Essential oils have been in existence for many, many years and carrier oils have been, too. However, they are becoming more and more popular as they are being used in many popular products.
Also, more manufacturers are producing and selling essential oils so they are more visible. With the increase in essential oil use and popularity, these oils are also being used more and more. Because of that, it can be helpful to learn more about them and their uses.
In its purest form, a carrier oil is a vegetable oil. The oil itself is extracted from the nuts, kernels, and seeds of a plant. These are the fattiest parts and produce the most oil. While these vegetables have a wide range of uses, they are only referred to including the term ‘carrier’ when used in aromatherapy.
There are several different carrier oils and each of them has distinct therapeutic properties. Also, each one has a neutral odor.
Apricot kernel oil is great to use on the face.
Grape seed oil offers moisturizing benefits, it has a light consistency. It is high in linoleum acid, too.
Sweet almond oils is another choice. It has the faintest hint of sweet nuts. It has a medium weight and absorbs fairly quickly. This oil is rich in oleic acid and vitamin E, making it quite moisturizing.
Jojoba oil is another medium weight oil with a slight nutty aroma. It also absorbs quickly and is a great moisturizer for the skin and hair.
Olive oil is a popular and easy to find oil. It is thicker and has a stinger aroma. This oil is a good source of the omega fatty acid, oleic acid.
There are two types of coconut oils. The first is fractionated, unlike the other type, it is liquid. It has no aroma, absorbs well, and has a multitude of essential fatty acids. Coconut oil is solid while at room temperature. It is white in color and has a distinct coconut smell.
Cocoa butter is a solid substance and smells like sweet chocolate. It is moisturizing, but is best when mixed with other carriers.
Shea butter is another solid oil. It has a nutty aroma and I’d cream colored. This butter is moisturizing to the skin and the hair.
Carrier oils are commonly used with essential oils. Many essential oils offer therapeutic effects when applied to the skin, however, some of them can irritate the skin if applied directly. This is where these oils come into play. A carrier oil does not interfere with the essential oil’s helpful properties and putting essential oils in a carrier allows it to be applied to the skin without irritating it.
As noted, these are the perfect companion to essential oils. They mix well and offer many therapeutic benefits. They moisturize the skin and hair and allow the use of essential oils on the skin.
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