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Carrier oils are usually overlooked because they don’t contain the therapeutic constituents of other essential oils, but they can play an indispensable companion of topically applied oils. 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. 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. 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 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 can vary widely in their consistency, absorption, aroma, shelf life, and other characteristics. Carrier oils 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! Get to know some of the more popular carrier oils!V-6**
**Caution: May cause a reaction to those with nut allergies. Grapeseed Oil
Sweet Almond Oil*
*Caution: May cause a reaction to those with nut allergies. Jojoba Oil
Olive Oil
Fractionated Coconut Oil
Coconut Oil
Cocoa Butter
Shea Butter
Would you like to know which carrier oils is right for you? Let also Young Living do the heavy lifting and guide you through a list of recipes and the 18 Best essential oils for massages.Which carrier oils do you keep on hand?Share your go-tos in the comments!Share This Story, Choose Your Platform!
Official Blog of Young Living Essential Oils Related PostsWhat is an alternative to fractionated coconut oil?Other lightweight, inexpensive oils like MCT, grapeseed oil, safflower oil, or sunflower oil would be good choices.
Can you make your own fractionated coconut oil?This is carried out simply by melting coconut oil and letting it cool down slowly at room temperature. After a few minutes, long-chain fatty acids or those with high melting points such as lauric acid, which represent a “fraction” of the entire volume of the coconut oil, are expected to solidify.
What is the difference between fractionated and regular coconut oil?Fractionated coconut oil is more liquid than solid when compared to normal coconut oil. Regular coconut oil only becomes liquid under high temperatures (78 degrees F) and has a greasy feel. Because of this unique difference, fractionated coconut oil is best used for therapeutic purposes.
Is melted coconut oil fractionated?Fractionated coconut oil is altered to stay liquid at lower temperatures. Manufacturers do this by melting the oil and removing its main fatty acid through a process called fractionating.
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