Essential oils are concentrated plant essences that can be very beneficial to your health and are easily absorbed through the skin. However, most essential oils should not be used undiluted on the skin. So before you start that nice, relaxing aromatherapy massage, you’ll need a good carrier oil.
Some of the more popular carrier oils — like jojoba, grapeseed, and sweet almond — can be found at your local health food store. Prices, types, and sizes available will vary from store to store, but you can generally find 8 or 16oz bottles. Expect to pay between $10 and $20 (and sometimes more!) for an 8oz bottle of carrier oil. Keep in mind that more isn’t necessarily better; carrier oils can spoil within six months. The money you save on a gallon of jojoba oil may be wasted if it goes rancid before you can use it! Be sure to read the label for storage information.
Pay attention to the fine print when you’re shopping — the highest quality carrier oils are COLD-PRESSED. Other methods of extraction (using heat especially) can rob the oil of its natural goodness.
So what carrier oils might you see at your local health food store?
Apricot Kernel Oil
Apricot kernel oil is very lightly scented and absorbs relatively quickly into the skin. It is almost colorless, and not very greasy.
Grapeseed Oil
A thinner carrier oil than some of the others. Grapeseed oil is chemically extracted, not cold-pressed. Very lightly scented. Can have a relatively short shelf life — six months or so.
Jojoba Oil
Jojoba oil is the closest thing nature makes to sebum, your skin’s natural oils. Can be more expensive than other carrier oils; you may want to save some money and buy a diluted jojoba/other oil blend. Golden color, hardly any scent.
Olive Oil
Yes, you can give a nice massage with ordinary olive oil! However, this is a heavier oil; you may do better blending it with a lighter oil. Also has a stronger scent than some of the other carrier oils. You don’t want the olive scent to overpower the essential oils!
Shea Butter
More a cream than an oil, you can still use shea butter as a carrier for your essential oils. Has a bit of a waxy texture, but is pretty workable at room temperature.
Sweet Almond Oil
Sweet almond oil is an affordable carrier oil. It has a very light, sweet scent, takes essential oils nicely, and isn’t too greasy feeling.
Mineral oil is NOT recommended as a carrier oil for your essential oils. But with all the choices out there, you probably won’t even miss it!