Your Guide to the Best Carrier Oil for Essential Oils
In this guide, we break down what an essential oil and a carrier oil are, before discussing what we consider to be the best carrier oil for essential oils. If you’re new to essential oils, or if you’re looking to try something new, we’re here to show you some of the best options on the market.
What Is an Essential Oil?
An essential oil is a highly concentrated liquid derived from plants. There are many unique oils with varying benefits that are often used for aromatherapy, massages, and self-care. For example, people find that lavender oil helps them feel calmer and more relaxed. However, due to their highly concentrated nature, it is often recommended to use a carrier oil when applying an essential oil to the skin.
What Is a Carrier Oil?
A carrier oil is often a fat or wax-based liquid that is mixed with an essential oil in order to dilute the otherwise highly concentrated solution. They can help prevent skin irritation, improve absorption, provide added skincare benefits, and increase the shelf life of essential oils. A good carrier oil also typically provides additional skincare benefits.
What Is the Best Carrier Oil for Essential Oils?
Below, we list some of the best carrier oils for essential oils, including common favourites and lesser-known choices.
Fractionated Coconut Oil
Fractionated coconut oil is one of the most popular choices for carrier oils. This option is odorless, meaning that you can experience the full, undisturbed scent of your essential oil when it is mixed with fractionated coconut oil. It also has a very long shelf life, meaning that it’s the perfect staple to keep in your oil collection to mix alongside your essential oils.
Abyssinian Oil
Abyssinian oil is a less popular choice for carrier oils, however this does not mean that it’s any less effective. It’s known for being lightweight and non-greasy, making application a luxurious and hassle-free experience. It also comes with its own benefits that can work alongside your essential oil, such as hydrating the skin and softening cuticles when rubbed into the nail beds. If you’re looking to get some Abyssinian oil, Crambe Abyssinica’s Abyssinian oil is sustainably sourced and has an environmentally responsible production process.
Jojoba Oil
Jojoba oil is another unscented option, and is technically a wax. This oil is very similar to the skin’s natural sebum, meaning that it can promote the absorption of essential oils and keep the skin hydrated, all without clogging pores. This makes jojoba oil a great option as a natural moisturizer for almost all skin types. However, those with irritated or sensitive skin may particularly benefit from using jojoba oil for its anti-inflammatory properties.
Sweet Almond Oil
Sweet almond oil is often used in massage therapy due to its smooth texture. This oil works great on dry or irritated skin as it is full of vitamin E and fatty acids, which can help to hydrate the skin and restore moisture. It also does not clog pores, meaning that it can be a good choice for people prone to acne or with sensitive skin.
Sunflower Oil
As the name suggests, sunflower oil is derived from the seeds of the sunflower plant. While the experience of using sunflower oil may be less luxurious than some of the other oils in this list, it does tend to be more affordable, making it an accessible starting point for people new to using essential and carrier oils. It also has moisturizing properties and is rich in vitamin E.
Final Thoughts on the Best Carrier Oil for Essential Oils
In this guide, we’ve covered an introduction to both carrier oils and essential oils, and presented some of the best carrier oil options on offer. When it comes to choosing a carrier oil, it’s important to consider your own needs and what you’re looking to gain from your oil experience. Remember to think about what added benefits come along with using your selected carrier oil, whether the oil was produced sustainably and ethically, how the carrier oil will mix with the essential oil, and your own skin type.
