What Are Carrier Oils?
Carrier oils play an indispensable companion of topically applied oils. For those who love their waterless essential oil diffusers, but feel they go through essential oils too quickly, carrier oils are perfect for stretching expensive essential oils while retaining the therapeutic properties of both.
Let's take a closer look at these carriers and why they deserve a place on the shelf of anyone who uses and loves essential oils.
What Are Carrier Oils?
Carrier oils are naturally derived from vegetarian sources and have a neutral smell. They aren't volatile like essential oils, which makes them an excellent medium for dilution and application.
What Aren't Carrier Oils?
Vegetable shortening, butter, and margarine are best left in the kitchen they're not intended for topical use. Mineral oil and other petroleum derivatives like petroleum jelly should also not be used as carrier oils.
How Are Carrier Oils Used?
Essential oils are volatile, which means they evaporate rapidly and contain the natural smell and characteristics of the plant. This can make them too strong to apply undiluted. Carrier oils do not evaporate or have a strong aroma, making them the perfect pair for diluting especially strong essential oils reducing the concentration of the essential oil without altering its therapeutic qualities. When you dilute an essential oil with a neutral carrier oil, you can also control its concentration before applying.
Like other substances that are high in fat, carrier oils have a limited shelf life, meaning that eventually they can go bad. Depending on the type, oils with a short shelf life should typically be used within six months, while oils with a longer shelf life may stay good for up to a year. It's important to store oils in their original air-tight containers in a cool, dark place, such as the pantry, to maximize shelf life.
Carrier oils for essential oil diffusers can vary widely in their consistency, absorption, aroma, shelf life, and other characteristics. They can be blended to change or combine their properties, so you can mix and match until you find the blend that's just right for you!
Common Carrier Oils
Grapeseed Oil
- Light and thin consistency
- Well suited for massages; leaves a light glossy film over the skin
- Moisturizing
- High in linoleic acid
- Relatively short shelf life
Sweet Almond Oil*
- Slightly sweet, nutty aroma
- Medium consistency
- Absorbs relatively quickly; leaves a slight hint of oil on the skin
- Rich in vitamin E and oleic acid
- Moisturizing
- Good all-purpose carrier oil
*Caution: May cause a reaction to those with nut allergies.
Jojoba Oil
- Slightly nutty aroma
- Medium consistency
- Superior, non-greasy absorption, similar to the skin’s natural oils
- Moisturizing for skin and hair
- Long shelf life
Olive Oil
- Popular, easy-to-find oil used in both topical and culinary applications
- Thicker consistency; leaves an oily feel on the skin
- Stronger aroma
- Good source of oleic acid (omega fatty acid)
- Relatively short shelf life
Fractionated Coconut Oil
- Unlike coconut oil, fractionated coconut oil is liquid at room temperature
- No noticeable aroma
- Absorbs well; leaves skin feeling silky and moisturized; non-greasy
- High in essential fatty acids
- Long shelf life
Coconut Oil
- Solid at room temperature
- Distinct coconut aroma
- Solid white color
- Leaves a moisturizing, oily feeling layer on top of the skin
- Long shelf life
Cocoa Butter
- Solid and difficult to work with at room temperature
- Best used when melted and blended with other carrier oils
- Sweet, chocolate aroma
Shea Butter
- Solid at room temperature
- Nutty aroma
- Cream colored
- Moisturizing to skin and hair; leaves behind a moisturizing, waxy-feeling layer
Article Source: http://www.theoilacademy.com/online_course/thyme-2-hope-101-essential-oil-class/dilution-and-carrier-oils/
Editor’s Note/Disclaimer: The information in this article is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition and before undertaking any diet, supplement, fitness, or other health programs. Diffuser World and the ownership of Diffuser World will make no specific medical claim or provide any medical advice. Articles contributed to this platform may be provided by third parties and do not necessarily represent the opinions or beliefs of any Diffuser World representative or the ownership of Diffuser World. Please seek out a medical professional or veterinary professional regarding any questions you may have about the use of any products sold by Diffuser World.
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The Diffuser Cleaner is a high purity, laboratory grade, 99% Isopropyl Alcohol Anhydrous liquid multi-purpose cleaner and solvent. It helps to cut through oil clogs, oil build-up, and residue in atomizing diffusers as well as ultrasonic diffusers and is safe to use on plastic. Diffuser Cleaner When diffusing essential oils over time, your diffuser will develop an oil buildup that potentially can prevent it from working properly. This alcohol based diffuser cleaner is a more efficient and convenient way to keep your diffuser running in tip-top condition. When to Use the Diffuser Cleaner: We recommend cleaning between oil changes and prior to storing away or traveling with your diffuser. Sticky oil clogs are the main reason diffusers end up in the repair shop. As a general rule, it’s best to use your atomizing diffusers DAILY to keep the internal tubes and straws clear of oil clogs. How to Clean Your Diffuser: Atomizing Diffusers (Waterless): Turn off diffuser. Remove the orifice reducer from the Diffuser Cleaner bottle. Screw the atomizer on to the Diffuser Cleaner bottle. Diffuse on high for a couple of minutes in a well ventilated area. Place several drops of the cleaner on a soft rag and wipe the outside of diffuser clean. Do not tip diffuser with the Diffuser Cleaner attached to the unit. Well-Style Atomizing Diffusers : Turn off diffuser. Clear the well of excess essential oil. Fill the bottom of the well with Diffuser Cleaner. Diffuse for a couple of minutes on high in a well ventilated area. Place several drops of the cleaner on a soft rag and wipe the outside of diffuser clean. Ultrasonic Diffusers (Water): Turn off diffuser. Remove excess water. Place several drops of the cleaner on the ultrasonic chip and soak the chip for a few minutes before wiping off. Wipe out the inside and outside of the diffuser with a little Diffuser Cleaner on a cloth.
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