Carrier Oils

by Marge Clark

Authors Note: The information on this page has been gathered from many sources, among them books by Susanne Fischer-Rizzi; Valerie Worwood; Ann Berwick, Shirley Price, Roberta Wilson, and Sylla Sheppard-Hanger, plus my own explorations and experience. Many thanks to the family members and friends who have allowed me to use them as guinea pigs while I've been learning what works, and what doesn't! Note: re stability and shelf life of unrefined oils: Carrier oils high in Saturated Fatty Acids will be more stable than those high in Unsaturated Fatty Acids. Oils high in Vitamin E also should have a longer shelf life, as well.

Sweet Almond Oil

Prunus amygdalus var. dulcis
Contains: glucosides, minerals, vitamins A, B1, B2, B6 and E. Rich in protein.
Uses: Helpful to all skin types. Especially good for eczema. helps relieve itching, soreness, dryness and inflammation Useful against burns and thread veins. Very lubricating, but not penetrating, which makes it a good massage oil, and protectant. Goes rancid quickly, use blend made with it quickly. (although Shirley Price says it keeps reasonably well because of Vit. E .) Can be used 100% strength.

Apricot Kernel Oil

Prunus armeniaca
Contains: minerals and vitamins, esp. Vit. A.. Rich in GLA (only effective if oil is taken internally.)
Uses: all skin, very rich and nourishing. helpful for prematurely aged, sensitive, inflamed, delicate or dry skin Can be used 100% strength but normally used at 10-50%.

Avocado Oil

Persea americana
Contains: vitamins A. B1, B2, Pantothenic acid, Vit. D, E, protein, lecithin, fatty acids
Uses: Very penetrating. Nourishing for dry and dehydrated skin, eczema, solar keratosis, improves elasticity. Very thick heavy oil, best blended with others. Price says very long-lasting oil. Normally used at 10% dilution.

 Black Currant

Ribes nigrum
Contains: Gamma Linolenic Acid (high level)
Uses: take internally or additive for any skin type. May substitute for Evening Primrose Oil, especially in Hormone Related problems.
NOTE no indication that external use is useful for hormone problems.

 Borage Seed Oil

Borago officinalis
Contains: Gamma Linolenic Acid, vitamins, minerals. Highest source of GLA
Uses: Internally used for PMT, MS, menopausal problems, heart disease. Externally psoriasis, eczema, prematurely aged skin; good for regenerating and stimulating skin cell activity. very penetrating. Goes rancid very quickly. Use at 10% dilution.

 Canola Oil

Brassica napus/campestris Rapeseed Oil
Contains: Vitamins, Minerals, high GLA
Uses: All skin types, odorless, very stable. Penetrates skin very quickly. Very light, useful for massage. Resists rancidity.

 Carrot Oil

Daucus carota Extract. See also Carrot Seed EO.
Contains: vitamins (B.C,D,E), minerals, beta carotene, provitamin A and EFA's
Uses: premature aging, itching, burns, dryness, psoriasis and eczema; rejuvenating, reduces scarring. Use at 10% -

 Castor Oil

Ricinus commonus
Contains: glyceride of ricinoleac, iso-ricinoleac, and lesser amounts of stearic, linoleic and dehydroxysteric acids.
Uses: said to dissolve cysts, growths and warts, soften corns and callouses. Prevent scars. Helpful to dry, chapped skin, conditions hair. Often recommended as warm poultice for back pain. avoid use during pregnancy, Use at 10% dilution.

 Coconut, Copra

Cocos nucifera
Contains (unrefined) 50% lauric acid. Refined coconut oil, according to Sheppard-Hanger, is closest substance to human sub-cutaneous fat and more compatible with skin than vegetable oils. She states that it has a virtually unlimited shelf life, since it can not turn rancid, and that it can not clog pores, making it an ideal carrier for oily or troubled skin. However, Shirley Price points out that fractionated (or refined) coconut oil is produced by heat, rather than cold pressing, and is usually deodorized since it's natural odor is overwhelming, and asks if we really want to use a fractionated oil in aromatherapy, since it is not a complete product..
My *personal* opinion on the above is "it depends." I vastly prefer a "natural" oil, and yet under some conditions the use of a 'totally natural' carrier can compound the problem. i.e., if applying EO's to severely damaged skin, a totally natural carrier could also introduce fungi, molds, or bacteria to the skin as well. Using a refined and sterilized carrier under these conditions could prevent further problems. I have personally used it as a carrier for skin conditions that had proven resistant to any earlier treatment. I also think its "light" texture will make it a wonderful "summer use" oil, when the richer, heavier oils seem too sticky on the skin.
It also will wash out of sheets, towels, etc. much more easily than most carrier oils, making it a boon to the massage therapist.

