CARRIER OILS, USES & BENEFITS
Carrier Oil is a term given to base oils that dilute essential oils before topical application, as the latter are much too potent to apply directly to the skin. Despite also being referred to as vegetable oils, not all Carrier Oils are derived from vegetables; many are pressed from seeds, nuts, or kernels. Carrier Oils are also called “fixed oils,” due to the fact that they do not quickly evaporate from the skin’s surface and remain “fixed” on the skin. Carrier Oil is a vital aspect of an aromatherapy massage or a natural cosmetic, as it can affect the benefits and usefulness of the essential oils and the color, scent, therapeutic properties, and shelf life of the final product. Each Carrier Oil is comprise of different components that exhibit distinct characteristics, such as color, viscosity, and penetration speed, while offering therapeutic properties.
How to choose a carrier oil?
Dry Skin: Olive oil, Avocado, Macadamia, Almond, Jojoba, Apricot kernel, Evening Primrose, Carrot seed oil, Rosehip seed oil, Tamanu (Foraha) oil, Shea butter;
Very dry skin: Tamanu (Foraha) oil, Shea butter, Macadamia;
Normal skin: Apricot kernel, Almond, Argan, Avocado oil, Baobab, Jojoba, Babassu oil, Carrot seed oil, Safflower oil;
Oily skin: Jojoba, Rosehip seed oil, Grapeseed oil, Almond oil, Hazelnut oil, Apricot kernel oil, Mango butter, Tamanu (Foraha) oil, Evening Primrose;
Mature skin / anti aging oils: Avocado, Argan, Macadamia, Jojoba. Moringa, Rosehip seed oil, Sea Buckthorn, Black current;
Massage oils: Almond, Apricot kernel, Avocado, Safflower, Coconut, Jojoba, Olive, Macadamia, Sesame, Shea butter, Cocoa butter, Mango butter. Always combine lighter oils with heavier, the best result is with a blend of different oils;
Hair nutritive oils: for hair loss: Jojoba, Borage, Castor oil; for scalp nourishment: Coconut, Jojoba;
Children: Jojoba. If no nut allergies: Almond, Apricot kernel, Coconut, Babassu;
A high-quality Carrier Oil will be as natural and as unadulterated as possible and it will be ideally Cold Pressed and Unrefined.
The best result is achieved when blending carrier oils, everything in nature works good in synergy. Natural oils are versatile, as we can see some are good for any skin type. Natural oils have power to balance skin sebum, therefore many of those can be used for dry, normal or oily skin. Always pay attention if you or person who will be using oil have any nut allergy. Avoid natural oils that are made of nuts or kernels if you suffer from nut allergy. There is a substitute in seed oils and jojoba
CONSISTENCY AND ABSORPTION The consistency of various Carrier Oils can be either thick or thin. The choice of either viscosity is a matter of personal preference. The intention behind using the oil will also be a determining factor in preference for consistency. For example, a light (dry) oil with fast absorption and an absence of a greasy residue would be a high-quality oil for oily skin or hair, as it would penetrate the skin quickly without clogging pores. On the other hand, a rich, deeply moisturizing oil is of better quality for treating severely dry and damaged skin or hair.
BioAromatica uses pure, natural oils for all skin care products including soaps.