Carrier oils are naturally derived from vegetarian sources and have a neutral smell. They aren’t volatile like essential oils, which makes them an excellent medium for dilution and application.
Carrier oils are usually overlooked because they don’t contain the therapeutic constituents of other essential oils, but they can play an indispensable companion of topically applied oils. Let’s take a closer look at these carriers and why they deserve a place on the shelf of anyone who uses and loves essential oils.
What aren’t carrier oils?
Vegetable shortening, butter, and margarine are best left in the kitchen—they’re not intended for topical use. Mineral oil and other petroleum derivatives like petroleum jelly should also not be used as carrier oils.
How are carrier oils used?
Essential oils are volatile, which means they evaporate rapidly and contain the natural smell and characteristics of the plant. This can make them too strong to apply undiluted. Carrier oils do not evaporate or have a strong aroma, making them the perfect pair for diluting especially strong essential oils—reducing the concentration of the essential oil without altering its therapeutic qualities. When you dilute an essential oil with a carrier oil, you can also control its concentration before applying.
Like other substances that are high in fat, carrier oils have a limited shelf life, meaning that eventually they can go bad. Depending on the type, oils with a short shelf life should typically be used within six months, while oils with a longer shelf life may stay good for up to a year. It’s important to store oils in their original air-tight containers in a cool, dark place, such as the pantry, to maximize shelf life.
Carrier oils can vary widely in their consistency, absorption, aroma, shelf life, and other characteristics. Carrier oils can be blended to change or combine their properties, so you can mix and match until you find the blend that’s just right for you!
Get to know some of the more popular carrier oils!
V-6**
A proprietary Young Living formula combining fractionated coconut oil, grapeseed oil, sweet almond oil, wheat germ oil (contains a lot of vitamin E and acts as a natural preservative), sunflower oil, and olive oil
Moisturizes and nourishes the skin
An excellent carrier oil for all your best essential oils and applications
**Caution: May cause a reaction to those with nut allergies.
Grapeseed Oil
Light and thin consistency
Well suited for massages; leaves a light glossy film over the skin
Moisturizing
High in linoleic acid
Relatively short shelf life
Sweet Almond Oil*
Slightly sweet, nutty aroma
Medium consistency
Absorbs relatively quickly; leaves a slight hint of oil on the skin
Rich in vitamin E and oleic acid
Moisturizing
Good all-purpose carrier oil
*Caution: May cause a reaction to those with nut allergies.
Jojoba Oil
Slightly nutty aroma
Medium consistency
Superior, non-greasy absorption, similar to the skin’s natural oils
Moisturizing for skin and hair
Long shelf life
Olive Oil
Popular, easy-to-find oil used in both topical and culinary applications
Thicker consistency; leaves an oily feel on the skin
Stronger aroma
Good source of oleic acid (omega fatty acid)
Relatively short shelf life
Fractionated Coconut Oil
Unlike coconut oil, fractionated coconut oil is liquid at room temperature
No noticeable aroma
Absorbs well; leaves skin feeling silky and moisturized; non-greasy
High in essential fatty acids
Long shelf life
Coconut Oil
Solid at room temperature
Distinct coconut aroma
Solid white color
Leaves a moisturizing, oily feeling layer on top of the skin
Long shelf life
Cocoa Butter
Solid and difficult to work with at room temperature
Best used when melted and blended with other carrier oils
Sweet, chocolate aroma
Shea Butter
Solid at room temperature
Nutty aroma
Cream colored
Moisturizing to skin and hair; leaves behind a moisturizing, waxy-feeling layer
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