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Aromatherapy Carrier Oil

What are Carrier Oils?

Carrier Oil, also called a base oil, is a vegetable, seed or nut oil that may be used to dilute essential oils.

Carrier oils are used in aromatherapy whenever the therapeutic treatment involves applying essential oils to the skin, for example in massages and in local washes. The use of carrier oils to dilute the essential oils is an important aspect in aromatherapy in order to minimise any irritant effect on the skin.

Carrier oils are generally cold-pressed vegetable oils derived from the fatty portions of the plant. Unlike essential oils that evaporate and have a concentrated aroma, carrier oils do not evaporate or impart their aroma as strongly as essential oils.

Most oils bought in the grocery store are not cold-pressed. Instead, the oils are heated and therefore have less therapeutic benefit. Carrier oils that you purchase should be natural and unadulterated. Exceptions include buying carrier oils that have natural vitamin E added. Vitamin E acts as a natural preservative. Mineral oil is not used in aromatherapy because mineral oil is not a natural product. It is also said that mineral oil can prevent essential oil absorption into the skin.

It is a good idea to mix several different base oils together for a therapeutic formula. The lighter vegetable oils may be used unblended if you wish (e.g. sweet almond, apricot kernel, peach kernel, grapeseed) or they may constitute the highest proportion of the massage blend. The thicker, richer oils, which are usually more expensive, may be added to improve absorption and nourish the skin. The thicker oils tend to be too heavy and sticky when used on their own in a full treatment.

Carrier Oil Recipe

1 teaspoon (approximately 5 ml) apricot kernel oil
1 teaspoon avocado pear oil
1 teaspoon calendula primrose oil
1 teaspoon evening promise oil
1 teaspoon jojoba oil
1 teaspoon peach kernel oil
1 teaspoon wheatgerm oil

Fill up the bottle with sweet almond oil

The carrier oils in the above 'special blend' are all highly therapeutic in their own right.

Storing Carrier Oil

It is best to keep most carrier oils in a cool place or in the fridge. Stored in this way, a carrier oil will be usable for up to 9 months. It is sensible to purchase a small quantity of oil and use it up quickly as oils are easily spoiled or oxidised. During oxidation molecules break down and form free radicals, which are potentially harmful to the skin. Extra virgin oil is a stable oil and generally keeps longer because it can withstand higher temperatures.

Buying Base Oils

Always look for 'cold pressed' vegetable carrier oils. The virgin oil is of the highest quality as it comes from the first pressing and has the highest vitamin and mineral content. After the first pressing, the base oil may be treated with heat or synthetically to remove colour or aroma and the vitamin and mineral content will be drastically reduced. The best base oils which are 'cold pressed' will usually have a rich colour and a characterstic aroma.

Blending Essential Oils with a Carrier Oil

When blending essential oils with a carrier oil, the essential oil content is usually between 1 per cent and 3 per cent. Approximately 20 drops of essential oil is equivalent to 1 ml. Therefore, a 1 per cent essential oil content would be:

2 drops to 10 mls

10 drops to 50 mls

20 drops to 100 mls

Pure essential oils may be added to the carrier oil in order to enhance the treatment.

Always keep the oil within easy reach during the treatment. Do not use too much oil as you will be unable to make proper contact and the receiver will feel most uncomfortable and sticky. A complete treatment actually requires only a few teaspoons of oil. Warm the oil before the massage.

Never pour oil directly on to the body. Pour about 2 ml (half a teaspoon) on to the palm of one hand and then rub your hands together to warm oil slightly before applying it. When you require more lubricant keep one hand in contact with the body. Breaking contact destroys the continuity of the massage and creates a feeling of insecurity.

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