Carrier oils are the delivery devices for transporting essential oils onto the skin.
They are used to dilute essential oils, which is important because most essential oils are just too strong to be applied to the skin directly.
Different carrier oils offer different properties and the choice of carrier oil can depend on the therapeutic benefit being sought.
Carrier oils are generally cold-pressed vegetable oils derived from the fatty portions of the plant. They do not evaporate or impart their aroma as strongly as essential oils.
A top quality massage oil or lotion is usually a combination of carrier oil and essential oils. It is easy to make your own using your favourite Sandstouch essential oils. The ideal ratio is 2% essential oils to 98% carrier oil or 5 drops of essential oils for every 10ml of carrier oil.
Here are a few carrier oils which are ideal.
- Soya Bean Oil
is rich in lecithin and easily absorbed by the skin.
- Sweet Almond Oil
is smooth, tender to the skin and rich in vitamins and protein
- Grape seed Oil is smooth, rich in vitamins B1, B3 and C and great for sensitive skin
