A carrier oil is a vegetable oil, usually extracted from either the seeds or nuts of a plant. Carrier oils are basically used for dilution of essential oils. Essential oils in their concentrated form can cause skin sensitization or irritation. Hence they are generally used in a diluted form. Since essential oils cannot be diluted with water, they are mixed with carrier oils for dilution. As the carrier oil literally ‘carries’ the essential oil into the skin, hence the name ‘carrier oil’. Carrier oils can also be used in their original form directly on the skin or hair.
Choice of Carrier Oil: The choice of carrier oil for diluting essential oils basically depends on the viscosity, shelf life, color and aroma of the carrier oil. Oils derived from different plants differ in all these properties. The choice of carrier oils also depends on the nature of benefit which is being sought. They add their own therapeutic benefits to the combined essential oil as they contain vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, essential fatty acids, and other nutrients.
Rancidity and Shelf Life: The shelf life varies from one oil to another. An oil which has become old or stale is said to be ‘rancid’. The thumb rule for checking rancidity is by checking the aroma of carrier oil: if the oil has strong, bitter aroma, it has turned rancid. Refrigerating the oil and storing in dark glass bottles in cool, dark location can prolong the shelf life. Avocado oil and Borage seed oil are exceptions, in that these should not be refrigerated.
Infused Oils: When a carrier oil is combined with one or more herbs, it is said to be infused. It brings forth the added beneficial properties of the herb/herbs which have been used.
Common Carrier Oils: Let us get to know some of the commonly used carrier oils.
- Avocado Oil
- Has high skin penetration.
- Rapid absorption.
- Has vitamin E and antioxidant properties.
- Mixes well with most essential oils.
Get to know everything about Mesmara Avocado Oil (uses, benefits, and DIYs) here.
- Jojoba Oil
- Pronounced as ho-ho-ba, it is extracted from seed of jojoba plant.
- Also used for treating sores and bruises.
- Excellent conditioner for hair.
- Encourages hair regrowth and has anti-aging properties.
Mesmara jojoba oil works wonders with most essential oils or when used on its own.
- Grapeseed Oil
- High in monounsaturated fatty acids.
- High in vitamin E.
- Powerful antioxidant.
- Anti-aging, moisturizing, and healing properties.
Get to know everything about Mesmara Grapeseed oil here.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Typically 2-year shelf life.
- Excellent skin moisturizer.
- Mixes well with most essential oils while retaining their aroma.
- Protects against strong sunlight.
Here you can find all the details that you need to know about Mesmara extra virgin olive oil.
- Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
- Resistant to rancidification.
- Rich in antioxidants.
- Fights infections and fungus.
- Goes well with most essential oils.
Mesmara Extra Virgin Coconut Oil offers a host of benefits and is available in the purest form.
- Cocoa Butter and Shea Butter
- These are the only non-oil compounds which can be used to dilute essential oils.
- They have a very long shelf life and are well suited for aromatherapy.
- Excellent skin moisturizers.
- Shea butter is rich in vitamins A and E.
- Offers UV protection.
- Shea butter has the nutrients necessary for collagen production and hence helps in protecting skin elasticity.
Mesmara Cocoa Butter and Mesmara Shea Butter are essential pure raw butters and provide excellent natural benefits.
You can try out the carrier oil of your choice based on the aroma most suitable for you. Choose a light carrier oil for essential oils which have a light aroma, like lavender oil. So go ahead and harvest the natural benefits of Mesmara’s wide range of carrier oils and essential oils.
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