All About Carrier Oils

Carrier oils are oils made from the fatty parts of a plant, whether it is from the seeds, nuts, or kernels. Some widely known carrier oils are jojoba oil, almond oil, grapeseed oil, argan oil, avocado oil, and etc. Carrier oils are essential for safety and efficacy when trying using essential oils topically, carrier oils allow the benefits of essential oils to be carried through since essential oils generally evaporate as soon as they are applied to the skin. Each carrier oil is made up of different components and therefore vary in color, viscosity, and absorption rate. But all offer therapeutic benefits as well when used on their own and added benefits when used to dilute essential oils. 

MINERALS:

• Brighten dull and tired complexions
• Protect against environmental stressors 
• Balance oil and sebum production regardless of skin type 
• Promotes cell renewal for the appearance of firmer and tighter skin

VITAMINS:

• Repair skin tissue and maintain barrier 
• Keep acne under control 
• Reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles
• Hydrate skin 
• Even out skin tone 

STEROLINS:

• Reduce age spots
• Repair sun damaged skin
• Minimize the appearance of scars
• Moisturize and soften skin and hair

OLEIC & LINOLEIC ACIDS:

• Promote softness, suppleness, and radiance of skin and hair
• Promote moisture retention 
• Stimulate the growth of thicker, longer and stronger hair
• Eliminate pesky dandruff 
• Reduce the appearance of aging, such as premature wrinkles and fine lines
• Prevent joint inflammation, stiffness, and pain
• Facilitate wound healing 

LECITHIN:

• Soften and soothe the skin and hair
• Keep dry, brittle skin and hair hydrated, thus restoring the moisture and luster
• Increase circulation and thereby enhance the health and strength of the hair and skin

PHYTOSTEROLS:

• Boost collagen production
• Relieve skin of sun damage
• Promote firmer skin
• Reduce the appearance of scars and other skin blemishes 

 ESSENTIAL FATTY ACIDS:

• Produce and maintain the skin's natural oil barrier
• Hydrate skin to promote a supple, youthful appearance
• Nourish cells and eliminate bodily toxins
• Protect skin by creating an antimicrobial barrier against harsh environmental elements
• Moisturize skin to prevent the premature signs of aging
• Reduce water loss through the skin’s surface
• Enhance the texture and softness of skin and hair

SHELF LIFE Carrier oils high in unsaturated fatty acid content will generally last up to 6 months, while other oils can last 1-2 years. To maintain an oil’s quality and maximize its shelf life, it should be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. The life of carrier oils are also extended when it has high vitamin E or Lauric Acid content and oils can be combined to extend their shelf life. 

Carrier Oils	Oil Type	Benefits
Almond Hazelnut Macadamia Walnut	Nut Oils	Extremely emollient and healing for sensitive, dry, and inflamed skin Stimulate circulation Anti-inflammatory  Maintain skin tightness and elasticity
Baobab Black Currant Borage Broccoli Carrot	Seed Oils	Condition skin to rejuvenate complexion, especially in mature or prematurely aging skin Relieve dry skin Soothe itching and discomfort caused by any burns Reduce appearance of scarring
Apricot Avocado Grape Seed Peach Kernel Olive	Fruit Oils	Gentle and nourishing, suitable for sensitive skin Light in texture to moisturize without leaving a greasy residue Reduce the appearance of aging skin High in antioxidants
Argan Babassu Calendula	Essential Fatty Acid Oils	Hydrate and soothe itchy, dry, inflamed skin  Anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal Healing and reparative  Balance essential fatty acid deficiency and skin’s oil production Balance hormones