
Do you need carrier oils to use essential oils?
To use essential oils topically, you require carrier oils for dilution. Essential oils are highly potent botanical extracts that can be irritating when applied to the skin directly. Carrier oils, on the other hand, are less sensitive for the skin and are more readily absorbed.
What are carrier oils and how can they help my skin?
When combined with 1–3 drops of essential oils, carrier oils can cover a large surface of your skin and help to relieve skin issues like acne, eczema, dry skin, age spots and sun spots. Using carrier oils also slows down the absorption rate, so you’re increasing the impact of the essential oils.
How to use essential oils?
Take a drop of your essential oil and carrier oil mix between your fingers. You can appreciate the texture, scent, and consistency in specific. Take the mixture and inhale it to test the scent. Put a drop on your finger and rub it to test the texture out.
Why does my carrier oil smell bad?
Over time, carrier oils become rancid, which causes the oil to have a strong, bitter odor. If you notice that the scent of a carrier oil has changed over time, throw it out and buy a new one. Carrier oils are used in combination with essential oils in order to dilute them and alter their absorption rate.

Can you use essential oils without a carrier oil?
A carrier oil is required to “carry” the essential oils by way of dilution before you can use them safely on the body. As you now know, applying essential oils neat to the body is not recommended. They must be diluted in a base oil before you can use them safely on the body.
Why do essential oils need a carrier?
People make essential oils through the distillation of the aromatic leaves, flowers, barks, and roots of plants. If they apply these oils directly to the skin, however, they can cause reactions, such as severe irritation, flushing, or burning. Carrier oils dilute the essential oils and help “carry” them into the skin.
What happens if you don't use carrier oil?
The less carrier oil you use in ratio to essential oils, the more likely you are to become sensitized. The more carrier oil you use in ratio to essential oils, the less likely you are to become sensitized.
What can I use instead of a carrier oil?
ConsistencyLiquid OilsSoft OilsBrittle OilsCanola oilShea butterKokum butterGrapeseed oilCupuaçu butterIllipe butterSunflower OilMurumuru butterTucuma butterSafflower oilMango butter2 more rows•Jun 23, 2013
What is the difference between an essential oil and a carrier oil?
What is the difference between an essential oil and a carrier oil? Although they are both called “oils” they are quite different. Essential oils are the aromatic extracts from aromatic and medicinal plants and carrier oils are the lipid, or fatty, extracts squeezed out of the seeds of plants.
What is the best carrier oil to mix with essential oils?
Fractionated coconut oil is the most popular carrier oil for essential oils, and for good reason. Coconut oil, extracted from the fruit of the coconut tree, is a super-oil full of natural antioxidants and is in itself an excellent antifungal, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory oil.
What happens if you use essential oils undiluted?
The use of undiluted essential oils on sensitive skin or in the nostrils can irritate or burn. Susceptible people may also develop an allergic reaction and a skin rash.
Can I use essential oils undiluted?
DO Dilute Them. Undiluted oils are too strong to use straight. You'll need to dilute them, usually with vegetable oils or creams or bath gels, to a solution that only has a little bit -- 1% to 5% -- of the essential oil.
What happens if u dont dilute essential oils?
Essential oils are highly potent and have the potential to irritate skin if not used responsibly. Diluting essential oils prior to topical use helps minimize the risk of skin irritation and optimize the nature of the fragrance.
Can I use Vaseline as a carrier oil?
Petroleum based oils should not be used as carrier oils (ex: petroleum jelly, butter, vegetable shortening, etc). Also mineral oil is not a natural product and should be avoided for use with essential oils.
What's the ratio of essential oil to carrier oil?
When diluting essential oils with a carrier oil, it's important to follow these dilution guidelines. For adults: 2.5 percent dilution: 15 drops essential oil per 6 teaspoons carrier oil. 3 percent dilution: 20 drops essential oil per 6 teaspoons carrier oil.
Can I use lotion as a carrier oil?
Unscented lotion is not a carrier oil, but its moisturization and other beneficial properties can make it suitable as a carrier for diluting essential oils prior to topical application. Lotions contain both water and oil soluble components.
