Carrier oils summary

Sweet almond oil:

• Rich in

  • Vitamins A, B1 (Thiamine), B2 (Riboflavin), B6 (Pyridoxine)

  • Small but significant amount of Vitamin E (Tocopherol), contributing to its good shelf stability.

  • High percentage of mono- and polyunsaturated fats, including oleic acid and linoleic acid.

• Protects and nourishes all skin types, including sensitive and dry skin, due to its emollient properties.

• Calming effect on skin irritations:

  • Relieves itching, soreness, and inflammation.

  • Addresses conditions characterized by a lack of lipids in the skin, such as dryness and mild eczema.

• Effective in the reduction of cholesterol when consumed internally.

• Important Note: The essential oil of almond (bitter almond oil) contains prussic acid (hydrogen cyanide) and is toxic; therefore, it is not to be used in aromatherapy or for topical application in its unrefined form. Sweet almond oil, however, is safe for topical use.

Grapeseed oil:

• Source: Extracted from the seed, obtainable via hot extraction or cold pressing. Cold-pressed is generally preferred for therapeutic qualities.

• Appearance: Typically a yellow oil.

• Usage: Can be used as a $100\%$ carrier oil for various applications due to its light texture.

• Properties: Thin, non-greasy oil with excellent emollient properties, which help soften and smooth the skin while forming a protective barrier to retain moisture.

• Rich in

  • Linoleic acid (an Omega-6 essential fatty acid), vital for skin barrier function and known for its anti-inflammatory properties.

  • Vitamin E (Tocopherol), a powerful antioxidant that helps protect skin cells from damage.

Peach kernel oil:

• Source: Extracted from the kernel by cold pressing, resulting in a pale yellow oil with a discernible aroma.

• Comparison: Less viscous, lighter, and generally has a longer shelf-life than sweet almond oil, making it an excellent alternative. However, it is more expensive.

• % Blend: Highly versatile for blending:

  • Can be used to make a $100\%$ facial oil blend.

  • For body blends, it is typically mixed with other, less expensive carrier oils to reduce overall cost.

  • Can use neat (undiluted) on the face due to its gentle and easily absorbed nature.

  • Blend out for body use (due to its high cost).

• Ideal for facial use and blends exceptionally well with other carrier oils, enhancing their properties.

• Rich in – A good source of:

  • Polyunsaturated fats, including palmitic acid and linoleic acid, crucial for skin health.

  • High in Vitamin C, an antioxidant that aids in collagen synthesis and tissue repair.

• Benefits:

  • Helps build and repair tissue.

  • Exhibits a desquamating effect, gently promoting the shedding of dead skin cells.

  • Aids with cell renewal, contributing to a fresher complexion.

  • Very easily absorbed by the skin, leaving no greasy residue.

  • Good for all skin types, including sensitive and mature skin.

  • Deeply nourishing.

  • Helps alleviate itchy conditions, lack of lipids, and inflammation.

  • Often considered less expensive than apricot kernel oil, offering a good balance of quality and cost.

Apricot kernel oil:

• Properties: Expensive, pale yellow in color.

• Benefits: Acts as a natural moisturizer, particularly beneficial for dehydrated and delicate skin types.

• Usage:

  • Ideally suitable for facial work at $100\%$ dilution.

  • For full body use, it is often blended with other oils to manage cost and enhance specific effects.

• Rich in

  • Polyunsaturated fats, including palmitic acid and linoleic acid, essential for maintaining skin integrity.

  • Vitamins – Particularly rich in Vitamin A (retinoids), known for its skin-renewing properties.

  • Minerals.

Jojoba oil:

• Origin: Derived from the bean of the Jojoba plant through cold pressing. Appearance ranges from pale to deep yellow, and it is technically a liquid wax rather than a true oil.

• Stability: Exceptionally stable and keeps well due to its wax-ester structure, which mimics the natural sebum of human skin. This contributes to its long shelf-life and ability to withstand high temperatures without readily oxidizing.

• Texture: Possesses a fine texture and is a highly penetrative oil, allowing it to deliver nutrients deeply into the skin.

• Cost: Considered expensive among carrier oils.

• % Blend: While it usually makes up $10-20\%$ of a blend to leverage its unique properties without excessive cost, it can be used up to $100\%$ for lipid-dry skin, as its composition closely resembles natural skin sebum, helping to balance oil production.

• Rich in

  • Vitamin E, providing antioxidant protection.

  • Myristic acid, which has notable anti-inflammatory properties.

