Carrier Oils 101
Carrier oils are used for two purposes with essential oils:
- Diluting the oils
- ‘Carrying the oil’ – allowing it to be more evenly and smoothly applied to skin.
Other benefits include:
- Moisturising properties
- Slowing down the evaporation of your essential oil from your skin (so you may actually absorb more when using a carrier oil).
Preferred carrier oils are vegetable oils which are 100% pure.
And examples include jojoba oil, almond oil, macadamia oil, olive oil and many more. They work with essential oils by completely dissolving them without affecting the therapeutic benefits of the oil.
DoTERRA supply Fractionated Coconut Oil as their preferred carrier oil.
Let’s have a quick look at what it is, and why it is so favoured…
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil has long been a sweetheart in the health and wellness field and for thoroughly deserved reasons. It is used as a skin moisturiser with anti-oxidising and nourishing properties.
Fractionated Coconut Oil
But while you might be familiar with coconut oil already, do you know what the ‘fractionated’ bit means?
Here’s a quick lowdown on what it means and why it is beneficial:
Coconut oil contains a mixture of chains of fats of varying length. The longer chains can oxidise over time causing the oil to become rancid, at which point you do not want to be using it.
Fractionation is a solvent-free process which removes the longer chains, prolon
ging the oil’s shelf life, and creating a ‘liquid coconut oil’ as opposed to the solid coconut oil we are
used to at cooler room temperatures.
So as a carrier oil Fractionated Coconut Oil is ideal:
- It completely dissolves the essential oils
- Is readily absorbed by the skin, so it won’t leave you feeling greasy and shiny!
- With no odour or colour, you simply have the nourishing and healthy benefits.
Let’s take a quick look at several other carrier oils: argan, sweet almond, jojoba, rosehip seed and emu oils
Argan Oil
Argan oil is produced from the kernels of argan trees, and is highly prized as a skin moisturiser for its anti-aging, cooling properties. It is rich in vitamin E and antioxidants, and is light and non-greasy.
Sweet Almond Oil
Sweet almond oil is rich in proteins and vitamins A, D and E, with nourishing, revitalising and moisturising properties for the skin. Just a quick warning, this one can stain your sheets!
Jojoba Oil
Jojoba oil is actually a liquid wax produced from the nut of the Simmondsia chinensis shrub and it resembles sebum, a waxy substance we naturally produce from our skin, so it works beautifully as a skin moisturiser. Plus it is rich in vitamin E, adding to its value for our skin.
Rosehip Seed Oil
Rosehip seed oil is packed with essential fatty acids, and is rich in vitamins A and E. Studies have shown it has regenerative, as well as moisturising, properties for the skin which may be helpful for dry, irritated or weathered skin. It is not advisable to use on acne prone skin.
Let me know what you love to use as you favourite carrier oil and please feel free to drop any questions or comments in the box below.
If you would like to find out how you can access our range of essential oils at 25% off, gain support from myself and access member only resources on how to use your essential oils, please take a look at my essential oil info page HERE . Feel free to send me an email with any questions to [email protected] x