Carrier Oils

Aromatherapy needs carrier/base oils like a pizza needs tomato puree!! So few essential oils can safely be used neat on the skin-carriers deserve a chapter all to themselves. There are 20 odd, at least, to choose from. Some are more suitable for certain skin types, parts of the body and ailments than others are. Some carrier oils have slight therapeutic qualities of their own. Wheatgerm oil, for example, has a high vitamin E content, and this can extend the life of a blend due to the anti-oxidant properties of this vitamin. Vitamin E is also excellent for stretch marks and scar reduction. Certain essential oils are rather odiferous, some are very powerful and some are downright expensive! Carriers can help a little go a long way where massage is concerned! They also help to “fix” the aroma of the essential oils they are mixed with, so that the scent doesn’t evaporate off so quickly.

Base oils used in aromatherapy should be cold pressed. This method of processing retains the vitamin content of the oil, also, cooking oils from a supermarket shelf have often been chemically processed with preservatives added to them; this negates their therapeutic qualities and the chemicals can adulterate the essential oils they are blended with. Health food shops and mail order companies sell carrier oils specifically for aromatherapeutic use and are far superior, although a little more expensive.

APRICOT KERNEL OIL

Apricot, Peach and Sweet Almond oils are very similar chemically and have similar uses, but, of the three, Sweet Almond is the least expensive as it is produced in larger quantities and is easy to obtain. Apricot Kernel is useful for inflamed, sensitive and dry skins. It contains vitamins and minerals and can be used as the base oil 100%.

AVOCADO OIL

This oil is suitable for all skin types, but especially the dehydrated and dry. It is a rich, thick, heavy oil that is best blended with a lighter oil . It can be used as 10% of the total blend. It has excellent penetrative properties and mixed with  coconut oil, for example, it helps the essentials to penetrate the skin quickly.

BORAGE OIL

This oil is helpful for aging skin, eczema, multiple sclerosis, menopausal problems, P.M.T. and heart disease. It is good for regeneration of skin cells, too. It contains Gamma Linolenic  Acid (G.L.A.), and vitamins and minerals. It is rather rich and heavy to use as the base oil 100%, and is best diluted to 10% of the total blend.

CALENDULA OIL

This oil is effective on bed sores, broken capillaries and bruises. Varicose veins can also benefit, but, massage over varicose veins must be very gentle to avoid making the problem worse. Calendula oil has anti-inflammatory and healing qualities.

CARROT OIL

This oil, like the vegetable it derives from, is rich in beta-carotene. It also contains the vitamins B,C, D and E. Carrot oil is actually an essential oil in it’s own right, but, it is often used as an addition to base oils, where it  can be diluted to 10% of the total blend. It has many qualities: it is anti-inflammatory and is useful for burns, itchy skin, psoriasis and eczema. It is also good for reducing scarring.

Contraindications: Carrot oil is an essential oil and must not be used undiluted on the skin.

COCONUT OIL

This oil is a light, all purpose oil, easily absorbed and nourishing to the skin. It is an excellent hair oil and is suitable for blending with heavier, thicker base oils such as

Olive, Avocado or Castor, though it can be used as the 100% base .

CASTOR OIL

Perhaps better known for it’s use in medicine as a laxative/purgative, it is also useful as a base oil for various skin complaints-especially dryness and eczema. Castor oil is very viscid and doesn’t penetrate the skin easily, so it is best blended with a lighter oil oil such as Coconut or Grapeseed: use as 10% of the total blend. It contains fatty acids, glycerine and ricinoleic acid.

CORN OIL

This oil is commonly used for cooking, but cold pressed, it can be used as a carrier oil for all skin types. It is high in vitamins, minerals and protein. It is suitable for the 100% base oil.

EVENING PRIMROSE OIL

This oil helps to prevent premature aging of the skin and is an excellent base oil for dryness of the skin. It is also helpful in the treatment of P.M.T. ( for the treatment of which, Evening Primrose capsules are recommended). It is valuable  for it’s  use on psoriasis and dry eczema and it aids wound healing. It contains vitamin E, minerals and linolenic acid. This oil is best diluted to 10% of the total blend, and mixed with a lighter, less expensive oil.

