Carrier Oils, or Base Oils, are used to mix or blend pure concentrated Essential Oils for use in Aromatherapy because Essential Oils should not be applied un-diluted or neat to the skin (with the exception of Lavender and Tea Tree).
Carrier Oils are pure, unrefined vegetable oils (preferably cold-pressed) and like the essential oils, there are many carrier oils with various properties of their own making them suitable to the requirements of aromatherapy massage.
Carrier Oils also make the Essential Oils last longer and go further, as they can be quite expensive to buy.
20ml of Carrier Oil = use between 6-10 drops of most* Essential Oils
30ml of Carrier Oil = use between 6-15 drops of most* Essential Oils
* Remember to check the SAFETY GUIDELINES as some oils should be used in <1% dilution, and many oils can be extremely irritating or harmful if used in large amounts
It is best to use a blend within 3-6 months, as they can turn rancid. You
can make blends last longer by adding 5% of Wheatgerm Oil, however, some people
have wheat allergies and in those cases, Wheatgerm can not be used.
It is advisable to only blend small amounts at any one time to ensure a fresh,
quality blend, and it is important to date your blend.
Aromatherapy blends should be stored in dark glass bottles, in a cool, dark
place as strong light can affect the blend.
Here is a list of some of the more common Carrier Oils which can be used for Aromatherapy:
SWEET ALMOND OIL
Prunus dulcis
Sweet Almond is from the Rosaceae family and is probably one of the best carrier oils to use in aromatherapy. The oil is made from the kernel, and is rich in protein, vitamins and minerals. It is non-irritating and can usually be used on sensitive skins.
Do not confuse this oil with BITTER ALMOND (Prunis amygdalis ver arama) which should NEVER be used in aromatherapy.
Sweet Almond Oil is pale yellow in colour and is a soothing emollient which makes it suitable for skin, hair and nails and general massage.
People with nut allergies are advised not to use this as a Carrier Oil
GRAPESEED OIL
Vitis vinifera
Grapeseed is from the Vitaceae family and is light in consistency, and probably the second most popular for use in aromatherapy. It is beneficial to oily skins, and it does not leave behind an oily residue on the skin after application.
Grapeseed is also one of the cheaper carrier oils to buy, and is a good general carrier oil.
Note: Grapeseed oil is not cold-pressed.
SUNFLOWER OIL
Helianthus annuus
Sunflower Oil comes from the Asteraceae family and is another light oil, ideal for massage.
It is important that only cold-pressed, organic oil is used. There are many Sunflower Oils produced for cooking, and it is not recommended that these oils are used in aromatherapy, as the oil may have been extracted using solvents.
AVOCADO OIL
Persea gratissima
Avocado is from the Lauraceae family and can be used when combined with other lighter carrier oils in a 5-10% dilution.
Avocado Oil is a rich green colour and is beneficial for use on dry or mature skin. It can also help the treatment of psoriasis, eczema and dehydrated skin. It contains vitamins A, E and B complex and has essential fatty acids. This oil is also useful when added to a facial massage blend.
APRICOT KERNEL OIL
Prunus armeniaca
Apricot Kernel is from the Rosaceae family and is a light oil which is beneficial for the skin, especially dry or rough skin. It also contains vitamin A and minerals.
WHEATGERM OIL
Triticum vulgare
Wheatgerm is from the Graminae family and is a rich, heavy oil with a distinct aroma and is deep golden in colour. It is a very nourishing oil, rich in vitamin E however it is quite thick and sticky, therefore it is best blended with Sweet Almond or Grapeseed Oil, in a 5-15% blend.
Wheatgerm Oil can also be used to preserve blends because of its anti-oxidation and preserving properties, in which case up to 10% can be added.
Wheatgerm is good for improving poor skin conditions such as dry skin, psoriasis, eczema, mature skin, broken capillaries, scar tissue and stretch marks.
Some people have allergies to Wheat, in which case this oil should not be used.
JOJOBA OIL
Simmondsia sinensis, Buxus sinensis
Jojoba Oils is from the Buxaceae family and is made from the bean.
Unlike the other carrier oils, Jojoba has a liquid wax consistency, which mimics collagen.
Jojoba is very conditioning and nourishing, particularly useful when included in a facial blend, as it helps to keep the skin supple.
It is useful when treating inflamed skin, acne, eczema and psoriasis.
Jojoba should be blended with another carrier oil, in a 10% dilution.
CALENDULA OIL
Calendula officinalis
Calendula is from the Asterceae family and is also known as Marigold.
Calendula Oil should not be confused with MARIGOLD ESSENTIAL OIL (Tagetes glandulifera).
Calendula Oil is an infused oil, normally in Sweet Almond and has anti-inflammatory properties which can be useful when treating rheumatism, and it also helps to renew body tissue.
This oil should be used in a 10% dilution with another Carrier Oil.
