Carrier Oils...Diluting Essential Oils...What The What?!

Carrier Oils, that term is going to come up over and over again in the world of Essential Oils.  You may know exactly what they are, may think you know, or admit that you have no idea whatsoever.  That's why this post is here. 

Here's the low-down on Carrier Oils:

What is a Carrier Oil?

A Carrier Oil is simply an oil that "carries" another oil.  We use Carrier Oils to dilute Essential Oils before applying them to the skin.  "Hot" oils like Cassia, Cinnamon, Clove and Oregano need to be diluted with a Carrier Oil before applying them.  Most Essential Oils are still just as powerful when diluted up to 5%.

When would I use a Carrier Oil?

Carrier Oils can be used for several reasons.  First, they are used as a safety precaution. This helps to insure that sensitive skin is not irritated by the Essential Oils.  Essential Oils are a powerful thing. As mentioned above, always us a Carrier Oil when applying Essential Oils to infants, children, the elderly or someone with sensitive skin.

Second, they can be used to help apply Essential Oils to a large area (like the back or chest).  This is especially useful for massages using the Essential Oils.

Third, they help the Essential Oils absorb into the skin rapidly.

What oils qualify as Carrier Oils?

Any vegetable based oil can be used as a Carrier Oil.  That being said, there are a few that are more desirable than others. 

• Fractionated Coconut Oil is a wonderful Carrier Oil.  The difference between Fractionated Coconut Oil and coconut oil you may find at the grocery store (even if it is raw coconut oil) is that the Fractionated Coconut  has some of the fatty acids removed.  This is why it remains liquid unlike cold-pressed, raw coconut oil. 

• Olive Oil, unscented body lotion and the like.  These can also be used as Carrier Oils.  Olive Oil is a heavy oil and great for moisture. I have used it when just needing to grab something to get an oil on whoever needed it right away.  Unscented body lotion can also be used.  

• Sweet Almond Oil is very light and has a nice fragrance.  It is also commonly used by massage therapists.

How much Carrier Oil do I need to use to dilute my Essential Oil?

This all depends on how you are using your oils.  Here is a chart from the Modern Essentials guide on how to dilute Essential Oils with Carrier Oils.  It never hurts to dilute an Essential Oil, in fact it is safer and could even be more effective. Infants are not listed on this chart, so it is suggested that 1 drop of Essential Oil be diluted into 1 Tablespoon of Carrier Oil. Overall, when in question, DILUTE!  Remember that Essential Oils can maintain their therapeutic benefits even when diluted down to 10% or 5%.

What do I do if I get an Essential Oil in my eye?

Essential Oils should not be used in the eyes or inside the ear canal.  In the event of accidental contact with the eye, dilute with a Carrier Oil NOT water.

OR rinse with MILK! It may sound strange, but the fat and cream in milk are a safe means of diluting and rinsing Essential Oils from eyes and the cold cool milk brings quick, safe, effective relief from burning. Tilt head back and dump small lid or capful of milk directly into eye, then tilt head forward to drain, and wipe clean with dry towel. Repeat once or twice more as needed.

For more information on using Essential Oils safely, click HERE.

To purchase fractionated coconut oil and essential oils from my Retail Shop click HERE.