils like grapeseed or jojoba that get absorbed easily without clogging pores.
Dry Skin: Choose more emollient, nourishing oils like olive, sweet almond, or avocado to moisturize skin.
Sensitive Skin: Pick gentle, cold-pressed oils like jojoba or argan that are less likely to cause irritation or allergy.
Normal Skin: Most carrier oils suit normal skin besides very thick ones like castor oil or very overpowering ones like neem or mustard oil.
Texture
Do you want a runny, liquid oil or thick, dense oil for application? Liquid oils like sunflower or grapeseed oil spread easily. Dense oils like olive or coconut oil adhere well to localize application. Some carrier oils offer different consistencies based on climate and preparation, which determine their viscosity.
Aromatic Properties
Carrier oils have their natural aromas ranging from neutral to nutty, earthy, or grassy tones. If you plan to add essential oils, choose an odorless or light carrier oil like jojoba, grapeseed, or apricot that won’t compete with added fragrances.
Absorbency
Do you want the oil to seep deep into the skin or retain moisture on the skin surface? Light oils penetrate fast without residue. Heavy oils remain partially on the skin, keeping it moisturized longer. Know your purpose before picking. Jojoba, sunflower, and grapeseed oils absorb fast. Olive, coconut, and avocado oils have a greasier residual effect.
Color
Does the oil color matter for use on light or dark skin? Some oils have a color tint that can temporarily stain skin if you use too much. But generally, most carrier oils don’t alter skin color except for very dark oils like red palm oil or stark white oils derived from nuts or seeds.
Benefits of Popular Carrier Oils
You shouldn’t ignore the benefits of carrier oils when buying them. Let’s take a look at some of the most prominent benefits of them.
Coconut Oil: Intensely moisturizing, great for dry skin and hair. Has a thick, creamy texture.
Olive Oil: Rich in antioxidants with skin-soothing qualities, good for most skin types, and has anti-aging effects. Has a heavy, greasy texture.
Jojoba Oil: Mimics skin’s natural oils so it is easily absorbed. Balancing effect suits oily, dry, and sensitive skin. Has a lightweight, liquid texture.
Grapeseed Oil: High in skin-healthy linoleic acid that restores skin barrier function. Light-textured and suitable for oily or acne-prone skin types. Also, odorless.
Avocado Oil: Very emollient with wound healing and collagen-production benefits to reduce scars or aging signs. Has a dense, greasier texture.
Argan Oil: Rich in vitamin E and essential fatty acids to hydrate skin and boost elasticity. Popular anti-aging oil suited to dry, maturing skin types. Has a medium-light texture.
Apricot Kernel Oil: Softening and nourishing effects make it ideal for facial skin care for most skin types. Absorbs easily without being too greasy.
Final Words
This covers some key points about carrier oils – their purpose, main types, textures, benefits for different situations, and how to select them based on your skin type or intended usage. With this guide, hopefully, choosing the right carrier oil becomes easier!