Uses: dryness, itching, sensitive skin, tanning aid. Use as base or 10-50% additive.

 Corn Oil

Zea mays
Contains: proteins, vitamins, minerals
Uses: soothing on all skin types; can be used 100%.

 Evening Primrose Oil

Oenothera biennis
Contains: gamma linolenic acid, vitamins, minerals

Uses: internally for PMT, MS, menopausal problems, externally psoriasis, eczema; helps to prevent prematurely aged skin, aids wound healing and any sort of dermatitis. Goes rancid very easily. Use at 10% dilution.

 Flax Seed Oil

Linum usitatissimum
Contains: High in EFA, GLA, Linolenic acid, oleic acid (Omega 3 and 9), vitamins esp. Vit. E, minerals.
Uses: Internally said to reduce cholesterol; externally, useful for oily skin, acne. Psoriasis, eczema. High Vitamin E level makes it useful for preventing scarring and stretch marks. Smells like melted butter. Goes rancid quickly. Use as 10-50% additive.

Foraha Oil (Calophyllum)

Calophyllum inophyllum  

Contains:Vitamin F, lipids, glycerides and saturated fatty acids.
Uses:  Analgesic, useful for sciatica, rheumatism, skin ulcers; use 100% for shingles, caution with sensitive skin, may be irritating.  Useful for scar healing, physical and chemical burns. Lovely green color.

 Grapeseed Oil

Vitis vinifera
Contains: vitamins, minerals, protein, linoleic acid. Cholesterol free
Uses: all skin types, odorless, penetrating. very light oil. Slightly astringent, tightens and tones the skin. Does not aggravate acne. Use 100%

 Hazelnut Oil

Corylus Avellana
Contains: vitamins, minerals, proteins, oleic and linoleic acid
Uses: slightly astringent, toning, fast absorption. Useful as base for oily, combination skins, acne. Tones and tightens skin, helps maintain firmness and elasticity. Helps to strengthen capillaries so might be useful against thread veins. encourages cell regeneration, stimulates circulation. Use 100% as base or 10%

 Jojoba Oil

Simmondsia californica (Wax) Note: the original species name of chinensis has been restored because of the official taxonomic rules. - rs
Contains: protein, minerals, plant wax, myristic acid. (See note on Right sidebar!)
Uses: Mimics sebum, penetrates skin very rapidly, therefore not good for massage, but excellent for nourishing skin. Healing for inflamed skins, psoriasis, eczema, any sort of dermatitis. Can help control acne and oily skin or scalp since excess sebum actually dissolves in jojoba. Anti oxidant, may help extend the life of other oils. Used also for hair care. Useful for all skin types.  Myristic Acid is anti-inflammatory, so this could be a good base oil for treating rheumatism and arthritis. Use a 10% dilution or full strength.

 Kikui Nut

Aleurites moluccana
Contains: Linoleic acid, oleic acid
Uses: extremely good penetration to all skin levels, sooths irritation, sunburn, lesions, burns. Protects tissue from drying. use as 5-10% additive.

Macadamia Nut Oil

Macadami integrifolia, tetraphylla, or ternifolia
Contains: Palmitoleic acid, 60% oleic acid, very stable
Uses: All skin, tones aged or dry skin, Skin softening. wound healing. In France is used as aid against sunburn.

 Olive Oil

Olea europaea
Contains: protein, minerals, vitamins
Uses: rheumatic conditions, hair care, cosmetics; soothing, nail & hair care. helpful for inflamed or acne skin. Bruises & sprains. Strong odor makes it more useful with strongly scented EO's. Use 10 to 50% dilution. Traditionally used to produce macerated oils.

