What is a carrier oil
People make essential vegetable oils through the distillation of aromatic flowers, leaves, bark and plant material like roots. If you would apply these oils directly to the skin, sometimes, they can cause reactions such as severe irritation, flushing, or burning sensation.
Carrier oils are used to dilute essential oils and “carry” them to your skin.
Most carrier oils are unscented or mildly aromatic and do not interfere with the therapeutic properties based on the essential fatty acid natural nutrients they contain. They can be used alone or with other oils to nourish your skin.
They are prepared by cold pressing generally which helps in preserving nutritional value as heat is not used to prepare this.
How to choose right type of carrier oil for your skin type
Knowing which type of carrier oil is best for your skin type is a very tedious task. Here we have shortlisted some steps along with team Loxabeauty to help you know carrier oil suitable for your skin type.
Different carrier oils have different properties and uses. A person who chooses carrier oils for aromatherapy treatment will depend on their desired outcome. Carrier oils are one of the main ingredients used in facial cleansers, exfoliators, balms, lotions, serums and face oils. When you use the right carrier oil for your particular skin tone you can expect to see amazing results.
Here we have described 15 different types of high quality carrier oils below. Go through this article to know
more about carrier oil.
- Sesame oil
Perfect for prevention of skin damage caused by sun. Due to its quick skin healing properties, you can use this. - Pomegranate oil
Pomegranate seed oil is a rich source of vitamin C. It is known for its rejuvenating, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It will also help in anti-aging and glowing skin.
- Pumpkin seed oil
If you wish for a fresh and glowing skin, then this oil is suitable for you. It is also a great herbal treatment for acne due to its zinc and selenium content which helps your skin in fighting against bacteria. - Borage oil
If you want to nourish and protect your skin then borage oil is best for you. This oil has the best source of fatty acids that are the building blocks for glowing skin. This oil will keep your skin hydrated and improve the texture. - Macadamia oil
This healing oil can help in protecting your skin from the damage caused by free-radicals. Since this oil is a rich source of oleic acid, it has anti-inflammatory properties. Such properties make it a great oil to soothe irritable skin. - Neem oil
Neem oil has antibacterial properties and can help in reducing irritation on the skin. It’s perfect for dry skin and also a great moisturizer. Just one drawback though it does have a very strong smell. - Hemp seed oil
Like neem oil, hemp oil is also a great moisturizing oil. Unlike some other oils it’s great for anyone with sensitive skin that makes it a great all-rounder. It also has the potential to help with eczema and psoriasis. - Castor oil
Castor oil is known to help in acne treatment. Be careful, as it can cause roughness in the skin. So it is best for oily or mixed skin type.
- Avocado oil
Avocado oil is high in oleic acid, a monounsaturated fatty acid that helps to repair dry, damaged skin. It can be a good carrier oil for dry skin treatments and body creams – until you’re not dealing with acne. Avocado oil can increase sebum production, so if your skin suffers from acne, check with your dermatologist before using. - Argan oil
It has a nut like aroma and is rich in vitamins A and E, and monounsaturated fatty acids which are good for skin care. Castor oil can help in treatment of dry skin and hair, skin inflammation and wrinkles. This makes it an excellent carrier oil for general skin care and massage oils. - Rosehip oil
Rose oil is high in vitamins A and C. Vitamin A is a natural retinoid that helps fight aging, and both vitamins can help reverse the skin irritation caused due to sun. It is used as a carrier oil for dry skin treatments, massage oils and moisturizers. - Grape seed oil
Grape seed oil has antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. It has a light aroma that is a little sweet and nutty, and it is almost clear in color. It leaves a glowing film on the skin. - Jojoba oil
People often use jojoba oil in massage, which is actually a wax. Due to its natural anti-inflammatory properties, it can also help in treatment of acne. The oil of jojoba is yellow and has a different but pleasant smell. In aromatherapy, it gets well absorbed and can be a good option for people with oily or acne-prone skin. - Coconut oil
Some reports say that Coconut oil has antimicrobial properties. This is because of its high lauric acid content, which is the main fatty acid in coconut oil. A person can use coconut oil either as a carrier oil or on its own. They can apply it on the skin, hair and lips, and it helps in protecting the skin by leaving behind a thin layer of oil. - Sweet Almond oil
If you have to hydrate your skin, almond sweet almond oil is the suitable for you. It soothes irritated skin and helps rejuvenate damaged cells. This oil is great for anyone with sensitive skin because it is an incredibly gentle oil.
*Apricot kernel oil is said to help soften and soothe inflamed and itchy skin. Use as a carrier oil for making massage oils, bath oils and hair care products.
*Olive oil comes from pressed olives. Best known as a healthy edible oil with a fruity scent, it is also used as a carrier oil in aromatherapy.
How to use carrier oil
Massage and body oils are made by mixing essential oils with one or more carrier oils. It is important to follow guidance on the appropriate proportion of essential oils for carrier oils. If you are allergic to tree nuts, you should not use oils obtained from tree nuts. It includes sweet almond oil and argon oil.
