However, before you can apply essential oils topically, you will need to mix the essential oil with a carrier oil. Not only will this help dilute the essential oil (a little goes a long way!) and disperse it evenly across your skin, but the carrier oil will also nourish your skin, leaving it feeling soft and silky. A carrier oil also helps keep the essential oil from evaporating too quickly from your skin, prolonging its therapeutic effects!
There are many different carrier oils to choose from, and each of these oils has its own unique properties and benefits. The best carrier oil will depend on your skin type, as well as your individual preferences.
In this article, we'll talk you through some of the best carrier oils for use with essential oils, including the properties of each.
Jojoba oil - Best all-around carrier oil
Jojoba oil is one of the most popular carrier oils because it is full of beneficial nutrients, including vitamins A, D and E, making it great for your skin.
In fact, jojoba oil is known to be the carrier oil that is closest to mimicking the natural oil secretions in human skin. This makes it an excellent moisturizer for use on the face and neck that can otherwise feel greasy with other carrier oils.
The oil is extracted from the seeds of the jojoba tree and has a slightly nutty aroma. Jojoba oil is a natural fungicide and works well when combined with essential oils that also have fungicidal properties and are used for local fungal infections.
With its ability to resist oxidation, jojoba oil has an exceptionally long shelf life of up to five years. This long shelf life combined with its high absorption rate makes it one of the best carrier oils for use in aromatherapy!
💡 Top tip: Struggling to sleep? Try combining jojoba oil with lavender and chamomile essential oils, then add the solution to a hot bath before bed.
Fractionated coconut oil - Best for dry skin
Fractionated coconut oil is the most popular carrier oil for essential oils, and for good reason.
Coconut oil, extracted from the fruit of the coconut tree, is a super-oil full of natural antioxidants and is in itself an excellent antifungal, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory oil. This carrier oil nourishes the hair, nails and skin, leaving your skin feeling smooth and soft.
This is a heavy carrier oil, meaning that it is best used on dry skin. It has natural moisturizing properties, so it's suitable for use on skin conditions such as eczema.
Be sure to use fractionated coconut oil, which is liquid at room temperature. This is because regular coconut oil is solid at room temperature and can block drains, causing problems in your household. Fractionated coconut oil is ideal for use in aromatherapy massage, as well as for mixing with essential oils to add to your bath. It has a shelf life of up to two years, meaning that you won't need to replace it soon after opening. This makes fractionated coconut oil an economical option for aromatherapy massage.
💡 Top tip: If you suffer from dry skin, try combining fractionated coconut oil with lavender essential oil and frankincense essential oil and massaging the mixture into the affected areas.
Blueberry seed oil - Best for hair and nails
Blueberry seed oil is extracted from the seeds of blueberries, making it a natural source of vitamins A and E. These vitamins are essential for healthy skin, hair and nails.
This carrier oil is also high in omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to be beneficial for the skin. The oil has a light, nutty aroma and is easily absorbed by the skin.
Blueberry seed oil is ideal for use in hair and nail products, as it helps to strengthen hair and nails while also preventing breakage. It is also suitable for use on sensitive skin, as it is non-irritating.
💡 Top tip: To help your hair retain moisture, try adding blueberry seed oil and bergamot essential oil to your conditioner. You can also add a few drops to your bath for a luxurious, moisturizing experience.
