Different Types of Carrier Oils

Maybe the most common way to use essential oils is diffusing, but using essential oils topically can be just as simple and beneficial as diffusion when it’s done properly! But first thing’s first. If you want to incorporate topical use into your essential oil routine, it’s important to have a good carrier oil on hand.

What is a carrier oil?

Carrier oils are shelf-stable, vegetable-based oils with little to no scent used to dilute essential oils and minimize skin sensitivity. Carrier oils don’t dilute the benefits of the essential oil—they just dilute the potency. This means that you can apply essential oils to the skin without worrying about the intensity of their powerful chemical properties. In fact, carrier oils help essential oils better absorb into the skin, because they are not volatile (or evaporative) like essential oils.

Should I dilute my essential oils?

If you’re wondering whether to dilute the essential oils you want to use, the short answer is yes! Some essential oils, like hot essential oils, require dilution, but you can use a carrier oil with any essential oils—even if the essential oil is gentle enough for direct application. Using a carrier oil is an especially good idea when using essential oils with children or those with sensitive skin. When in doubt, dilute!

Which carrier oil is best?

Researching carrier oils online can be overwhelming because there are so many different types you can use. The biggest thing to keep in mind is that you want a carrier oil that is 100-percent pure. Otherwise, the carrier oil has the potential to change the benefits of the essential oil.

Substances like butter, vegetable shortening, and petroleum jelly should never be used as carrier oils because they do not absorb into the skin in the way that is needed.

So what are some good carrier oils? We've compiled a list of some of the best carrier oils to use with essential oils:

1. Fractionated Coconut Oil. Coconut oil is full of wonderful benefits, but the thick, unrefined and unfractionated coconut oil you find at the grocery store is not as effective to use with essential oils because it doesn’t readily absorb into the skin. In contrast, Fractionated Coconut Oil is ideal for aromatic and topical essential oil use. Fractionating coconut oil separates the fatty acid chains of coconut oil to produce a liquid consistency and requires no additives. This process gives the coconut oil a much longer shelf life and creates an oil that is light, non-greasy, and much better for absorption. Fractionated Coconut Oil is our carrier oil of choice!
    
2. Sweet Almond Oil. Great for all skin types and topical applications, almond oil absorbs into the skin fairly well. It does have a very subtle nutty scent, but it isn’t overwhelming. It also has moisturizing properties, which makes it a great carrier oil to use in face care. Be aware, however, that it is not for those with nut allergies as it is often produced in the same factories as peanut oil.
    
3. Jojoba Oil. Despite being called an oil, jojoba (pronounced ho-ho-ba) is actually a liquid wax. Odourless and golden yellow in colour, jojoba is another popular carrier oil because it is great for hair and leaves skin feeling hydrated without a lot of heavy shine. It is very similar to the oil that your skin produces naturally and can be good for oily skin.
    
4. Grapeseed Oil. This oil is high in linoleic acid and is very moisturizing, especially for delicate skin. You’ll often see it listed on the ingredient list of many cosmetics. Its aroma is light and sweet, and it is clear in colour. It can be a good carrier oil to use in skincare.
    
5. Olive Oil. Though it can be heavy, oily, and has a stronger odour than other carrier oils, olive oil is high in both vitamins and minerals. Olive oil can overpower the scent of an essential oil depending on the quantity you use to dilute, so it’s likely not ideal for aromatic topical use.

How to Dilute Essential Oils

Once you find the right carrier oil, you can then experiment with diluting essential oils according to the dilution ratio you need. The following dilution ratios should give you a good idea about where to start:

For one teaspoon of carrier oil, add:

• 1 drop essential oil for a 1% ratio
• 2 drops for 2%
• 5 drops for 5%

One tablespoon of carrier oil:

• 3 drops essential oil for 1%
• 6 drops for 2%
• 15 drops for 5%

30 mL of carrier oil:

• 6 drops essential oil for 1%
• 12 drops for 2%
• 30 drops for 5%

When it comes to using essential oils topically, doTERRA essential oils are organized into three specific categories: Neat, Dilute, and Sensitive.

Dilute - Oils in the Dilute category (often called hot oils) have particularly strong constituents, and they always require dilution. Cassia oil, Cinnamon Bark oil, Clove Bud oil, Geranium oil, Lemongrass oil, Oregano oil, and Thyme oil, among others, all belong in this category.

Sensitive - Children and those with sensitive skin should always dilute essential oils in the Sensitive category. As with any essential oil, you should also dilute the essential oils in this category whenever using them on your skin for the first time. Essential oils in the Sensitive category include (but are not limited to):

• Bergamot oil
• Black Pepper oil
• Easy Air^®
• Cedarwood oil
• doTERRA Cheer^®
• Copaiba oil
• Deep Blue^®
• Eucalyptus oil
• Fennel oil
• doTERRA Forgive^®
• Ginger oil
• Lime oil
• doTERRA Motivate^®
• On Guard^®
• doTERRA Passion^®
• Peppermint oil
• Petitgrain oil
• Spearmint oil
• Wintergreen oil

Neat - The rest of the doTERRA oils are categorized as Neat. Neat essential oils will not cause sensitivity for most people, however, it is still a good idea to conduct a patch test with a carrier oil when applying to your skin for the first time.

Keep in mind that our collection of essential oils is always growing, and different essential oil blends contain a variety of Dilute, Sensitive, and Neat essential oils. Always read the label and online shop page of the essential oil you are using before use.