Base Oils
A List of Carrier Oils and their Uses
AUGUST 1, 2015 ~ LAURA HOY
A List of Carrier Oils (also known as vegetable or base oils) and their Uses (in alphabetical order):
Carrier oils, also known as base oils or vegetable oils, are a great medium to use to blend essential oils with since they have their own nourishing properties. They can be used on their own for massage and in the bath, and are essential ingredients in skin care products. Essential oils should always be diluted before use on skin*.
To help you choose which base oils to use, here is a list with some of their most useful properties.
Almond ~ a great general use oil, not too rich or light, and full of nutrients. Caution – avoid with nut allergies.
Apricot ~ A very gentle light oil that I like to use with children, and people with sensitive skin.
Avocado ~ Very rich and nourishing but still absorbs well into skin, great for dry & mature skin.
Borage / Star flower ~ a lovely light oil that is particularly good for eczema and those with delicate skin.
Calendula / Marigold oil (marigold flowers macerated in olive oil) ~ if I could only use one base oil then this would be it, the olive oil is rich and full of nutrients and further enhanced with the healing properties of calendula flowers, great for all skin types, especially useful for problem or damaged skin. Watch out for my new blog on how to make your own ~ coming soon!
Coconut ~ I love this oil, as it is so versatile, it is great for skin, hair, and even in food. It is solid at room temperature, but very easily melts in warm hands, if it is a hot day, or you live in a tropical country, it is likely to melt and be in a liquid state. It has a very greasy feel to it, which makes it perfect for use as a cleanser as it easily removes dirt, grime, and makeup. It is particularly good for removing eye makeup, as it is so greasy, so there is no pull on the delicate skin around the eyes. If you do not like the strong smell of coconut, you can choose a deodorized version.
Macadamia ~ Very rich and nourishing but still absorbs well into skin, great for dry skin. If you buy the un-refined version, the smell is incredibly delicious. Caution – avoid with nut allergies.
Rosehip ~ this is the best oil I know for helping to heal scars and improving their appearance, a great oil to enrich any blend for skin care.
Sea buckthorn ~ I have been experimenting with this oil recently on my face, on its own as a night oil and as an ingredient in my creams. It really makes the skin glow and feels lovely.
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Apricot Kernel oil
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Sweet almond oil
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Grape seed oil
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Avocado oil
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Olive oil
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Sesame oil
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Evening primrose
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Canola (Rapeseed)
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Sunflower oil
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Jojoba oil
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Emu oil
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Castor oil
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Borage seed oil
Nuts:
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Walnut oil
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Peanut oil
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Pecan oil
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Macadamia oil
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Fractionated coconut oil
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Hazelnut oil
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Cocoa Butter
Sweet almond oil and grapeseed oil are very popular carrier oils.
Other Oils:
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Camellia Seed Oil (Tea Oil)
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Cranberry Seed Oil
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Hemp Seed Oil
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Kukui Nut Oil
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Meadowfoam Oil
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Pomegranate Seed Oil
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Rose Hip Oil
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Seabuckthorn Berry Oil
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Watermelon Seed Oil
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Almond Oil
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Aloe Vera Oil
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Calendula Oil
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Wheatgrem Oil
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Pumpkin Seed Oil
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Safflower Oil
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