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What are Carrier Oils?

What are Carrier Oils?

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.

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