· By ·

A carrier oil is a vegetable based oil from the fatty portion of the plant (often from seeds, kernels or nuts). Carrier oils are generally odorless and do not evaporate. Carrier oils are used to dilute an essential oil prior to application particularly on the skin. Carrier oils all have their own therapeutic properties and benefits. Carrier oils are often used in homemade body products. Carrier oils can go rancid after a bit of time unlike essential oils. Remember an essential oil is distilled from the leaves, bark, roots, stems, even the flower of the plant and are highly volatile and aromatic.

Carrier Oils are important to have available. Many essential oils are best diluted if they are “hot” oils such as oregano, clove, cinnamon, or lemongrass, just to name a few. I ere on the side of caution when it comes to diluting oils. I always dilute oils on my children, except for when I use lavender (sometime I dilute that too if I’m covering a larger area).

Hopefully you haven’t found out from experience but you DO NOT want to get essential oils into your eyes. It REALY stings, speaking from experience!! Don’t worry, grab a dollop of your favorite carrier oil and rub in and around your eye and this will dilute out the oil enough to relieve the sting.

My Top 2 Choices for Carrier Oils

Organic Coconut Oil

I have two favorite carrier oils that I use most often. Organic coconut oil is on the top of my list. I love the versatility it offers. I use it most often in body care products and when I’m diluting essential oils to cover a larger area such as chest, back, even for the diaper area. I have ordered coconut oil from Tropical Traditions and really liked that product, but have loved Sam’s brand organic coconut oil as well. I have also used and really like Nutiva Organic Coconut Oil (amazon prime, gotta love that!). You need to look for virgin and cold pressed coconut oil. I like to store coconut oil in smaller glass jars. I keep them in my common oiling places, my kitchen and upstairs bathroom, where most of my oily treasures are kepts!

Young Living’s V-6 Blend

Young Living’s V-6 Vegetable Oil Complex is a nourishing blend than can be customized to fit your massage needs. This oil is made up of vegetable oils that are colorless and odorless. V-6 is one of my top choices for a carrier oil to dilute my essential oils for use on my children, for more sensitive skin and for diluting oils in a homemade capsule blend that I can take orally. V-6 has a long shelf life and does not clog pores.

Which oils make up V-6?

Almond Oil is high in Vitamin E and phytonutrients, known to be good for the skin and protective against oxidative damage.

Grape Seed Oil is a very lightweight oil, also nourishing to the skin.

Olive Oil is high in antioxidants and phytonutrients

Sesame Seed Oil also nourishes the skin and contains phytonutrients.

Sunflower Seed Oil is similar our own skin’s natural oils and sebum.

Wheat Germ Oil high in Vitamin E, lecithin and B vitamins, offers protection from free radical damage and is moisturizing and non-comedogenic.

You can’t go wrong in my opinion with either of these carrier choices depending on your carrier oil needs.

Ways to Utilize Your Carrier Oil

Capsules

I like to add my essential oils to a “00” veggie capsule and then fill the rest of the way with V-6 carrier oil. My favorite blend is Lemon, Lavender and Peppermint in a capsule (the V-6 prevents the taste of the peppermint in my digestive tract as this is a strong/hot oil). This oil stays liquid so it is easy to use with capsules.

Massage Blend

V-6 or Coconut equally are great for a quick massage. I love adding my favorite essential oils to the mix for a soothing and relaxing effect to tired muscles from everyday living.

Vapor Rub

I love mixing up a homemade vapor rub (some favorites are Eucalyptus radiata, RC, and Myrtle) added to my favorite organic coconut oil. I mix them and store in a tightly sealed glass jar, old jelly jars and small mason jars work well too. Apply to chest or back and breathe in refreshing aroma.

Diaper Area Rub

I have a little one in diapers and I like to keep his skin as God made it. I like to use organic coconut oil mixed with lavender and melrose essential oil for skin support.

What are your favorite carrier oils & uses?

Share this: LinkedIn

Pinterest

Facebook

Twitter

Email

More

Reddit

Tumblr



