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WHAT IS A CARRIER OIL?

In detail: A carrier oil is a base oil used to dilute essential oils and absolutes before applying to the skin.

The term simply means they carry the essential oil onto and across the skin.

The best carrier oils for essential oil blending are derived from plants and have little to no aroma. They also bring their own benefits to an essential oil blend, such as balancing sebum oil production like jojoba oil or intense moisturizing like coconut oil.

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WHAT IS A CARRIER OIL? If you’ve been reading or learning anything about using essential oils, then you have heard the term carrier oils.

How to Use a Carrier Oil for Blending:

If you are an essential oil beginner, you need to know how to mix essential oils with carrier oils!  

WHY?

Due to their high concentration, essential oils need to be properly diluted before applying to the skin in most cases.

Carrier oils are the easiest way to dilute essential oils! They help spread or carry the concentration of an essential oil across the skin without changing its therapeutic properties.  

And natural plant-based carrier oils can add a significant impact to the health and condition of your skin, in addition to the benefits of essentials oils. That’s what you call a win, win!

There are many options when it comes to using carrier oils for essential oil blending. The best are packed with antioxidants and vitamins, while others are better used for cooking or other use.

You May Also Like: How to Dilute Essential Oils The Easy Way

The Pros and Cons of choosing a carrier for essential oil blending.

Carrier Oils To Avoid Blending with Essential Oils:

First off, always remember to choose plant-derived carrier oils to blend essential oils with not animal-based oils, mineral oil (which sounds good but is not), or other chemical-based oils. You can always compare the ingredients list to these five skin care ingredients to avoid.

Secondly, choose a carrier oil to mix essential oils that have the characteristics you’re looking for, such as moisturizing, improving fine lines, and so on.

The makeup of carrier oil you choose has an impact just like the blend of essential oils you select!

You can use any of the following carrier oils for essential oil recipes (think lip balm, bath bombs, and lotion bars). But, I do not recommend mixing essential oils with a carrier oil in this list for blending.

AVOID USING THE FOLLOWING FOR BLENDING:

Olive Oil

Commonly used in cooking, olive oil can be used as a carrier oil for skin care. It is high in antioxidants and helpful at improving dry skin. But I do not recommend it for blending with essential oils for two reasons.

  1. Olive oil has a distinct scent that will alter the scent of your essential oil blend.
  2. It is a very thick oil, that often leaves a film behind. So it may clog an essential oil roller bottle.

At best, use it sparingly or when you have nothing else on hand.

Avocado Oil

Rich in essential fatty acids and fat-soluble vitamins, avocado oil is excellent for sensitive skin, acne-prone skin, and dry skin conditions.

Yet, like olive oil, it’s not a great choice for essential oil blending. Here are three reasons to avoid blending essential oils with avocado oil:

  1. Avocado oil typically has a short shelf life compared to other carrier oils. It will keep for 6 months tops!
  2. It’s a thick and heavy carrier oil better used in salad dressings or skincare salves.
  3. This carrier oil has an overwhelming aroma that I wouldn’t want to be rolling on my wrists and behind my ears often!

Coconut Oil

A popular all-purpose oil, coconut oil is an intense moisturizer made of saturated fats that melt and absorb quickly into the skin, offering a plethora of benefits.

I’m often asked, “Is coconut oil a carrier oil?”

Not exactly, let me explain…

You see, the coconut oil we often use for cooking solidifies at 75 degrees. So, unless you keep your home and handbag a cool 70 degrees 24-7. It’s going to clog your roller bottle!

But, there’s good news!

The best carrier oils for essential oil blending are derived from plants and have little to no aroma. They also bring to an essential oil blend their own benefits such as  balancing sebum oil production like jojoba oil or intense moisturizing like coconut oil.

The Ultimate List of Carrier Oils for Essential Oil Blending

Fractionated Coconut Oil

The liquefied version of coconut oil holds all the same benefits but doesn’t get clumpy or solidified at room temperature!

Coined fractionated coconut oil, it’s light in texture which makes it perfect for use in essential oil roller bottles.

And it can extend the shelf life of essential oils by preventing oxidation. Additionally, there’s no scent! So it won’t interfere with your essential oil aromatherapy.

Fractionated coconut oil, often abbreviated as FCO, is truly one the best carrier oils for essential oil blending and always my first pick!

Grapeseed Oil

Popular in the culinary and essential oil world, grapeseed oil is a great carrier oil to blend with essential oils.

Grapeseed oil is high in linoleic acid, naturally anti-inflammatory, and ideal for blemish-prone or oily skin.

It’s a very light, non-greasy carrier oil preferred by massage therapists for its quick absorption. It leaves little to no residue on the skin, and its rich Vitamin C properties add to the benefits of the essential oils you blend with it!

Printable Carrier Oil for Essential Oils Guide

Pin this ultimate list of carrier oils for essential oil blending now to share or grab the printable carrier oil blending reference guide in the Oily Chic Library.

Jojoba Oil

High in essential fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins, jojoba oil protects and moisturizes the skin.

Like our own skin’s sebum oil, jojoba helps balance oil production, promoting a glowing complexion.

It’s practically odorless and suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin!

Jojoba oil is non-sticky and has a long shelf life as well. I highly recommend this carrier oil for essential oil blends that you intend on applying to your face.

Sweet Almond Oil

You may be aware of the many health benefits of almonds, but have you heard of sweet almond oil?

Anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, and antiseptic sweet almond oil is packed with benefits!

It’s an excellent carrier oil for essential oil use. With a slightly sweet, light, nutty aroma, sweet almond oil helps to soften and re-condition skin.

Sweet almond oils’ medium consistency blends with essential oils but should be avoided by those with a nut allergy.

Apricot Kernel Oil

Popular for its anti-aging benefits, apricot kernel oil is a vitamin-rich nourishing carrier oil.

Apricot kernel oil has very little scent and quickly absorbs into the skin while providing deep moisturizing benefits.

This makes it a great carrier oil to blend with essential oils, especially for those with dry, sensitive, or aging skin.

Have you tried one of these? Tag #oilychic on Instagram to share your experience with us.

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