Aromatherapy is the therapeutic use of essential oil plant extracts for physical, mental & emotional benefit.
However, as natural plant extracts, there are safety considerations with essential oils and some even have contraindications for their use. That is why learning about an oil BEFORE you decide to incorporate it in your health regime is highly recommended.
Only 3 essential oils are deemed completely safe for direct application to the skin. These are Lavender, Tea Tree and Fragonia. All other essential oils need to be diluted by a carrier oil or mixed into creams or lotions. Sadly, many enthusiastic practitioners have applied suggested oils without a carrier and the result has been skin sensitization all the way to and including developing an allergy. Plant extracts, no matter how they are extracted are nature’s chemicals and need to be respected as such.
If we are peaking your interest in the use of essential oils and aromatherapy, let’s take the first step to understand what your choices are in terms of carriers oils for essential oils and the pros and cons of each. This will help you decide what base oil or cream will be the best choice for your skin and your lifestyle as you explore essential oils.
Typically unscented vegetable oils are chosen to dilute essential oils. It they have the ability to lubricate and potentially have healing properties, all the better. We typically advise against corn, soybean and refined vegetable oil blends because the genetically modified content can be quite high. Some of the better choices are:
GRAPESEED OIL
Pros: Unscented, reacts well with most skin types, and typically inexpensive
Cons: Short shelf-life of 3 months, can have a greasy feel and will stain fabric.
AVOCADO OIL:
Pros: Tons of vitamins & minerals, softens skin, reduces age spots
Cons: 6 – 8 month shelf life – longer if refrigerated…..can be very expensive.
ALMOND OIL:
Pros: Good for most skin types and has a pleasant aroma
Cons: Expensive and cannot be used by anyone with a nut allergy
OLIVE OIL:
Pros: Long lasting 2 – 3 year shelf life, absorbable vitamin E, does not clog pores
Cons: Expensive, greasy feel, possible staining, lower grades contain additives
SUNFLOWER OIL:
Pros: Good for all skin types, softens skin, 1 year shelf life
Cons: Can stain, somewhat expensive
COCONUT OIL:
Pros: Excellent massage oil, softens skin, very little is needed to moisturize
Cons: Solidifies at 76 degrees, too much prevents absorption of other oils
FRACTIONATED COCONUT OIL:
Pros: Very light scent, all natural, very long shelf life, contains anti-oxidants
Cons: Can stain, too much can be drying
JOJOBA OIL:
Pros: Very long shelf life, penetrates well, does not go rancid, contains Vitamin E
Cons: Expensive
SAFFLOWER OIL:
Pros: Rich in Linoleic Acid, anti-inflammatory, does not clog pores, 1 year shelf life
Cons: Does not contain vitamin E
Picking the best carrier oil for essential oils may require some experimentation at to what works best with your skin type. As you choose the oil you prefer, remember the best oils are cold pressed and preferably sold in dark bottles. Keeping your oil in the dark and cool (under 70 degrees) will extend its shelf life whether you use it to cook with or just as a skin care supplement. Remember…..when it comes to oils and essential oils in particular….LESS IS MORE…..too much will negate the effect you are after.
FAQs
You should only buy therapeutic-grade carrier oils from a manufacturer you trust. Look for oils that are cold-pressed, 100 percent pure, and additive- or preservative-free. If you want to use a cooking oil as a carrier oil, choose cold-pressed, organic varieties.
How do I choose a carrier oil for essential oils? ›
You should only buy therapeutic-grade carrier oils from a manufacturer you trust. Look for oils that are cold-pressed, 100 percent pure, and additive- or preservative-free. If you want to use a cooking oil as a carrier oil, choose cold-pressed, organic varieties.
What is the best ratio of carrier oil to essential oil? ›
For facial applications such as masks or oils, a 1% or less dilution is recommended. For massages oils and other leave-on body products, we recommend a 2% dilution, and for other rinse-off bath and body products, we recommend 3%. When using essential oils with children, there are more precautions to consider.
Is sweet almond oil a good carrier oil? ›
Sweet Almond carrier oil is an excellent emollient that softens and reconditions the skin. It penetrates easily and can soothe dry, irritated areas. Excellent for all skin types, it is a well-suited carrier oil for aromatherapy blends.
