What is a Carrier Oil? Why Do I Need One?

Carrier Oil

Carrier Oil

The term carrier oil is one that you will come across in the craft bath and body community, or if you're starting to get into essential oils. So what is a carrier oil? ​

A carrier oil is simply a "neutral" base. Think of making cordial. You use the concentrated cordial, in a base of water. A carrier oil mixed with an essential oil is just the same.

The essential oil is the concentrate. You only need a small amount to go a long way. Mix any essential oil to a cup of carrier oil and you have just created your first massage oil.

Know Your Carrier Oils

Carrier Oils

​You probably already own a carrier oil in your house. Olive oil, vegetable oil, coconut oil, sunflower oil, and grape seed oil are all used as carrier oils for essential oil blends.

It does not usually matter which variety of carrier oil you use for every day use. I use whatever food grade oil is close at hand. This usually just comes down to personal preference, or maybe the particular recipe you're following. Whether you are trying to create a premium blend or a cheaper oil blend will probably sway your decision too.

Jojoba oil, almond oil, and apricot oil are all wonderful, but more expensive than their easy-to-find counterparts. In Australia, you can sometimes find these premium oils at your local health food store or sometimes even the chemist. Can't find what you're after? We have our V6 carrier oil blend of a number of carrier oils ready to use for all your diluting purposes.

Creating a bath oil with any essential oil and carrier oil is a great way to start using your essential oils. You could also create an all natural cleanser with your favourite essential oil for skincare, and a premium carrier oil.  Facial cleansing with oil using an oil cleanser has become very popular, although it may seem a bit hard to get used to at first!

Back Massage Oil

Why You Need a Carrier Oil

The main reason to use a carrier oil is for dilution. This is especially important for what is called “hot” oils. These are the oils that if placed directly onto skin, (particularly when it comes to sensitive body parts) would give a “burning” feeling. Think of hot chilli. You wouldn’t want this in a bath with you!

But sometimes, warming is good. Mmm, like hot chocolate, and blankets beside the fire. Warming essential oils like Black Pepper Oil (supposedly good for spicing it up in the bedroom!) a warming Wintergreen or Oregano oil foot rub, or a massage with Panaway blend after the gym. Warming up can be healthy!

Properly diluted, these essential oils are able to give us their deep restorative benefits, such as calming and relaxing, without the unwanted burning sensation.  This is actually why many people are warned off, or avoid using essential oils. They can be mighty uncomfortable, and make for a “bad experience” if not used correctly. 

It is also the case with the quality of essential oil you are using. “Cheaper” essential oils sometimes contain synthetic “filler” ingredients. These additive ingredients are not made to be used directly on skin, such as in the bath. Make sure you are using a high quality pure essential oil. Check the label if you’re unsure. You should only see ingredients you understand like botanical plant names. Best to shop from a reputable, well-known supplier of premium essential oils. Check out why we use Young Living essential oil quality here.

If you're new to essential oils, the easiest way to "get it right" is to:

• use a diffuser, as this disperses essential oils into the air in tiny particles
• avoid the essential oils that are labelled as "hot" oils 
• use essential oil blends as they come pre-mixed 
• or massage oils, as they are diluted and ready to use.

So what will you be creating first? A massage oil, foot oil, or bath oil? What carrier oil is your favourite? Let us know in the comments below.