Carrier Oils

[Lizzy]

Just thought I’d give some information about the various Carrier Oils available, their properties and what they are best used for. Carrier oils are what you mix your essential oils with to make massage oils, bath oils, face and body products.

Almond Oil (sweet almond oil) – this oil is rich in protein minerals, glycocides and vitamins especially vitamin D. Suitable for all skin types but most useful for dry and irritated skin. Best used for massage. Avoid if you have a nut allergy.

Apricot Kernel Oil – contains minerals and vitamins. It’s a light, easily absorbed oil and is best used for facial massage.

Avocado Oil – contains fatty acids, proteins, vitamins A B & C. Very rich oil suited to dehydrated skin and can help relieve dryness and itching from eczema and psoriasis. Try it blended (15% - 25%) in a lighter oil such as apricot to use on affected areas.

Borage seed Oil – rich source of GLA (gamma linolenic acid) which assists in cellular regeneration. Try this one on stretch marks or prematurely aged skin. Also useful for PMS. Use 10% of this oil in another oil such as almond or grapeseed.

Carrot Oil – good source of beta carotene. Use small amounts of this for acne, scar tissue and irritated skin.

Coconut Oil – emollient properties. This is a good additive for moisturising body products.

Evening primrose oil – Highest GLA properties of all the carrier oils. Use for PMS, tender breasts and dry aging skin. It’s a sticky oil and is best used as a 10% dilution with a light oil like apricot or grapeseed.

Grapeseed Oil – good all round oil, light and most useful as a base oil for some of the heavier oils. Suits most skin types. Try it as a base for making bath oils or for a light massage oil.

Hazelnut Oil – this has slight astringent properties so is particularly good for slightly oily or combination skin types. Add 10 – 20% in a light oil such as grapeseed for massage. Avoid this oil if you have a nut allergy.

Jojoba Oil – rich in vitamin E, resembles the body’s natural sebum so it penetrates easily and won’t clog the pores. This is good for oily skin and due to its bactericidal properties it’s especially good for acne prone skin.

Olive Oil – rich in chlorophyll and proteins. This is too viscous to be used by itself for massage but if you add it to lighter oils it provides good emollient qualities for dry and mature skin. Also good for use on the hair and scalp.

Peach kernel oil (peach nut oil) – rich in vitamin E, this is a good oil for delicate skin. It encourages suppleness and elasticity and is particularly useful for facial massage.

Peanut Oil – good light oil for massage, best enriched with a more nutrient rich oil. Avoid nut oils if you have an allergy to nuts.

Rose Hip oil – high GLA source (approx 50%) and rich in vitamins. Most useful for tissue regeneration. Use 10% of this oil in a lighter base oil such as almond.

Safflower Oil – Medium weight base oil. Excellent to blend for an aroma massage oil or bath oil. Penetrates well. Good on normal skin types.

Sesame Oil – only use this oil if it is made from untoasted seeds. It has some sun screen properties but don’t rely on it solely. Good for mature skin facial blends.

Sunflower Oil – light, multipurpose oil, especially suited to massage blends and bath oils. Has some vitamins in it but can be enriched with a more nutritious oil.

Wheat Germ Oil – rich in vitamin E and high in antioxidants. If you are making massage oils for gifts or to keep for a while add 15% of this oil and it will prevent rancidity. This oil stimulates skin renewal, assists with the healing of scar tissue and stretch marks. Good for dry mature skin. Use this diluted in another oil (10 – 20%) as it’s too sticky to use on its own. Avoid if you have a wheat intolerance.

[Smiling Dawn]

Thank you, Lizzy. I never have read such a list yet. It is very informative.

What oil would you mix with teatree, lavendar and liquid garlic? This combination is used to massage on the feet at the first sign of colds or other sicknesses.

Also, where do you store mixed EOs and oils? Or do you make them up as you need them?

[Joyful Jean]

Great list, Lizzy Thanks!

[Red]

Thanks Lizzy! I really enjoyed reading this.

[Lina]

Thanks Liz as always...

I purchased French Lavender soothing Bath and Body Oil from

http://naturopathica.com/

It's spendy, but Steve and I have been giving each other massages, don't know if we are doing it right (big smile) but it makes use feel better... going to purchase another book as we can't find the one I got a few years back, (may-be one of my girls, LOL)...

Going to purchase Deep Forest Bath and Body Oil next... What do you think?

I value your opinion


WHAT IS GOING ON? I can't insert a url... I do it all the time... Brenda/Zen/Lizzy Help... Brain Fart here

[Smiling Dawn]

My guess with the URL acting up is something behind the scenes. Like a parlor ghost or something like that. I recall having the same trouble, Lina, a couple times.

Were you going to give us a link to check out the Deep Forest Bath and Body Oil?

[granvil]

Great list, thanks for the information Lizzy.
Would I be able to purchase these at a health food shop....or at a chemist ?

[Lizzy]

Granvil, some of them you can purchase at the supermarket and the others should be available at a health food shop. The Chemist may carry the sweet almond oil.

Smiling Dawn, grapeseed, sunflower or safflower are all good choices for medicinal massage blends - they are light, subtle in fragrance and penetrate well. Plus they aren't expensive. With regards to storage i don't tend to store for long - the EO's start to lose their properties if they are mixed with carrier oils and left too long, plus the carrier oils can go rancid. To prevent this try adding wheatgerm oil (about 15%) to your blend and you can keep it longer. Always use dark glass bottles (you can buy ones in amber or dark blue) with good stoppers and store in a cool dark place.

Lina, if the massages make you feel good then you are definitely doing them right

JJ, Red - you're welcome.

[janet70526]

I picked fresh herbal flowers this week, and some roses, honeysuckle, etc. I want to make a facial cream using one of the oils you mentioned. Do you have a favorite facial recipe? I will probably use the apricot kernal. What would you recommend for ingredients besides the flowers? I'm drying them slightly so I have time.

[Lizzy]

I have some recipes you might be interested in Janet so stay tuned.