Carrier oils
Essential oils are very condensed, highly concentrated extracts from plants. They are often combined with carrier oils to dilute them for topical use. Carrier oils are also plant-derived (like essential oils and absolutes) and reduce the potency of the essential oils/absolutes they are blended with, however, they do not interfere with the therapeutic properties of the essential oils/absolutes.
There are many different types of carrier oils. They can be scented or unscented, edible (such as cooking oils), bleached or unbleached, with varying degrees of viscosity and absorbability. It is important to consider all these factors when creating a blend. In general, it is best to use cold-pressed, pure and organic carrier oils with Wholesaving essential oils and absolutes.
Some examples of carrier oils include:
- Fractionated coconut oil: Fractionated coconut oil is a colourless, odourless oil derived from the flesh of coconuts from India. It is a deeply hydrating oil without leaving behind a greasy, oily after feel.
- Jojoba oil: Jojoba oils is cold pressed from the seeds of the Simmondsia chinensis tree native to Southern USA and Mexico. Jojoba oil is rich in vitmins A, E and D along with antioxidants and fatty acids that can nourish and protect the skin. It has a mildly nutty aroma.
- Sweet almond oil: Sweet almond oil is cold pressed from almond kernels. It is a lightweight and non-greasy oil that readily absorbs into the skin. It has a stronger nutty aroma than jojoba oil.
- Grape seed oil: Grape seed oil is cold pressed from the seeds of the Vitis vinifera fruits, cultivated mainly for wine-making. It is abundant in fatty acids that help reduce dryness, fine lines and wrinkles. It has a green tinge to the oil.
- Avocado oil: Avocado oil is cold pressed from the flesh of the avocado fruit. It has a greenish tinge and a nutty aroma. It is rich in Omega-6 and Omega-9 fatty acids and antioxidants such as vitamin E, making it suitable for anti-ageing purposes.