Carrier Oil Types

There are many carrier oils that you could choose from, in the same way as you could choose from a variety of essential oils. These oils are mostly triglycerides which turn rancid over time. An exemption of this rancidity factor is the jojoba oil which is the best choice when it comes to a longer shelf-span. Here are the different types of carrier oils:

1. Almond Oil (Prunus amygdalis, var. Dulcis)

Ø Almond oil is golden yellow in colour and has a nutty scent in it. It is good for massage and it has benefits such as reliever of itch, inflammation, and irritation. It also softens, smoothens, and soothes the skin.

Ø It has a shelf-life of 1 year if kept in the refrigerator or at low temperatures.

2. Borage Oil (Borago officinalis)

Ø Borage Oil has GLA (gamma-linolenic acid) which is good at skin regeneration. Because of the GLA content of this oil, it is excellent for skin disorders and dry, aging skin.

Ø It will last for 6 months when kept in low temperatures.

3. Calophyllum Inophyllum Oil (Calophyllum inophyllum)

Ø It is a dark and thick oil best for muscle pains like arthritis, CTS, back pain, and rheumatism. It is also good for wounds from burns, bites, rashes, etc.

Ø It will last for a year or more even without refrigeration.

4. Coconut Oil (Cocus nucifera)

Ø When adding essential oils to it, you must heat first the oil. It has a coconut aroma in it and is usually used by women for their hair and skin.

Ø It lasts longer than other oils even without refrigeration.

5. Evening Primrose Oil (Oenothera biennis)

Ø This is an oil that promotes skin repair and regeneration. It shares many qualities like that of borage oil.

Ø It has a short shelf-life of three months.

6. Flaxseed Oil (Linum usitatussimun)

Ø It prevents scarring and stretch marks. It also promotes cell regeneration and is anti-inflammatory.

Ø It will last for up to 2 months, but when frozen up to 2 years.

7. Hazelnut Oil (Corylus avellana)

Ø It makes skin firm and elastic. It also good for cell regeneration especially for skin disorders.

Ø It stays fresh for up to 1 year.

8. Hemp Oil (Cannabis sativa)

Ø Its anti-inflammatory properties make it good for bodily pains and skin diseases.

Ø It remains fresh for up to 2 months when refrigerated and if frozen for several years.

9. Jojoba Oil (Simmondsia chinesis)

Ø It moisturizes and regenerates skin. It also stimulates hair growth.

Ø It has antioxidant properties making its shelf-life indefinite.

10. Olive Oil (Olea europaea)

Ø The extra virgin olive oil is the choice for aromatherapy. It is good for the skin and hair.

Ø It lasts for a year of freshness when refrigerated.

11. Rose Hip Seed Oil (Rosa mosqueta)

Ø It is best for scars and keloids.

Ø It goes rancid so fast; you have to refrigerate it so you could use it for several months.

12. Sesame Oil (Sesamum indicum)

Ø It has many uses, one of which is as sunscreen.

Ø It lasts for 1 year when refrigerated.

13. Sunflower Oil (Helianthus annus)

Ø It has high vitamin E content making it good for the skin.

Ø If refrigerated, will last for a year.

14. Wheat Germ Oil (Triticum vulgare)

Ø It also has high vitamin E, thereby, good for the skin.

Ø When refrigerated may last for a year.

Visit our store for carrier and essential oils. We are located at 2W 14th St. New York, NY.

Reference:

(1) Wilson, R. (2002). Aromatherapy: Essential Oils for Vibrant Health and Beauty. NY: Penguin Putnam Inc.