Does lavender need a carrier oil?
Works well with: Lavender oil can be diluted in a carrier solution, such as a fatty oil. "When lavender is mixed with coconut, jojoba, or grapeseed oil, it has wonderful benefits on the skin," Guanche says.
What is the difference between carrier oil and cold-pressed oil?
Carrier oils are extracted from plants whereas cold pressed oils are extracted from various plant parts such as oil seeds, peels or fatty fruits such as olives or coconuts. Carrier oils can not be applied directly to your skin but it is completely safe to use cold pressed oils without any dilution.
What's the ratio of essential oil to carrier oil?
QUICK REFERENCE BLENDING CHARTEssential Oil Blend PercentageEssential Oil AmountCarrier Oil Amount0.5%10 drops100 ml1%2 drops2 teaspoons4 drops1 tablespoon20 drops100 ml8 more rows•Mar 3, 2021
Which oil absorbed best by skin?
Jojoba oil mimics sebum, which is the skin's natural oil. Because jojoba oil absorbs easily and does not clog the pores, it is a great carrier option. Plus, it leaves the skin hydrated without an undesirable shiny effect. Olive oil is high in plenty of essential vitamins and minerals.
Why add carrier oils to essential oils?
But because carrier oils are made from the fatty portions of a plant and don’t evaporate as quickly, adding them to essential oils will help to slow down the absorption rate, allowing for a larger and longer impact.
Why are carrier oils important?
Another important role of carrier oils is to prevent easy evaporation of essential oils. This is important because essential oils are made of very small particles that are absorbed into the skin quickly and easily.
What Is A Carrier Oil?
Carrier oils are used in combination with essential oils in order to dilute them and alter their absorption rate. Essential oils are extremely potent, so you only need a very small amount to take advantage of their many benefits.
Why is Neem oil used in beauty products?
Neem oil is commonly used in natural skin and beauty products because it’s high in antioxidants that work to protect the skin from environmental damage. Neem oil is also high in fatty acids and vitamin E, so it’s quickly absorbed into the outer layers of your skin and helps to relieve dry or damaged skin, without making you greasy. The healing properties in neem oil help to improve skin elasticity and rejuvenate the skin’s cells. ( 16)
What is the best oil to use for bruises?
Arnica oil can be used alone to reduce inflammation, improve muscle pain and heal bruises, or it can be used as a powerful carrier oil. I use arnica in my homemade bruise cream, and I combine it with soothing essential oils, like lavender, to relieve muscle pain and tension.
What is the best carrier oil for eczema?
2. Almond Oil. Sweet almond oil is commonly used as a carrier oil because it contains antioxidants and helps to keep your skin nice and soft. Historically, it was used in Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese Medicine to treat skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis.
How to use avocado oil on face?
To use avocado oil alone, simply add a small amount to a cotton ball and apply it to dry areas on your face , cracked heels, dry cuticles and dry hair. To use it as a carrier oil, combine 1–3 drops of any essential oil that’s safe for topical use with about a half teaspoon of avocado oil and rub the mixture into any areas of concern.
What carrier oil is good for sensitive skin?
It’s another carrier oil that is used for sensitive skin. This oil can help with inflamed skin. Apricot kernel oil has oleic and linoleic acid, vitamin A and E.
What is the best carrier oil for hair?
A good quality carrier oil will be loaded with minerals, vitamins, and essential fatty acids. For example, Vitamin E that is in your carrier oil extends the shelf life of your oil. Other Vitamins like Vitamin A, E and K are great for fighting free radicals to boost your immunity. Monounsaturated fatty acids are very good for your hair.
What is cold press oil?
Your carrier oil should be cold pressed. This means when it was manufactured they should use a method called “cold press extraction”. This means the oil has been pressed without heat and the fatty parts were extracted properly. So, look out for carrier oils that have been “heat pressed” because these are of low quality.
What essential oils are safe to use?
