Body & Soul: Carrier Oils 101
An essential-oil delivery system, these basic oils are also great for your skin.
By Janice Cox
October/November 2011
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Carrier oils also go by the following monikers: natural oils, base oils or fixed oils.
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Carrier oils are so named because they help “carry” the scented oils of aromatherapy, which are sometimes highly concentrated and too strong to use directly on the skin. Thanks to their own properties, carrier oils—also known as natural oils, base oils or fixed oils—also can help deliver health, beauty and a state of well-being.
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The most common way to use carrier oils is in combination with essential oils, which are highly concentrated aromatic plant extracts, usually of a single plant. They come in a wide variety of scents, ranging from common (rosemary and peppermint) to the more exotic (patchouli and sandalwood). Because these oils are so concentrated, they are usually too strong to be used directly on the skin, which is where carrier oils come into use.
Mixed together, they can be daubed onto or massaged into your skin. Sometimes one drop of an essential oil is all you need, and with carrier oils you can deliver that drop of essential oil to your whole body. Another common way to use carrier oils is to infuse them with herbal and plant ingredients. To accomplish this, fresh or dried herbs are placed in airtight containers and covered with oil. After a week or two, the oil absorbs the scent and healing properties of the ingredients.
Carrier oils are made from various plants and are generally odorless, which enables them to carry the properties of the scented oils and ingredients without interfering with their scent. These base oils are also easily absorbed by the skin and have a long shelf life.
You will want to store your carrier oils in a cool, dark, dry spot or in amber bottles, because sunlight and heat can alter their properties.
9 Natural Carrier Oils
Sweet almond oil: Pale yellow oil from the nut kernel. Rich in protein and good for all skin types. Helps relieve dry, itchy skin, and can help reduce inflammation.