Vegetable, nut, and seed oils are called “carriers” because they are used to “carry” or transport a substance, such as an essential oil, to another location. In this case, the essential oil is added to the carrier oil in order to apply the essential oil directly to the skin. The most used oils are Sweet Almond, Sunflower and Olive.
Lotions, which are water based, can also be used as carriers and are often preferred because they are not as oily. Although oil and water do not mix, sprays using essential oils can be made with distilled water as another way to transport the oil. Other types of vehicles include alcohol, vinegar, or herbal oils.
Many vegetable, nut, and seed oils can be found on the shelves of your local grocery store. They are usually highly refined and may contain petroleum residues and preservatives. IN oil trace It is a fatty oil that is often used to extend or dilute essential oil to make it last longer. Most of the molecules in these carrier oils are very large and therefore cannot be diffused and are usually too large to penetrate the skin, but they glide smoothly on the skin and are able to lock in moisture and protect her. The carrier oil will slow down the absorption rate of the essential oil. Some carrier oils contain therapeutic properties in the form of smaller molecules.
Essential oilsOn the other hand, they have smaller molecules and are generally obtained through the distillation process, so they are highly concentrated. Since it takes a lot of the original product, such as flowers, bark, leaves, resin or plant products to produce the small amount of essential oil, these precious drops are very valuable and expensive. They do not have the oily feel like carrier oils. Essential oils have wonderful, varied scents, while carrier oils often don’t have a particular scent until they’re heated. Essential oils, if cared for properly, can last for years, while carrier oils tend to go rancid relatively quickly. For this reason, it is recommended that carrier oils be refrigerated for storage to help extend their shelf life.
For skin care, raw, organic, cold-pressed carrier oils are top-rated by aromatherapists and massage therapists.
Examples of popular carrier oils are:
1. Sweet almond oil (sweet prunus) A favorite of massage therapists, sweet almond oil is one of the most widely used carrier oils and is particularly effective in relieving itchy, dry skin. It is considered safe for cosmetic use, is high in vitamin E, and has a relatively long shelf life. It is more expensive and harder to find since it is not a cooking oil.
2. Avocado oil (American Persea) it is made from the large seeds of the plant; this oil is also good for dry skin. It contains vitamins A, D and E and is known to restore and maintain skin tone and elasticity and helps prevent wrinkles.
3. coconut oil (Cocos nucifea) It is squeezed under high pressure and filtered from the coconut. It’s actually solid at room temperature, but it melts easily at body temperature. It is relatively expensive and can cause skin irritation in people who are allergic to nuts.
4. Grape seed oil (Vitus vinifera) it is expressed from the seed of the grape, which is often a byproduct of winemaking. It is very lubricating and contains antioxidants. It is slightly astringent and is often used in massage, but it has a very short shelf life.
5. kukui nut oil (Aleurites moluccana), From the state tree of Hawaii, it is very light and so non-greasy that it is suitable even for oily skin. It is high in vitamins A and E, and has been used for centuries to help skin damaged by sun or salt water.
6. olive oil (European wave) It is rich in chlorophyll, which is very healing. Its shelf life is twice that of most other carrier oils. Extra virgin oil has a strong odor, so a lighter version is often used in aromatherapy.
7. Rosehip Seed Oil (Rose hip or Rosa rubiginosa) It is high in vitamin C and is very rejuvenating and healing. It is useful in the repair of scar tissue and in the treatment of damaged tissue cells. It is noted to be good for age spots. It is relatively expensive.
8. sesame seed oil (Indian sesame) It is made from pressing the seeds. It is a soothing light oil rich in vitamin E, minerals and lecithin. It can speed up healing, prevent drying, and has a sun protection effect. It is often used in Ayurvedic medicine for skin preservation. It has a short shelf life.
9. sunflower seed oil (Helianthus annuus) It is rich in vitamins A and E and lecithin. This light oil leaves what some call a second skin after drying, making it especially useful in winter. This oil is often found in body lotions.
Other carrier oils include apricot kernel oil, arnica infused oil, borage oil, calendula infused, canola oil, castor oil, cocoa butter oil, corn oil, evening primrose oil, hazelnut oil, mineral oil (a synthetic byproduct of petroleum that is not recommended), mullein infusion, peanut oil, peach kernel oil, pecan nut oil, rosehip seed oil, safflower oil, St. John’s wort infusion, soybean oil, squalene (shark oil), vitamin E oil (from various vegetables), walnut oil and wheat germ oil. There’s others. These are the most used.
Three substances used as carrier oils that are actually waxes are: lanolin which is obtained from sheep’s wool, shea buttera wax from the shea nut tree in South Africa and jojoba which is extracted from the kernels of a desert shrub. Jojoba (Simmodsia chinensis) It is very similar to the protective sebum produced in human skin and is probably the best moisturizer of all. It also has a very long shelf life. Therefore, it is a very popular vehicle for aromatherapy.