Carrier oils:

Carrier oils are plant oils that are known as fixed oils because they do not evaporate. In aromatherapy, the carrier oil can either be used on its own, blended with essential oils or blended with other carrier oils. Some carrier oils can be expensive to use on their own, therefore, a small amount can be blended with another less expensive carrier oil.

Carrier oils should be used unrefined The refining process extracts the oils at a high temperature which results in nutrients being destroyed.

Carrier oils should be cold pressed and free of additives. Cold pressing involves pressing the kernels, nuts or seeds with a hydraulic press so that the oil is squeezed out with no heating involved. This means the oils retain their natural properties.

Carrier oil molecules are larger than essential oil molecules so they are mostly absorbed into the upper layers of the skin, unlike essential oils, which are smaller and can be absorbed into the bloodstream.

Carrier oils and their properties:

Sweet almond oil:

A pale yellow liquid that is extracted from the kernels of the nuts and mixes well with most other carrier oils and essential oils. It is rich in unsaturated fatty acids, protein and vitamins A, B, D and E.

Benefits of sweet almond oil:

• Helps to soothe and reduce inflammation
• Helps muscular pain, tension and stiffness
• Moisturising for the skin and hair
• Beneficial for relieving itchiness

Not advisable for someone suffering from a nut allergy.

 Apricot kernel oil:

The oil is extracted from the apricot nut.

 Benefits of apricot oil:

• Beneficial in relieving itching associated with dry skin
• Moisturising and nourishing to the skin
• Suitable for sensitive, dry and ageing skin

Avocado oil:

The oil is derived from the flesh of the avocado fruit. It is solid at 0 degrees Celsius, but liquefies at room temperature. It contains fats, proteins, vitamins A, B1, B2 and D and many minerals including calcium, magnesium, potassium and phosphorus. An expensive oil, therefore, it is often added to other carrier oils such as olive oil.

Benefits of avocado oil:

• Penetrates deeper into the epidermis, (the outer layer of skin), than most other carrier oils
• Has healing skin properties and helps to reduce inflammation
• Moisturising to the skin
• Helps to prevent premature ageing to the skin

Coconut oil:

A creamy, coloured oil extracted from the dry flesh of the coconut. A light, highly refined oil, therefore, many nutrients are lost during the refining process. Coconut oil is solid at room temperature, but will liquefy when warm.

Benefits of coconut oil:

• Helpful in reducing inflamed skin
• Moisturising to the hair and skin
• It may irritate sensitive skins, so a patch test may be required
• Not suitable for people with nut allergies
• Can be mixed with other carrier oils

Evening primrose oil:

The oil is extracted form the seeds of the plant.

Benefits of evening primrose oil:

• Useful for dry, scaly skin and skin conditions such as eczema
• An expensive oil, therefore, it is usually mixed with other carrier oils.

Grapeseed oil:

The oil is extracted from the seeds of grapes. It is a colourless, high quality oil.

Benefits of grapeseed oil:

• Light, non-greasy oil
• Moisturising to the skin

Jojoba oil:

A nutritious, waxy vegetable oil that is extracted from the crushed seeds of the jojoba bush. It is a nutritious oil containing protein, minerals and vitamin E. Semi-solid at room temperature.

Benefits of jojoba oil:

• Moisturising for the skin and hair
• Helps to relieve inflammation
• Beneficial for all skin types
• An expensive oil, therefore, it can be mixed with other oils.

Macadamia oil:

The oil is extracted from the nuts of the tree and the creamy white or pink blossom. A cold pressed oil, it is available both unrefined or refined. However, this oil retains its natural properties, as solvents are not used.

Not advisable for someone suffering from a nut allergy.

Benefits of macadamia oil:

• Moisturising for the skin
• Thought to help prevent skin from ageing

Olive oil:

A yellow/green oil with a thick consistency that is extracted from the flesh of the olive fruit. It is a good source of vitamin E.

Benefits of olive oil:

• Moisturising for the hair and skin
• Helps to relieve muscular stiffness and pain
• Rarely causes irritation

Peach kernel oil:

The oil is cold pressed from the kernels of the peaches and is similar chemically to sweet almond and apricot oils.

Benefits of peach kernel oil:

• Nourishing and moisturising for the skin
• Helps relieve itching
• Good for sensitive skins

Sesame oil:

A thick liquid, yellow/golden in colour. It is extracted from the sesame plant by shaking the dried plant upside down after making an incision in the seedpod. The oil is extracted from sesame seeds. It is rich in vitamin E and the minerals calcium, iron and phosphorus.

Benefits of sesame oil:

• Moisturising for the skin
• Helps relieve muscular aches, pains and stiffness
• An allergy test may be needed for sensitive skins

Sunflower oil:

The oil is obtained from the seeds of the flower head. It contains vitamins A, D and E and the minerals iron and calcium.

Benefits of sunflower oil:

• Softening and moisturising for the skin
• Good for inflammation