There are many different carrier oils available, many of them having properties of their own. Some can be used in 100% dilution, while others need to be used in a 10% or 20% dilution with other carrier oils.
|
Carrier Oil
|
Description
|
Dilution
|
| Sweet Almond Oil |
This is the most widely used carrier oil in aromatherapy. It is a pale yellow, slightly nutty smelling, inexpensive oil. This oil is good for treating itchy skin conditions and contains vitamins D and E. |
100% |
| Apricot Kernel Oil |
Similar to Sweet Almond oil. Ideal for dry, tired and mature skins. Can be expensive to buy. |
100%
|
| Refined Avocado Oil |
Should be a deep green liquid. Make sure that you are buying refined oil. It is a very rich and penetrating oil. Can be absorbed into the skin faster than most other oils. This oil is rich in Lecithin and contains vitamins A, B and D. Good for dry and mature skin. |
10%* |
| Calendula Oil |
Very expensive. Has healing properties of it's own. Very good for skin problems of any kind. |
10%* |
| Fractionated Coconut Oil |
This is a clear, odourless oil. Very good for blends made up in advance as it hold the aroma for longer than other carrier oils. May irritate sensitive skins. Test before use. |
100% |
| Evening Primrose Oil |
Very expensive. Contains vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids including gamma linolenic acid. Very good moisturising qualities and helpful with dry skin conditions. |
10%* |
| Grapeseed Oil |
This oil is odourless and almost colourless. It's good to use on all skin types though it has no therapeutic value of it's own. It is really cheap though and a good oil for beginners. |
100% |
| Jojoba Oil |
Actually, this is not strictly speaking an oil at all. Jojoba is actually a wax, which at room temperature is a liquid. This is one of my favourite oils because not only does it moisturise dry skin, it also acts as an emulsifier, gently unclogging pores and freeing yucky grime! For this reason, it can be used on all skin types. The only downside is the price-it's really expensive! |
10%* |
| Olive Oil |
Very thick oil with a very distinctive odour of it's own. Contains essential fatty acids and is useful for dehydrated and dry skins. Also particularly good for preventing stretch marks during pregnancy! It is quite an expensive oil. |
10%* |
| Peach Kernel Oil |
Same properties as Sweet Almond Oil but much more expensive. |
100% |
| Sesame Oil |
If you choose sesame oil as your carrier, then please buy it from an aromatherapy company. The one in your local supermarket will only make you smell like a Chinese take-away! Good for Psoriasis and dry eczema. |
20%* |
| Wheatgerm Oil |
An expensive oil with a very strong odour. This is the one carrier oil that I absolutely hate because it smells like rancid marmite! It does have very high levels of vitamin E, which means that used in a 10% dilution can preserve a blend. It is good for reducing the appearance of scar tissue, especially when blended with mandarin oil. Do not use if wheat intolerant. |
10%* |