GRAPESEED OIL

This is a clear, fine oil with no discernable aroma of it’s own at all. It is high in polyunsaturates, vitamins, minerals and protein. It’s thin consistency makes it an excellent carrier oil, as it facilliates the penetration of the skin by the essential oils that are blended with it. It is suitable for all skin types, particularly oily. It is one of the most popular base oils and one of the least expensive It is suitable to use as 100% of the total blend.

HAZELNUT OIL

This oil has excellent penetrative properties and slight astringency which makes it a good choice for oily or combination skins. It contains vitamins, minerals and protein. It is suitable as the 100% base oil.

HYPERICUM OIL

This oil has anti-inflammatory properties and is helpful for sprains, burns, and bruises. Other uses are  the pain of fibrositis, sciatica and neulalgia. Hypericum is not easily obtainable, so it is perhaps advisable to dilute it with another carrier oil for massage.

JOJOBA OIL

This is actually not an oil, but a liquid wax. This waxy substance mimics collagen. It is non-greasy and has excellent penetrative qualities. It is a good oil for use on the face, hair and scalp. It is also recommended in the treatment of inflamed skin, psoriasis and eczema. Unfortunately, it is rather expensive. It can be used in combination with another carrier oil or on it’s own.

OLIVE OIL

Olive oil is rather too thick and heavy to use as the 100% base oil on any but the very driest of skins, but it can be blended with a lighter carrier, such as grapeseed or coconut. It is recommended for rheumatism, sprains and bruises. It contains vitamins, protein and minerals. Cold pressed Olive oil is obtainable from some supermarkets and this is suitable for use in aromatherapy.

PEACH OIL

Peach is similar chemically to Apricot Kernel and Sweet almond oils. It is recommended for use on mature, dry or sensitive skin. It has a high protein and vitamin content, is excellent for cell regeneration and is an ideal carrier oil for use on the face. It is rather expensive.

PEANUT OIL

This oil is suitable for all skin types, contains protein, vitamins and minerals. It can be used as the 100% base oil.

SAFFLOWER OIL

Safflower oil is helpful for circulatory problems, inflamed joints, bruises and sprains. It is suitable for all types of skin and can be used as the 100% base oil.

SESAME OIL

Sesame oil is useful in the treatment of rheumatism, arthritis, psoriasis and eczema. It is suitable for all skin types. Use as 10% of the base oil.

SOYA OIL

This oil contains protein, minerals, vitamins and has a high polyunsaturated content.

Soya oil is excellent for acne and is quickly absorbed by the skin. It is suitable for use as 100% of the base oil.

SUNFLOWER OIL

Use the cold pressed type of Sunflower oil. This oil has a light, fine texture and it penetrates the skin easily. It is rich in minerals and the vitamins A, B, D and E. It is a beneficial oil in the treatment of bruises, various skin diseases and leg ulcers. It is suitable for use on all skin types and can be used as 100% of the carrier oil.

SWEET ALMOND OIL

This carrier oil is perhaps one of the most commonly used as a massage base. It is versatile, relatively inexpensive and easily available. Sweet Almond oil nourishes the skin, relieves and reduces itching and irritation caused by eczema and other skin complaints. It contains vitamin E, glucosides, minerals and is rich in protein. It is suitable for all skin types, especially dry. It can be used as 100% of the blend.

VITAMIN E

Vitamin E is often added to a blend  to preserve it from oxidization and rancidity ( it contains a high anti-oxidant quotient ). Ii is an ideal oil for facial use and is excellent for stretch marks and scars. Mixed with Jojoba or Sweet Almond oils, it aids penetration of the essential oils in the blend. Use as 10% of the base oils.

WHEATGERM OIL

This oil is rich in vitamins B and E and has excellent anti-oxidant properties. It is a heavy, thick oil, helpful in the treatment of dry eczema, psoriasis and prematurely aged skin. It is nourishing for dry skin.It is too rich to use 100% of the base, but diluted to 10% with a lighter oil added to it, it prolongs the life  of the blend by preventing oxidization and rancidity..