This is not a complete list, but a list of essential oils that you want to use with great precaution: 1 Anise 2 Bay Laurel 3 Benzoin 4 Cassia 5 Catnip 6 Cinnamon 7 Citronella 8 Clove 9 Fennel 10 Lemongrass 11 Litsea Cubeba 12 Melissa 13 Oakmoss 14 Peru Balsam 15 Pine 16 Star Anise 17 Tagetes
Where does argan oil come from?
It has a lot of properties which help restore skin cells, softens wrinkles, improves skin elasticity, etc. Argan oil comes from argan trees of Morocco. This is a nutrient-rich tree which oils helps soften and heal your skin naturally.
How many ml of carrier oil is in a bottle?
Volume. Obviously, make sure you get as much carrier oil for your money as you can. The sizes that carrier oil is often sold in is between 60 ml and 473 ml (2 oz to 16 oz). You should consider how much carrier oil is in the bottle if you’re considering multiple brands of carrier oil.
How much essential oil should I dilute?
A lot of people get confused when it’s time to dilute their essential oils for topical use. The best practice is to use 2% dilution with your essential oils. For children I would recommend using 1% dilution. It may seem like it’s very weak only using 2%, but the pros far outweigh the cons.
Why do you need carrier oil?
Any time you’re going to apply an essential oil to your skin, you better pair that with a carrier oil to make sure you don’t go from smelling like a rose to resting six feet under. OK, that may be a little extreme, but if you’re going to avoid toxic chemicals in your personal care products you might as well make sure you are using essential oils in the safest way possible…and that is with carrier oils.
What is essential oil?
Essential oils have taken the world by storm. They’ve moved from the crunchy naturopathy offices of the holistic medical community to the living rooms of suburbanite moms and multi-level marking plans around the country. Anyone who has had a world class aromatherapy massage or facial knows exactly why. There is nothing like being anointed with the calming scent of lavender or the bright vibrancy of sweet orange blossoms.
What oil to mix with rose hip seed oil?
Some other good carrier oil choices include rose hip seed oil, sweet almond oil, jojoba oil and even avocado oil.
What is the best oil to use for essential oils?
Plant-based carrier oils are the best oils for diluting your essential oils. These carrier oils are safe for your body, good for your skin and can be easily changed or adjusted to meet your needs. They can be used to help areas that are dry, can soothe minor irritations and can be used as full body moisturizers.
How much dilution is needed for essential oils?
Once you’ve chosen what plant-based carrier oil works best for you, your skin and your lifestyle, you can go by the 2 percent dilution rule. For most essential oils, this is a perfectly safe ratio that will give you the desired amount of essential oil to enjoy the aromatic awesomeness without risking any skin problems.
Is essential oil safe for babies?
You also need to consult your doctor if you’re nursing or pregnant because not all essential oils are consider safe for you or your baby.
Is it safe to use 2 percent essential oil?
Take note – there are some essential oils that are not considered safe at the 2 percent ratio, including oils that sound like they’ d be perfectly safe because you’re so familiar with them, like peppermint essential oil and tea tree oil, so be even more stingy with that ratio if you’re using them.
How many drops of carrier oil to 1 ounce?
The same ratio applies (6 drops to 1 ounce carrier oil), but which carrier oil is totally up to you. Carrier oils aren’t just the plus-one to essential oils, though; they provide their own benefits. Here’s a primer on which carrier oils are particularly good for use on your face and body.
What is the best oil for dry skin?
Avocado oil. “Excellent for dry, dull, dehydrated and mature skin, avocado oil penetrates the outer layers of the skin, allowing it to be deeply absorbed,” says Clark. Rich in antioxidant vitamin E and skin-repairing phytosterols, it also has rejuvenating powers. (Avocado oil is awesome for cooking too!)
Can you use essential oils on your skin?
To safely use essential oils on your skin, combine them with one of these. This story originally appeared on Rodale’s Organic Life in October 2017. There are countless articles circulating on the perks of essential oils.
Does carrot seed oil help with hyperpigmentation?
If hyperpigmentation and sun damage is your skin gripe, carrot seed oil can help. “Rich in beta-carotene and vitamin A, it’s known for delaying the aging process,” says Lea. Buy now: Rejuve Naturals Carrot Seed Oil ($11) (Make this simple DIY body butter with essential oils, olive oil, and a hand mixer!)
