Carrier Oil Information
Carrier oils are usually plant based oils extracted from seed and nuts. We are familiar with some of these as cooking oils such as olive and sunflower oils. Carriers must be used to dilute essential oils before they are used on the skin. There are many choices available and you can make your own selections depending upon your type of skin, age and the problems that you are encountering. Any cooking oil may be used as a carrier but we do not recommend that you use any carrier internally unless it is labeled “Food Grade”.
Sometimes a blend of two or more carriers is indicated. Some carriers have a short shelf life. The addition of jojoba, fractionated coconut oil or vitamin E may extend the shelf life of other carriers.
During the introductory session on carriers we will discuss 5 of the most popular oils. There will be a module on carriers available at a later date for students who wish to delve more deeply into this topic.
Avocado Oil ( Persea Gratissima )
Our avocado oil is cold pressed and has no added chemicals or preservatives. We prefer it as an addition to other carriers, lotions and creams especially for mature skin. Many soap makers also add it to their soap blends to help mature skin retain is youthful, supple appearance and improve elasticity. It is said to help diminish age spots as well. Some find it too thick and heavy for use on its own although it has been helpful for skin healing and burns. It has a very short shelf life. This can be extended by the use of jojoba, fractionated coconut or vitamin E.
Fractionated Coconut Oil
Although this oil is expensive, it is a joy to work with. Unrefined coconut oil has a typical scent and is solid at room temperature. The process of fractionation removes the larger chain fatty acids to give us a product that is colourless odourless, and light in texture. It is liquid at room temperature. Our fractionated coconut is created through a non-chemical separation process and so has no chemical residue in the final product.
This carrier has great absorbency and shelf life. Because the large chain fatty acid have been removed, it washes out of sheets and clothing easily. It makes a great massage oil and when used in perfumery is light enough to pass through a pump sprayer. It is very nourishing for dry skin.
Grapeseed Oil ( Vitis vinifera )
This is a good all purpose carrier.
Safety: hypo-allergenic
It is obtained from the seed of grapes that have been discarded during the making of wine. The seeds are washed, dried, ground and pressed. Sometimes solvents are used to extract the oil. This creates a higher yield and so a lower cost oil. Light, odorless, and easily absorbed, grapeseed is mildly astringent , tightens and tones the skin, and is useful for acne. One of the more popular carrier oils. It is odourless, and inexpensive. It is a favourite with those who do body work as it leaves the skin smooth. Although suitable for all skin types, it is usually recommended for adolescent and oily skin.
It has a fairly short shelf life.
Jojoba Oil ( simmondsia chinensis )
This excellent carrier is known as the best facial and perfumery oil. Our jojoba is over 50% vitamin E and is therefore a great addition to any skin preparation and wonderful on its own. Similar in composition to the skin's own oils, it is quickly absorbed. Good for dry and mature skin and inflamed conditions, it also helps to control acne, oily skin and oily scalp. It is an antioxidant - does not become rancid and can prevent rancidity in other oils. We recommend our jojoba for infant massage as it is safe, pesticide free and nourishing for baby skin.
Sweet Almond Oil ( Prunus amygdalus var. dulcis )
This very popular oil is inexpensive and readily available.
Safety: Possible nut allergy reaction.
Should be obtained from the cold-pressed kernel.
Used for relieving itching caused by eczema, dry skin and inflammation.
Not the best carrier to use when the essential oils are required to penetrate the skin as it stays mostly on the skin surface.
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