Carrier oils serve to dilute the essential oil before applying it to your skin. They act as the base for “carrying” the essential oil that is being mixed into it. Compared to essential oils, you’d use a greater amount of the carrier oil to make sure you properly dilute the essential oil .
Not only are the specific oils used in the bath of great importance, safety needs to be considered in how you add them as well.
Aromatherapy carrier oils are widely used in bath and body products because most essential oils are thought to be too potent to use undiluted.
Adding carrier oils to your bath water is one of the best aromatherapy treatments there is, more aroma molecules are released from the oils whilst in the bath than during a massage. As you soak in the bath the hot water softens the skin which in turn speeds up oil absorption, this allows the essential oils to become more effective and potent on both the mind and body.
A little basic knowledge can really help you choose the best carrier oil for your aromatherapy recipes. Each carrier oil has its own distinct qualities, so each oil is best suited for certain skin types or conditions such as acne, dryness or eczema.
Don't be afraid to experiment. Choosing the best carrier oil for your skin is often a matter of trial and error. They won't hurt you, so it's okay to play!
Here's a quick guide to choosing the best carrier oils for your skin type or for any skin problems you might have. It also shows best aromatherapy carrier oils for hair types and problems, followed by detailed information on each oil listed.
Top 3 Carrier Oils
The Carrier Oils used most frequently when mixing Essential Oils for Aromatherapy purposes are:- Sweet Almond oil
- Sunflower oil
- Olive oil
Truth be told, there are actually
lots of great choices when it comes to Carrier Oils.
Basically, any of the vegetable, nut, and seed oils that people regularly use for cooking and food preparation could be used. But it’s worth noting:
Most of the oils you typically find in grocery stores are highly refined and they contain solvents and petroleum residues.
Pure, unprocessed oils such as those marked “organic” and “cold-pressed” are the best for Aromatherapy — because they’re the richest in vitamins, minerals, and proteins which nourish the skin.
Other Carrier Oils To Consider
Each of the following Carrier Oils is good for one reason or another. Most people who use Essential Oils for Aromatherapy purposes find a handful of Carrier Oils that they like, and then use them all at different times for different purposes.
Here are some other popular Carrier Oils:
Apricot Kernel oil – good facial oil; high in Vitamins A and B which aid in healing and rejuvenating skin cells
Arnica oil – good for inflammation and bruising, but do not use on broken skin
Avocado oil – good for dry & aging skin types; rich and heavy with minor sunscreen effects
Calendula oil – good as a body oil; speeds up healing and moisturizing for dry or damaged skin
Canola oil – good for massaging; absorbs easily; light in texture; odorless; very long shelf life
Castor oil – good for sealing in moisture; a heavy oil that seals and protects
Which essential oils do you mix them with? How do you know what to choose or how much to use?
