Carrier oils are usually overlooked because they don’t contain the therapeutic constituents of other essential oils, but they can play an indispensable companion of topically applied oils. Let’s take a closer look at these carriers and why they deserve a place on the shelf of anyone who uses and loves essential oils.
Carrier oils are naturally derived from vegetarian sources and have a neutral smell. They aren’t volatile like essential oils, which makes them an excellent medium for dilution and application.
Vegetable shortening, butter, and margarine are best left in the kitchen—they’re not intended for topical use. Mineral oil and other petroleum derivatives like petroleum jelly should also not be used as carrier oils.
Essential oils are volatile, which means they evaporate rapidly and contain the natural smell and characteristics of the plant. This can make them too strong to apply undiluted. Carrier oils do not evaporate or have a strong aroma, making them the perfect pair for diluting especially strong essential oils—reducing the concentration of the essential oil without altering its therapeutic qualities. When you dilute an essential oil with a carrier oil, you can also control its concentration before applying.
Like other substances that are high in fat, carrier oils have a limited shelf life, meaning that eventually they can go bad. Depending on the type, oils with a short shelf life should typically be used within six months, while oils with a longer shelf life may stay good for up to a year. It’s important to store oils in their original air-tight containers in a cool, dark place, such as the pantry, to maximize shelf life.
Carrier oils can vary widely in their consistency, absorption, aroma, shelf life, and other characteristics. Carrier oils can be blended to change or combine their properties, so you can mix and match until you find the blend that’s just right for you!
**Caution: May cause a reaction to those with nut allergies.
*Caution: May cause a reaction to those with nut allergies.
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What I have, it says is 100% pure essential oil blend. How do I mix it?
Hi Linda, All of our essential oils are 100% Pure Therapeutic Grade oil. The directions on the label will let you know if you should dilute the oil with a drop of carrier oil. Carrier oil is used to dilute oils for sensitive skin or if the oil is a strong oil that would require dilution. You would also use a carrier oil for creating your own massage oil. We hope this helps and appreciate you stopping by!
I have what might seem like a stupid question....when mixing an oil with a carrier oil, can you just mix it in the palm of your hand and then apply? If not, what is the best way to mix an oil for topical use, one use at a time? Thank you!
Hi Kelly, You are welcome to to mix the oil with a carrier oil in your palm and then apply. It would be personal preference on what works best for you. Thanks for stopping by!
Hi.
I am confused as to what would be a good carrier oil for the use in diffusers.
Thanks
Hi, Carrier oils are not needed when using essential oils in diffusers. Carrier oils are used more for topical application. Thanks for stopping by!
I'd like to dilute geranium oil with grape seed oil. What proportions should I use? It's going to be used by my daughter to repel ticks.
Hi Kim, Essential oils should be diluted for use on children. We suggest using a patch test procedure prior to ensure the oil is properly diluted for the child. To perform a patch test, apply 1-2 drops of essential oil to a patch of skin such as the forearm. For additional concerns or targeted advice, we suggest consulting a health care provider to determine what is right for your child. Thanks for stopping by!
Hi, I'm new to using essential oils, and was wondering which carrier oil you would recommend if using for young babies/children with sensitive skin (eczema), but no nut allergy? Thanks :)
Hi Del, Most carrier oils are safe to use with children. However, if your child has sensitive skin, we recommend speaking to your child's health care provider for targeted advice. Thanks for stopping by!
Hi, I am new to the essential oil phase of my life. I just know I love them. I am wondering what kind of grape seed oil.....like what I use for cooking? I buy mine from costco
Hello there, Any high quality grape seed oil should work great. Thanks for stopping by!
Hello,
I am looking to buy a carrier oil to use as a liquid, mixing in capsules, etc. What do you think would be best? I was thinking probably Olive Oil or Grapeseed but I'm relatively new to EO.
Hello Tyler, Those both can be used as a carrier oil. A carrier oil is vegetable oil such as coconut oil or grapeseed oil that can be used to dilute essential oils. Young Living V-6 Vegetable Oil Complex is an excellent carrier oil for all applications. Carrier oils ensure that essential oils applied topically are comfortable. Dilution with a carrier oil does not dilute the effect of the essential oil, and prevents waste due to excessive application. Vegetable shortening, butter, margarine or petroleum derivatives (petrolatum jelly) should never be used as carrier oils. Some consumers choose to avoid olive oil as a carrier oil because of its strong aroma and thick viscosity, but it's personal preference. Thanks for stopping by!
is avocado oil good as a carrier oil
Hello Miriam, Avocado oil would be a good example of a carrier oil. A carrier oil is a vegetable oil such as coconut oil or grapeseed oil that can be used to dilute essential oils. Young Living V-6 Enhanced Vegetable Complex is an excellent carrier oil for all applications. Vegetable shortening, butter, margarine or petroleum derivatives (petrolatum jelly) should never be used as carrier oils.
Can you use vegetable glycerin?possibly combine to make a tincture
Hi Michaela, As we have not tested vegetable glycerin as a carrier oil we are not able to recommend this. However, Vegetable glycerin is not a mineral oil or other petroleum derivative so we feel it will be ok to use. Let us know how it works!
Any of these carrier oils safe for my 67 year young face? Usually any face creams containing oil causes breakouts. I have true Tamanu, argan, and want to try galbanum for saggy jowels as recommended on dr Mercolas website. Also need it to help as a sleep aid. So need proper carrier oil. Thank you for your guidance!
Hello Pam, As no one person is alike we would not be able to recommend carrier oil specifically for you. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.