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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Hello Tina! You can mix your carrier oil with essential oils and apply it using a roller bottle, but that isn't necessary. You are welcome to mix, store, and apply however works best for you. Thanks for stopping by!
Hi Judi, As V-6 is not labeled for internal consumption, we cannot recommend using it to grease a food prep, or cooking bowl/dish. You may try researching the other single listed carrier oils above that say they have a long shelf life, and whether they are safe for that use. Also, we suggest consulting with a health care provider with any additional questions on using any of those oils in cooking, for more targeted advice on what is best for you. Thanks for stopping by!
Hi Ryan, Olive oil does have a relatively short shelf life, but should be fine to leave mixed with essential oils if stored properly for a week. Proper storage would be in colder storage temperatures, or near room temperature at 72 degrees Fahrenheit. You will also want to make sure that the oils are stored in a location where they will be kept safe from fluctuations in temperature, and an airtight container. Let us know how it goes, and thanks for stopping by!
Hi Frances, Young Living’s products are intended only for the use listed on individual labels—either for topical/aromatic use or as a dietary supplement. Our V-6 Enhanced Vegetable oil is labeled for external use only. If you have any other questions, we recommend consulting a health care provider that has experience with EO's for more targeted advice. Thanks for stopping by!
Hi Kurapica, Carrier oils are mainly needed for topical application. Using scented mixtures to spread the pleasant aromas in your house is what we recommend using water based diffusers for. You can even just use water as a diluter in a metal or glass spritz bottle with some drops of your favorite oil! Thanks for stopping by.
The best oil I ever used on my skin was olive oil. It leaves me so soft.
Hello Just Some Girl! In the whipped shea butter recipe there are additional carrier oils to help the consistency and functionality of the whipped shea butter. You can add essential oils to shea butter without adding other carrier oils! Thanks for stopping by!
I love Tea Tree and Frankincense on my face (equal parts). I recently purchased Geranium after reading wonderful things about it. I have yet to incorporate it into my skincare routine.
Hi Parvati! As grapeseed oil can be used as a carrier oil, it should be safe to use as it is without any other oils. However, as sensitivity can vary from person to person, we would suggest using it on a small portion of your face first to ensure optimal health. Thanks for stopping by!
Hi there! As long as Argan oil is naturally derived from a vegetarian source and has a neutral smell, it can be used as a carrier oil. As far as what oils to use with carrier oils, as long as the usage directions on our oil labels are followed for dilution ratios, and are labeled for external use, it is up to personal preference. Additionally, we do use Argan oil in our Shutran™ Aftershave Lotion. Thanks for stopping by!