Why use carrier oils with essential oils?
Here are 5 great reasons you should always use carrier oils with essential oils. 1. Less can be more with essential oils. Using carrier oils has one major notch in its corner for its initial benefit; it is diluting a concentrate that can irritate the skin, eyes and more. Essential oils are extremely concentrated and as such can have adverse ...
Why mix essential oils with carrier oils?
Mixing essential oils with carrier oils helps to dilute the amount of essential oil coming into contact with your skin and help to carry the oils deeper into your body. 2. Carrier oils can penetrate deeper. Carrier oils are just that, carriers. They carry whatever you are infusing into the oil directly into your skin and into your body.
How does carrier oil work?
They carry whatever you are infusing into the oil directly into your skin and into your body. While essential oils are absorbed through the skin, using a carrier oil can reach deeper layers of tissue depending upon the carrier you are using. Most carrier oils are able to reach deep through the skin and aid muscles and joints as well, ...
What is carrier oil?
Carrier oils are not only used to carry oils and other compounds into our bodies that cannot otherwise be absorbed by our skin, but are also widely used in many skin care products as well as by themselves as face washes, cleansers and moisturizers.
Do essential oils evaporate?
4. Essential oils last longer in carrier oils. Carrier oils are not volatile like essential oils. Essential oils evaporate at a high rate which is what give us those pleasant aromas, but also means that when we use them topically, they are evaporating as fast as they are being absorbed, which means you are losing a good portion ...
Is jojoba oil good for skin?
It’s no secret many essential oils are great for your skin. But so are carrier oils. Whether you prefer non-greasy ones like Jojoba and Fractionated Coconut Oil or oilier ones like Olive Oil or Emu Oil, they all have extremely beneficial skin care properties from moisturizing to nourishing. Some, like Jojoba, can help aid in healing and reduce blemishes, balancing oily skin and helping your skin look healthy, superb secondary effects when used with essential oils like Frankincense or Lavender.
Can essential oils cause skin irritation?
Essential oils are extremely concentrated and as such can have adverse reaction when they come into contact with our skin. Rashes, redness, inflammations, itchiness and even a burning pain can all result from essential oils coming into contact with allergy prone or sensitive skin.
What is the best carrier oil for aromatherapy?
The list isn’t exhaustive, but it’s a good place to start. 1. Coconut oil. Coconut oil is an edible oil made from the meat of mature coconuts. It’s available in refined or unrefined varieties.
Where to put carrier oil on wrist?
Add a small amount of carrier oil to the inside of your wrist or just below your ear.
What is coconut oil used for?
Uses: Coconut oil contains skin-nourishing fatty acids and polyphenols, which make it a great carrier oil for massage oils and skin care preparations.
What is apricot kernel oil used for?
Uses: Apricot kernel oil is thought to help soften and calm irritated, itchy skin. Use it as a carrier oil to make massage oils, bath oil, and hair care preparations.
What is apricot oil?
Apricot kernel oil. Apricot kernel oil is made from apricot seeds, also known as kernels. It’s an emollient oil high in fatty acids and vitamin E. It absorbs easily into the skin and has a slightly sweet, nutty scent. You can buy edible apricot kernel oil, or apricot kernel oil for cosmetic use only.
What is the best oil to use for massage?
Use olive oil as a carrier oil for massage, facial cleansers, hair care, and homemade soaps. 6. Argan oil. Argan oil is made from kernels found inside the fruit of argan trees, which are native to Morocco. The oil is edible and is traditionally used to nourish the body inside and out.
Why is olive oil good for skin?
The oil is said to act as a skin barrier against toxins and germs that cause infection, making it a great choice for irritated skin.
Is Meadowfoam Carrier Oil a lipid?
It’s resistant to oxidation due to naturally occurring tocopherols, and is one of the most stable lipids! As a result, it has an extremely long shelf life. Meadowfoam Carrier Oil has wonderful moisturizing and rejuvenating properties and is highly recommended for use in cosmetics and skin care products especially for its UV protection properties.