 Peanut Oil

Arachis hypogeae
Contains: protein, vitamins, minerals
Uses: all skin types, emollient for arthritis or sunburn. Normally used as additive because of strong odor. Heavy weight, slow penetrating which makes it good for massage. NOTE: SOME PEOPLE ARE EXTREMELY ALLERGIC TO THIS OIL. USE PATCH TEST. Not especially long lasting.

 Rose Hip Seed Oil

Rosa Mosqueta, Rosa Rubignosa, R rubirosa,
Contains: GLA, Linolenic acids, oleic acid, palmitic acid
Uses: dry, scaly fissured skin, dull skin, eczema, psoriasis, over pigmented skin, scars, prophylactic after burns or trauma; ulcerated veins and scars. Avoid with acne and oily or blemished skins. Use as 10% additive or neat for very dry, aging skins. Goes rancid very quickly.

 Safflower Oil

Carthamus tinctorius
Contains: Proteins, Vitamins, Minerals, High in linoleic acid
Uses: all skin types, helpful for painful sprains, bruises, inflames joints. Very light, odorless. Turns rancid very quickly. Seldom used for aromatherapy.

 Sesame Oil

Sesamum indicum
Contains: vitamins esp. vit. E, minerals, proteins, lecithin, amino acids
Uses: psoriasis, eczema, rheumatism, arthritis, tanning aid, softening all skin types. Thick oil with strong odor. Use as base or 10% dilution

 Soya Bean Oil

Gllycine soja
Contains: protein, minerals, Vit E, lecithin. Usually solvent extracted.
Uses: All skin types, possible sensitizer. Light oil, mild scent. Does not aggravate acne or oily skin. Price warns it may be a sensitizer.

 Sunflower Oil

Helianthus annuus
Contains: Vit A, B,D, E, minerals, lecithin, inulin,, high in unsaturated fatty acids.
Uses: Prophylactic to all skin types, used to treat leg ulcers and skin diseases, bruises, diaper rash, cradle cap. Easily absorbed. Light textured. Use as base.

 Wheat germ Oil

Contains: protein, minerals, vitamins E, A & D
Uses: dry cracked skin, eczema, psoriasis, prematurely aged skin, stretch marks. Thick, sticky, some sources say anti-oxidant. Use a 10% dilution
NOTE: often recommended as addition to other oils to increase stability and shelf life. HOWEVER, Sylla Sheppard-Hanger states that "if anything it oxidizes more readily than others. The vitamin E content is low and does not prevent it from oxidizing...if it has been used as an anti-oxidant and worked it is purely because the original wheat germ oil contained synthetic antioxidants commonly added at the source of production."
Also, Wheat Germ Oil can be very dangerous for a person with a severe wheat or gluten allergy. I recently received the following in my email, from a member of the Canadian Celiac Association " Just wanted to mention that wheat germ oil would be harmful to those people who have a wheat allergy, or gluten sensitivity, like Celiac Disease (CD), or the associated disease, Dermatitis Herpitiformus, (DH). Both Diseases are sensitive to the gluten in the wheat germ, and might inadvertently absorbed through the skin.".

MACERATED (Infused) OILS

Calendula Oil

Calendula officinalis
Contains: Salicilyic Acid, carotenoids, phytosterols.
Uses: Reduces swelling, aids wound and burn healing, helpful for acne, impetigo, eczema. Antiseptic and regenerating. Use infused oil as 15 or 25%, some authorities and herbalists use neat. Anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, helps healing wounds. useful for bed sores, broken veins, bruises, inflamed gums, varicose veins. Effective on rashes, dry, chapped or cracked skin. Especially useful for dry eczema.

 St. John's Wort Oil

Hypericum perforatum Infused from the plant when many buds present, infused oil should have characteristic red color. Anti-inflammatory, particularly soothing to inflamed nerves, helpful for cases of neuralgia, sciatica and fibrositis. Effective on sprains, burns, bruises. Blending with calendula oils heightens effectiveness.

Melissa Oil

Melissa officinalis Useful for massage in case of fluid retention, especially when combined with cypress. Since Melissa Essential Oil is both extremely expensive and difficult to find, this might be an alternative for those who can grow lemon balm in their gardens.

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