Carrier oils, also known as base or vegetable oils are used to dilute essential oils before they are applied to the skin in massage therapy and aromatherapy. Essential oils alone are volatile -they begin to evaporate as soon as they are applied and the carrier oil contains the essential oil so it does not evaporate easily.

Do Carrier Oils have an aroma?

Carrier oils do not contain a concentrated aroma however, some certainly have a distinctive smell. They do not evaporate like essential oils, and so the scent is not quickly released. The best carrier oils to use should be as natural and unadulterated as possible, such as Organic oils as they are generally higher quality and free from pesticides and fertilizers. 

What is the best type of Carrier Oil?

The two most used methods of producing carrier oils are Cold-pressing & Maceration:

Cold pressing

The cold pressing method extracts oils from the seeds of plants and their fruits. It refers to juice. The hydraulic press extracts juice from fruit and vegetables, as opposed to other methods such as a centrifugal or single auger. 

Cold-pressed Carrier oils also contain healthy antioxidants that are otherwise damaged by being exposed to heat. Most cold-pressed oils are rich in vitamin E, which has anti-inflammatory and healing properties. Cold-pressed juice protects and preserves the nutrients of the fruits and vegetables for premium quality. 

Maceration

With the maceration extraction method, the flowers are soaked in hot oil to have their cell membranes ruptured and the hot oil then absorbs the essence. The oil is then cleared of the botanicals and decanted.

How to choose a Carrier Oil

There is a wide range of Carrier Oils out there and each Carrier Oil has various therapeutic properties. Choosing a Carrier Oil will depend on the area being treated, the concerns and the clients’ sensitivity and requirements.

When we choose a Carrier oil to massage with, viscosity is a major consideration; for example, Grapeseed oil is typically very thin, while Olive oil is much thicker and doesn’t lubricate as easily.

All Carrier oils, as well as essential oils, should be kept cool, and away from strong light, to retard rancidification. Coconut oil is light in saturated fat, thus slow to oxidize and as a result resistant to rancidification. This is a huge benefit as shelf life is thus measured in years rather than months like most Carrier oils.

Fractionated Coconut Oil MCT (Medium-Chain Triglyceride) is a “fraction” of Virgin Coconut Oil and is produced via a heating process that isolates medium-chain triglycerides from other fatty acids. This allows Fractionated Coconut Oil to retain the same incredible moisturizing ability as Virgin Coconut Oil. However, unlike Virgin Coconut Oil, Fractionated Coconut Oil is virtually colourless, odourless, and liquid at all temperatures. This process refines, clarifies, and deodorizes the oil. Fractionated Coconut Oil will always remain liquid regardless of temperature.

Our recommended Carrier oil

Coconut Carrier oil has many desirable and outstanding qualities. The oil is quickly absorbed into the skin leaving it smooth, which is perfect for moisturising the face, body and hair. It penetrates deeply to nourish, moisturise, and soften the treatable area. It also provides fantastic slip to glide for your hands during a therapeutic massage