What is the difference between carrier oils and essential oils?
If you are an avid lover of natural cosmetics or aromatherapy, you are likely to hear the names of carrier oils and essential oils used together. You may also think that the two can be used differently. While both are used in natural products and practices, they are actually very different. It is important to understand these differences to ensure proper use.
Carrier oils
Carrier oils are widely used in cases where the oil is applied directly to the skin. Usually, this includes oil used for massage, pain relief, or beauty treatments. These oils are typically heavier and either has no aroma or a very lightly sweet, nutty scent. Unlike essential oils, they do not evaporate or impart their aroma as heavily onto the body.
Carrier oils are vegetable oil derived from the oily part of the nut, seeds, fruit, or kernel of a plant or vegetable using one of the two main methods of extraction: maceration or cold compression. Maceration is a method that involves placing a dried plant in warm oil to extract the properties of that plant. Cold pressure, however, is the preferred method.
Cold-pressed carrier oil uses expeller pressure, which consists of pressing the nut, seeds, fruit, or grain at temperatures below 122 degrees Fahrenheit to extract oils. Cold pressure retains some of the plant’s desirable properties rather than alternatives. Cold-pressed carrier oils are suitable for direct skin use and can be used with essential oils to dilute essential oils.
Some of the most common carrier oils include:
· Olive
· Argan
· Coconut
· Jojoba
· Moringa
· Rosehip Seed Oil, etc.
Essential oils
Essential oils are extracted from the leaves, bark, roots, and other parts of the plant in fragrant viscosity. Essential oils are more concentrated than the carrier and are usually too strong to apply directly to the skin. For this reason, they are often used in aromatherapy but should be mixed with carrier oil or water for many other purposes. To extract strong oil, a process known as steam distillation is used.
This method involves drying the plants in boiling water to extract oil from a barrel, which is held in the vessel. The steam cools as it works its way through the tubing; shut off the assistant back in the water. Oils do not mix with water and this is broken down to create essential oils and hydrosols. Learn how to use essential oils here.
Some of the most common Essential oils include:
· Lavender
· Lemon oil, etc.
Here’s what you should know about essential oils & Carrier oils:
Carrier oil:
· Plant-based Carrier Oils that are cold-pressed, are better than either macerated or mineral oils.
· Carrier Oils can be applied directly to the skin and have moisturizing benefits.
· Cold-pressed Carrier Oil contains powerful nutrients from plants that you need to have radiant, glowing skin.
· Popular Carrier Oils include Jojoba Oil, Rosehip Seed Oil, Pomegranate Seed Oil, and Carrot Seed Oil.
Essential oil:
· Essential oils (EOs) are distilled and very strong.
· Always dilute essential oils with Carrier Oil because usually, they are very strong on the skin.
· Essential oils are volatile in nature and therefore evaporate when left unbottled
· Popular essential oils are Lavender EO, Lemongrass EO, Peppermint EO, and Rosemary EO.
Carrier Oils vs. Essential Oils: The Outcome
The main difference between the carrier oil and essential oils is that the carrier oil is used to dilute and transfer essential oils to the skin, and the percentage of blends may vary by age. Carrier oil is a support system needed to help essential oils to be used for their high performance. Now that you know the difference, you’re better prepared for your essential oil journey!
