Carrier Oils for Essential Oils
What is it about carrier oils for essential oils that make them so delectable?
The aromas? The variety? The fun of trying them all? I say — all of it.
If you’ve been following me for any amount of time, you already know that essential oils are the peanut butter to my jelly!
I use them with my students to enhance intuition, in my salt bath to help me ground, in the diffuser to help me relax and sleep deeply (hello, lavender!), and even on my chakra jewelry so I can benefit from essential oil properties all day long.
I’m a girl obsessed, I tell ya!
But, I quickly realized they can be a little irritating to skin due to their concentration levels.
Thankfully, it’s easy to correct this issue by using carrier oils for essential oils.
How Carrier Oils Work
Essential oils are awesome on their own and have tons of amazing benefits and uses.
Carrier oils for essential oils slightly dilute the oil so that it doesn’t irritate skin. (This is practicing good essential oil safety.)
Plus, a lot of carrier oils have their own awesome benefits… win-win!
How to Use Carrier Oils
Basically, you’ll want to mix 4 parts of your carrier oil with 1 part of your essential oil.
Some people are a little more or less sensitive than others, so feel free to play with the ratio and discover what’s best for you.
Disclaimer:
If you are pregnant or have any health issues, check with your doctor before using essential oils.
List of Carrier Oils for Essential Oils
Sweet Almond Oil
The ‘sweet’ means this oil comes from the almonds that we chow down on rather than bitter almonds.
Sweet almond oil is chock full of Vitamin E, potassium, and zinc, which means our skin LOVES it. (My 90-year old grandmother says that vitamin E is her secret to looking amazing!)
**Those with nut allergies should steer clear of almond oil.**
Coconut Oil
I have to admit, I open my coconut oil just to smell it sometimes. It smells like toes-in-the-sand, and sun-on-my-face goodness!
Coconut oil is solid at room temperature, and even heated, it’s is a little thicker than some of the other oils on our list (which makes it great for skin rubs and salves).
Its texture is great because it’s extremely moisturizing. So, if the oil trend going around has peaked your interest, this is a good one to keep on hand!
Olive Oil
I recommend using extra-virgin, cold pressed olive oil because it’s easy to find. You may already have some in your kitchen!
Take note, though, because this is a lightweight oil, it does tend to be a little on the greasy side.
Argan Oil
You may have also heard this referred to as ‘Moroccan oil’ because it comes from the kernels of a tree most commonly found in Morocco.
It’s loaded with antioxidants and has a ton of benefits (silky hair included), so I always have a bottle handy.
Avocado Oil
It doesn’t take much to convince me to dig into an avocado — bring on the guac and margaritas please! Same goes when it’s in oil form.
Avocado oil is known as one of the healthiest oils on the planet, and since it’s also great for cooking, you can’t go wrong keeping a bottle in the house.
Emu Oil
Yes, like the bird!
This oil comes from the fatty tissue on the birds back underneath the skin and muscle.
I wasn’t familiar with this oil before my essential oil journey, but it’s got some great benefits!
First, it’s full of essential fatty acids and has been used for topical issues like diaper rash, athlete’s foot, and canker sores. Plus, it’s anti-aging properties make it great for sun damaged skin.
Jojoba Oil
Jojoba oil closely mimics the oil our skin naturally produces which makes it super hydrating (perfect for the winter)!
It comes from the seed of the Simmondsia chinensis plant (say that three times fast!), native to Arizona, California and Mexico.
And, because it’s so close to our skin’s natural chemistry, it’s a good natural makeup remover and face wash.
Neem Oil
Be forewarned: this oil does have a little ‘pungent’ (earthy) smell, but it also has powerful benefits.
You see, neem oil naturally contains an aspirin-like compound making it one of the best carrier oils for essential oils… especially for people with sensitive skin or skin issues like rosacea, rashes, or eczema.
It’s also a great choice for those with acne.
Organic, Unscented Body Lotion
Organic, fragrance-free lotion is one of my “go to” carrier oils for essential oils, and I always keep a bottle in the house.
It’s not only great for moisturizing the skin, it makes a great carrier oil for ALL of your essential oils!
I’ve been using this one from The Honest Company for over a year. I love it because a little goes a long way — and I use it instead of chemically loaded face moisturizers, too.
Carrier Oils for Essential Oils Takeaways
Remember, you really can’t go wrong when picking a carrier oil for essential oils, so try a few and see what works best for you!
They all have their own benefits and can be effectively used for different applications.
More Essential Oil Goodness:
- How Essential Oils Work (seriously, you are gonna wanna know… it actually has nothing to do with the smell of the oil itself – and everything to do with the brain – totally fascinating!)
- Clove Essential Oil: Your Spiritual Awakening BFF