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Carrier oil, also known as base oil or vegetable oil, is used to dilute essential oils and absolutes before they are applied to the skin in massage and aromatherapy. They are so named because they carry the essential oil onto the skin. Carrier oils do not contain a concentrated aroma, unlike essential oils, though some, such as olive, have a mild distinctive smell. Neither do they evaporate like essential oils, which are more volatile. Most carrier oils are derived from vegetable sources, but mineral oil can also be used.
There is a range of different carrier oils, derived from pressed seeds of various plants. Each possesses individual properties and suitability for use in different treatments. For massage, viscosity is a major consideration; for example, grapeseed oil is typically very thin, while olive oil is much thicker. Sunflower, sweet almond and rapeseed oils have viscosities midway between these extremes. Carrier oils can be simply blended to combine their properties of viscosity, acceptability, lubrication, absorption, aroma and so forth.
Infused oils are a combination of a carrier oil and various herbs, and may be commercially or domestically prepared.
High quality oils sold for culinary use are often eminently suitable for massage use, and are economical; those obtained by cold pressing are preferred. All carrier oils should be kept cool, and away from strong light, to retard rancidification. Rancid oils should be avoided. Refrigerating oils helps preserve their freshness. Very cold oils may appear cloudy, but regain their clear state on returning to room temperature. It is usually convenient to decant sufficient carrier oil for immediate use from stock, mixing it with a small amount of aromatic essential oil, using a dropper for the latter to ensure correct dilution.
Varieties
True carrier oils are generally cold-pressed vegetable oils taken from, amongst others:
- Sweet almond oil
- Grape seed oil
- Avocado oil
- Olive oil
- Sesame oil
- Evening primrose
- Canola (Rapeseed)
- Sunflower oil
- Jojoba oil
- Emu oil
- Nuts:
- Walnut oil
- Peanut oil
- Pecan oil
- Macadamia nut
- Fractionated coconut oil
Sweet almond oil and grapeseed oil are very popular carrier oils.
Safety aspects
Peanuts are legumes, not "true" nuts, but they share with true nuts the risk of causing allergic reactions, even in minute amounts. Pure peanut and nut-derived oils are not usually allergenic, (as they do not typically contain the proteinaceous part of the plant), but avoiding them may be safer, as serious peanut and nut allergy is widespread, oil purity cannot be guaranteed, and other hypoallergenic oils are easily substituted.
If there is any risk of ingestion, mineral oil is best avoided.
External links
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