Carrier oils and essential oils are made from plants. Carrier oils are used to dilute essential oils and “carry” them to your skin. That’s because essential oils are potent and can cause irritation when applied directly to your skin.
Most carrier oils are unscented or lightly scented and don’t interfere with an essential oil’s therapeutic properties. They may be used alone or with other oils to nourish your skin.
Keep reading to learn more about choosing the right carrier oil, some of the different carrier oils available, and more.
There are many carrier oils available. Most are suitable to use with any essential oil, but you should consider a few things before choosing one.
Think about
- Odor: A few carrier oils have a distinct odor. When added to an essential oil, it may alter the aroma.
- Absorption: Your skin can absorb some carrier oils better than others.
- Skin type: Depending on your skin type, some oils may irritate skin or worsen a skin condition such as acne.
- Shelf life: Some carrier oils can be stored for longer periods than others without going bad.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration doesn’t regulate carrier oils labeled for use as cosmetics. They do, however, regulate edible cooking oils that may serve double-duty as carrier oils.
You should only buy therapeutic-grade carrier oils from a manufacturer you trust. Look for oils that are cold-pressed, 100 percent pure, and additive- or preservative-free. If you want to use a cooking oil as a carrier oil, choose cold-pressed, organic varieties.
The following list includes popular carrier oils used to dilute essential oils for aromatherapy, massage, and skin care. The list isn’t exhaustive, but it’s a good place to start.
Blog by healthline
