Natural Health Glossary
Medical Terms, Therapies, Accreditation

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carrier oil

Also called: base oils
Carrier oils are vegetable oils which are used to dilute an essential oil.

Most essential or volatile oils are not recommended for use directly on the skin in their highly concentrated form. Some cause photosensitivity, others cause irritation, and others are to be avoided by people with special conditions such as allergies, rashes and/or broken skin, and especially pregnant women.

Never use undiluted essential oils on children under 5, and only use those diluted in carrier oils after seeking the advice of trained personnel.   (more info below)

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Carrier oils are usually cold-pressed oils that are taken from the fatty parts of plants. They can also be extracted through low heat expeller pressing, but this damages the fatty acids and vitamins that they contain.

Do not substitute cooking oils, which are generally extracted through solvents or heat. You can purchase unrefined high quality carrier oils from your natural health store or directly from a distributor. Additionally, mineral oils form a barrier on the skin and block the absorption of the essential oils.

When selecting which carrier oil to use, keep in mind that they should not have a strong aroma of their own, and they should work well to preserve the therapeutic properties of the essential oil being added.

Unpreserved carrier oils will go rancid and thus must be used within the allotted timeframe. The addition of vitamin E to a carrier oil works as a natural preservative, keeping the oil fresh for longer.

Examples: Almond, Apricot Kernel, Arnica, Avocado, Babassu Palm, Borage, Calendula, Canola, Coconut Oil, Cocoa Butter, Evening Primrose, Grapeseed, Hazelnut, Jojoba, Kukui, Macadamia Nut, Olive, Peanut, Pecan, Rose Hip Seed, Sesame, Shea Butter, Sunflower, Walnut, and Wheat Germ.

Each type of carrier oil will have a unique beneficial property. Some are useful for their speedy absorption; others are better for their moisturizing or healing properties. See the individual entry to find out its properties.

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These definitions are not intended as a standalone reference guide; they are linked from other pages for the convenience of the users of this site.