How many drops of essential oil in 100 ml carrier oil? ›
Let's break this down further for blending essential oils with a carrier oil for the face. At 1% dilution, this equates roughly to 2 drops of essential oil to 10ml of carrier oil. Or for further ease 20 drops of essential oil to 100ml of carrier oil.
How many drops of essential oil to oz of carrier oil? ›
A 2-3% dilution should work well for a healthy adult. This means using 10-18 drops of essential oil per ounce of carrier oil. Aromatic bath – Add a few drops of your favorite essential oils to a teaspoon of carrier oil and pour into a bath.
What is the best carrier oil for aging face? ›
Best carrier oils for face products
Jojoba oil, sweet almond and argan oil are all fabulous all-rounders that are commonly found in 'off the shelf' face care products. Or, for highly acclaimed anti-aging properties, try rosehip oil or avocado oil to reduce the signs of sun damage and age spots.
What is the most common carrier oil for essential oils? ›
Coconut oil is one of the most common carrier oils mixed with essential oils. This isn't surprising when you consider its moisturizing benefits. If you prefer oils, Bon Vital' Coconut Massage Oil is an excellent choice for a great glide when massaging and a light, greaseless feel.
What essential oils should not be mixed together? ›
The combination of Peppermint and Thyme may lead to stomach irritation. There is also some evidence that skin irritation may be caused by the combination of Peppermint and Ylang Ylang, or Grapefruit blended with Lemon.
How many drops of frankincense are in carrier oil? ›
FRANKINCENSE OIL IN COSMETICS TO IMPROVE SKIN HEALTH
| Ingredients | Amount |
|---|
| Carrier Oil (Almond Sweet, Borage, Evening Primrose or Wheat Germ suggested) | 4 tsp (20 mL / 0.7 oz.) |
| Frankincense Essential Oil (Egyptian) | 5 drops |
| Neroli Essential Oil | 3 drops |
| Rose Otto Essential Oil | 2 drops |
The carrier oils that can be used for frankincense are fractionated coconut oil, jojoba oil, olive oil, and sweet almond oil. Some additional carrier oils that can be used are avocado oil, macadamia nut oil, grapeseed oil, apricot kernel oil, extra virgin olive oil, and avocado oil.
Who should not use sweet almond oil? ›
Almond oil is generally considered safe to use on your skin. However, there are some safety precautions to keep in mind. If you're allergic to nuts, avoid using almond oil on your skin. If you've never used almond oil on your skin before, do a patch test before applying to your face.
What is the best carrier oil for inflammation? ›
Castor Oil
Castor Oil is best known for its natural anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, making it a popular choice for muscle and joint pain. This is because of its high concentration of fatty acids, ricin oleic acids -particularly omega 9.
What happens if you don't dilute frankincense oil? ›
By applying essential oils undiluted on the skin over time, your body can begin to trigger an immune response which can lead to sensitization. When you dilute your essential oils, you decrease the likelihood of this happening.
What is the ratio of frankincense to carrier oil? ›
Frankincense can be applied directly to the skin and does not require dilution. However, if you have sensitive skin, you may want to dilute to be on the safe side. A great rule of thumb is a 1-4 ratio. 1 drop of oil to 4 drops carrier oil.
How to make essential oil smell last longer? ›
If you're using essential oils on your skin, combining them with a carrier oil is the best way to achieve a long lasting fragrance. Carrier oils such as coconut, jojoba or grapeseed are rich in fatty acids which have a similar structure to the natural oils found on the skin.
What oil absorbs best into skin? ›
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is easily absorbed into the skin and is known to have many health benefits, including those from vitamins E and K, as well as its antifungal and antibacterial properties.
How many essential oils can you add to a carrier oil? ›
QUICK REFERENCE BLENDING CHART
| Essential Oil Blend Percentage | Essential Oil Amount | Carrier Oil Amount |
|---|
| 1% | 4 drops | 1 tablespoon |
| 20 drops | 100 ml |
| 2% | 4 drops | 2 teaspoons |
| 8 drops | 1 tablespoon |
8 more rowsOpt for labels that signify 'pure', 'organic', or 'therapeutic grade'—these are indicators of quality and authenticity. Steer clear of fragrance oils, as they don't possess the therapeutic qualities of genuine essential oils.
Can you use lotion as a carrier oil for essential oils? ›
Lotion is a lightweight, moisturizing carrier you can apply directly to your skin. You can use lotion alone or add essential oils to it. Lotion usually absorbs quickly.
