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Carrier oils refer to vegetable oils that are obtained from the fatty parts of plants such as nuts, kernels or seeds. There are used to dilute essential oils since irritation and severe reactions can occur if essential oils are used directly on the skin. Carrier oils are called so because they help to carry the essential oil to the skin. Different carrier oils are composed of different blends of beneficial properties and have varied characteristics. One can select carrier oils based on the therapeutic property that is required. Many skin care products such as creams, lip balms, lotions, bath oils and massage oils also contain carrier oils. Essential oils such as lavender and tea tree oil are derived from the aromatic parts of plants and trees such as the roots, bark and leaves. As such they have a concentrated aroma. On the other hand, carrier oils are extracted by pressing the fatty parts of the plants and do not have strong aromas. They also do not evaporate like essential oils. Essential oils do not undergo any change if kept for long periods of time, but carrier oils can turn rancid. However, essential oils may lose their therapeutic properties due to the process of oxidization. Most carrier oils have very faint aromas of a slightly nutty or fruity nature. One can tell that a carrier oil has turned rancid if its aroma is bitter and strong. Some of the most commonly used carrier oils in aromatherapy include olive oil and fractionated coconut oil. Other examples include sesame oil which is has a beneficial moisturizing effect on the skin. Walnut oil is used as a carrier oil in body massages as it has a soothing and rejuvenating effect. Organic oils are derived from plants on which pesticides haven’t been used. It is possible that non-organic oils may contain traces of pesticides in them since a large amount of plant material is needed to produce a small quantity of oil. Organic carrier oils are however more expensive as it is more costly to organically grow crops. It is advisable to buy vegetable carrier oils only from aromatherapy shops as those sold in grocery stores are usually processed through heat. These oils may be also be sitting on the shelves for longer periods of time. Avoid buying oils that contain blends of other oils. Also refrain from those oils that have additives in them.
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