Is grapeseed oil good for massage?
Light with a silky, satiny sort of feeling, Grapeseed is ideal for massage therapy or any other kind of skin application. It is non-comedogenic, odorless, and great for oily skin. With vitamins E and omegas 6 and 9 fatty acids [1], you’re going to love how easy this carrier is to incorporate into all your favorite aromatherapy projects.
Is hemp seed oil a GMO?
Hemp Seed Oil is a natural, non-GMO, whole food product that can be used in a variety of ways. It is one the most nutritious oils available due to its high content of omega fatty acids and proteins.
Does sunflower carrier oil have a sweet smell?
This wonderful skin softener and conditioner have high amounts of vitamins A, B, D, and E, plus beneficial amounts of lecithin and omega 9 and 6 fatty acids. Sunflower Carrier Oil has a very faint sweet aroma but is nearly odorless.
Why do we use carrier oils in aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy is used to help with a wide range of health issues, from acne to asthma, depression to insomnia, and migraine to worms. In this article, we examine what carrier oils are, and how people can use them alongside essential oils.
What is carrier oil?
Carrier oils are vegetable oils, such as coconut oil or avocado oil, that have been derived from the seeds, kernels, or nuts of a plant.
How are body oils made?
Massage and body oils are made by combining essential oils with one or more carrier oils. It is important to follow guidance on the appropriate ratio of essential oils to carrier oils.
Why does coconut oil smell?
This is largely due to its high lauric acid content, which is the main fatty acid in coconut oil. The oil smells of coconut and can be used either as a carrier oil or on its own. It can be applied to the skin, hair, and lips, and helps to protect the skin by leaving a thin layer behind.
What is aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy involves using concentrated essential oils that a person has extracted from herbs, flowers, and other plants to soothe various health issues.
How is aromatherapy oil obtained?
To be used in aromatherapy, it is recommended that the oil is obtained through cold pressing. In this process, the oil is extracted by crushing the plants. Users claim that the fragile nutrients in the oil can be damaged if they are extracted with heat.
What is rose hip oil?
Rose hip oil is a natural source of vitamin C and vitamin E. Grapeseed oil (Vitus vinifera) Grapeseed oil is considered to be an all-purpose oil that is commonly used in aromatherapy, from massage to skin care. It has a light aroma that is slightly sweet and nutty, and it is virtually clear in color.
Why mix essential oils with carrier oils?
Mixing essential oils with carrier oils creates a stable formula that is more reliable to use on skin and hair. Most essential oil devotees ask a pertinent question, "How do you mix essential oils with carrier oils?” The answer to which you will discover in this very blog as you read along.
What are the benefits of essential oils?
Essential oils have a warm and pleasant aroma with a subtle hint of freshness to them. They have multiple benefits, including enhanced mental peace and clarity.
Why do perfumes have a higher percentage of essential oils?
Perfume oils can use a higher concentration of essential oil because of their localized use. These oils are not rubbed into the skin and are comparatively considered safe. The purpose of the higher oil ratio is to enhance the scent. The higher the percentage of essential oil, the stronger the scent will be. Essential oils like lavender, vanilla and jasmine are famous as perfumes.
What essential oils can you dilute?
You can use single-note essential oils like Lavender or Eucalyptus and dilute them with the carrier oil of your choice.
Do essential oils have dilution instructions?
This step is undoubtedly missed. Most carrier oils and essential oils have dilution instructions written on the label. Be careful not to miss these pointers! These labels also mention the potency and grade of these oils. Read the oil’s packaging to see if there are any specific instructions regarding the ratio between the essential oil and carrier oil.
Can you use essential oils topically?
To use essential oils topically, you require carrier oils for dilution. Essential oils are highly potent botanical extracts that can be irritating when applied to the skin directly. Carrier oils, on the other hand, are less sensitive for the skin and are more readily absorbed.
Can you mix essential oils to make massage oil?
You can also blend multiple essential oils with a carrier oil of your choice to create an enriched organic massage oil for daily use. Coconut oil is a suitable choice as the oil base as a massage oil.
