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Using Carrier Oils in Aromatherapy

Corinna Underwood | April 28, 2008

Many of the essential oils used in aromatherapy cannot be applied directly to your skin. This is because they are so concentrated that they may damage your skin. In order to use them to make massage oils you can mix a few drops of an individual oil, or a blend of oils to a carrier oil.

A carrier oil is a light vegetable oil that is extracted from the seeds of kernels of the plant (the fatty areas), whereas essential oils are extracted from the aromatic parts of the plant such as the bark or roots. Carrier oils are cold pressed to ensure that they keep their natural fatty acids and vitamins, which are the therapeutic parts of the oils. There are a wide range of carrier oils and each one has individual therapeutic benefits which, when added to the essential oils can provide wonderful healing potential.

Some carrier oils have no scent of their own but most have a subtle, nutty aroma with a hint of sweetness. They blend extremely well with essential oils and retain the aroma of whatever oils are added to them. They also help to preserve the aroma. Here are some popular carrier oils and their properties:

Sweet Almond Oil (Prunus amygdalus var. dulcus)
Sweet almond oil has a light, nutty aroma and a medium viscosity. It contains vitamins A, B’s and E as well as minerals and glucosides. It is beneficial for any types of skin irritation including, chapped skin, eczema, dermatitis and minor burns. It is absorbed quickly by the skin.

Borage Seed Oil (Borago officinalis)
Borage seed oil has a sweet scent and a light viscosity. It penetrates the skin quickly but leaves a light oily film behind which helps the skin to retain moisture. It is a very rich source of gamma linoleic acid (GLA). GLA is a fatty acid converted to blood thinner prostaglandin by the body. It relieves the irritation of skin complaints such as eczema and dermatitis. It can also revive age damaged skin.

Avocado Oil (Persea Americana)
Avocado oil has a sweet, nutty aroma and a thick viscosity. The oil contains vitamins A, B’s D, E, fatty acids, lecithin and protein. It is quickly absorbed and leaves a waxy film on the skin which helps it retain moisture. This makes it excellent for dehydrated and calloused skin. It also improves the skin’s elasticity which makes it beneficial for more mature skin and sun damaged skin.

Grapeseed Oil (Vitis vinifera)
Grapeseed oil has a light nutty scent and a thin viscosity. It is easily absorbed, leaving a very light film on the skin. This oil contains vitamins A, B’s D and E, protein, minerals and linoleic acid. In fact it contains a greater amount of linoleic acid than any other carrier oil. It helps to heal stressed tissue and damaged skin by improving elasticity and tone. It also helps the skin to retain a normal, healthy moisture level as well as structural integrity.