Vegetable and Herbal Oils

The most common carrier oils are vegetable and herbal oils. Vegetable oils are usually cold pressed from the seeds (kernels) or nuts of a plant. Herbal oils are usually macerated or infused oils (see page: https://naha.org/explore-aromatherapy/about-aromatherapy/how-are-essential-oils-extracted/)

Vegetable and herbal oil are used in creams, lotions, massage, facial and body oils, gels, and salves. Examples of carrier oils include:

• Apricot kernel (Prunus armeniaca): Cold-pressed oil. Emollient, non-greasy “light & dry” oil, easily absorbed, high in vitamin E (antioxidant).
• Arnica (Arnica montana): Herbal oil. Indicated for bruises, varicose veins, burns, strains and sprains, arthritis, and myalgia.
• Avocado (Persea americana): Cold-pressed oil. Wonderful oil for regenerative skin care, indicated for dry, itchy, or mature skin, antioxidant, nourishes the skin.
• Borage (Borago officinalis): Cold-pressed oil. Emollient, nourishing, one of the few plant sources of GLA (Gamma Linoleic Acid - the most important essential fatty acid for skin health). Aids in skin repair, reduces signs of aging.
• Calendula (Calendula officinalis): Herbal oil. Anti-inflammatory, wound healing, soothes dry irritated skin, insect bites, cell regenerative.
• Coconut (Cocos nucifera): Cold-pressed oil. Emollient, skin protectant, antimicrobial, long shelf life.
• Grapeseed (Vitis vinifera): Hot-pressed oil, as it’s not possible to truly cold-press grape seeds. Emollient, easily absorbed (one of the lightest carrier oils), high in vitamin E (antioxidant), inexpensive, long shelf life.
• Jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis): Cold-pressed oil. Emollient, skin protectant, antimicrobial, balances sebum production.
• Olive (Olea europaea): Cold-pressed oil. Source of squalene which is emollient, increases the elasticity of the skin, and balances sebum production.
• Primrose (Oenothera biennis): Cold-pressed oil. Emollient, one of the few plant sources of GLA (Gamma Linoleic Acid - the most important essential fatty acid for skin health). Aids in skin repair, reduces signs of aging.
• Rosehip seed (Rosa mosqueta, Rosa canina): Cold-pressed oil. Emollient, one of the few plant sources of GLA (Gamma Linoleic Acid - the most important essential fatty acid for skin health), high in carotenoids (antioxidant, anti-aging). Aids in skin repair, reduces signs of aging.
• Sesame (Sesamum indicum): Cold-pressed oil. Warming, regenerative skin care, dry skin, soothing to the skin, antioxidant, great for hair and nails.