Carrier oils and essential oils are two very different things. Carrier oils are composed primarily of lipids (fats), such as triglycerides (glycerol bound to three fatty acids). They are rich in long-chain fatty acids and may also contain vitamins (A,D,E, and K) and other fat-soluble nutrients. They also have a relatively high molecular weight, which makes them heavy and non-volatile. If you think about it, these oils come from seeds and are high in fat (calories) to nourish a seed and help it grow into a plant.

Essential oils don’t come from seeds, but instead are extracted from aromatic plant parts, such as leaves, flowers, bark, or roots. Their molecular structure is very different consisting mainly of volatile aromatic compounds, including terpenes, alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, phenols, and esters. These compounds are responsible for therapeutic properties and aroma. They also have a very low molecular weight, allowing them to evaporate quickly and penetrate the skin or be absorbed into the bloodstream through inhalation.

Sometimes these small volatile molecules are very potent and interact strongly with skin cells. This can cause irritation, redness or inflammation. By adding a carrier blend with the essential oil, you dilute the essential oil and don’t overwhelm your skin cells (and their receptors) which leads to better therapeutic outcomes.

Good Carrier Oils to Use With Essential Oils:

*Note: Ask your client if they have allergies to wheat or nuts or anything in the oil you choose to use.

Almond oil: This oil is nourishing and soothing to the skin. Has a thicker viscosity.

Avocado oil: Nourishing to the skin, combines well with other oils. Thicker viscosity.

Coconut oil: Very nourishing to skin, may cause breakouts for some people.

Grape seed oil: Is a more astringent oil. Usually added to another carrier for this property but not used as a carrier alone.

Olive oil: Nourishing for skin but has a strong odor (not my favorite!).

Rose hip seed oil: Usually added to a carrier oil as a blend, shouldn’t be used as the only carrier oil. Is very regenerative for skin conditions and scars.

Sesame seed oil: Has a very powerful odor, should be added sparingly (not my favorite either!).

Sunflower seed oil: Has minor skin nourishing properties, but again has a strong smell, so this would not be my first choice.

Wheat germ oil: Very nourishing to the skin, hair and scalp. People with wheat or gluten sensitivities should not use this oil.

V-6 Vegetable Oil Complex from Young Living contains coconut, sesame, grape seed, sweet almond, wheat germ, sunflower and olive and is very nourishing to the skin. I like this oil blend and use it personally a lot, however you need to make sure people aren’t allergic to the ingredients before using.

If you have questions, reach out to me at WendySelvig@gmail.com.