• Benefits: Rich in various vitamins with nourishing, moisturizing, and soothing qualities. It is highly healing for all skin types, even those troubled with acne, as its wax esters can dissolve excess sebum and unclog pores.

• Application: Effectively used on inflamed skin, psoriasis, eczema, acne, and even for conditions like arthritis and rheumatism due to its anti-inflammatory action. It is also good for calming dry patches on the skin.

Hazelnut oil:

• Origin: Extracted from the kernel via cold pressing. It typically appears yellow, amber to light reddish-brown with a characteristic nutty aroma.

• Penetration: Known for its ability to penetrate the upper layers of the skin effectively, delivering its beneficial compounds.

• Cost: Use sparingly as it is a very expensive oil.

• % Blend: Can be used to make a $100\%$ blend, especially for specific skin conditions benefiting from its unique properties, though cost often dictates blending.

• Rich in

  • Oleic acid (a mono-unsaturated fatty acid), which helps to moisturize and regenerate skin.

  • Small amount of linoleic acid (a polyunsaturated fatty acid).

  • Vitamins.

  • Minerals that support skin health.

• Benefits:

  • Acts as a stimulant for circulation, promoting healthy blood flow to the skin.

  • Functions as a light astringent, helping to tone and tighten the skin.

  • Particularly well-suited for oily or combination skin due to its non-greasy feel and astringent properties.

  • Beneficial for acne-prone skin, helping to balance oil production.

• Storage: Should be stored in a cool, dry place to maintain its freshness and extend its shelf-life.

Evening primrose:

• Origin: Extracted from the seed by cold pressing, yielding a pale yellow oil with a slight, characteristic oily aroma.

• Cost: Fairly expensive.

• % Blend:

  • Can be used to make up $10\%$ of the blend for general therapeutic purposes.

  • For Eczema and psoriasis: $5-10\%$ of the blend, targeting its anti-inflammatory effects.

• Rich in: Linoleic acid and is a significant source of GLA (gamma-linolenic acid), an Omega-6 fatty acid known for its powerful anti-inflammatory and hormonal balancing properties.

• Good for:

  • Addressing symptoms of PMS (Pre-Menstrual Syndrome), including mood swings and breast tenderness.

  • Support in conditions like Anorexia (often used internally).

  • Relief for Eczema and other inflammatory skin conditions.

  • Improving conditions of scaly skin and Dandruff.

  • Beneficial for heart problems and regulating blood pressure (primarily through internal intake).

  • Supporting the regulation of the menstrual cycle.

  • Combating premature ageing with its regenerative properties.

• Caution:

  • Special consideration is needed if clients are on hormone therapy, as GLA can influence hormonal balance. It is advisable to consult a healthcare professional.

  • Evening primrose oil can sometimes irritate if applied topically in high concentrations, especially on very sensitive skin; proper dilution is recommended.

Borage/ Starflower oil:

• Origin: Extracted from the herb, producing a pale yellow oil with a slightly sweet aroma.

• % Blend: Use $10-20\%$ in a general body blend to deliver its beneficial components without being overly dominant or costly.

• Rich in: Contains GLA (gamma-linolenic acid) in almost double the amounts present in evening primrose oil, making it exceptionally potent for anti-inflammatory benefits.

• Used externally for:

  • The treatment of psoriasis, helping to reduce inflammation and scaling.

  • Improving the appearance and flexibility of scar tissue.

  • Significant relief for eczema, managing dryness and itching.

• Good for (internal intake for systemic benefits):

  • Alleviating stomach or breast tenderness, particularly related to hormonal fluctuations.

  • Helping to relieve a swollen abdomen.

  • Reducing symptoms of depression associated with PMS due to its hormonal balancing effects.

  • Assisting in lowering cholesterol levels.

• NB Contraindications:

  • Any person on blood-thinning medication (anticoagulants) should avoid borage oil due to potential interactions.

  • Not recommended for individuals with epilepsy.

  • Should be avoided during pregnancy due to its emmenagogue (menstruation-inducing) properties.

  • It has a high level of Omega 6 fatty acids, which, while beneficial, should be balanced with Omega 3 intake for optimal health.

Carrot seed oil:

• Origin: Derived from macerated roots, resulting in an orange, slightly tacky, and typically odourless oil. (Note: Distilled carrot seed essential oil, from seeds, is different and has a distinct earthy aroma).

• Caution: Excessive, undiluted use of carrot seed carrier oil can cause a yellow tinge on the skin (a harmless condition sometimes referred to as hypervitaminosis cutis, though it's pigment accumulation). For the essential oil, avoid using more than $10\%$ concentration.

• % Blend: Best to blend with other carrier oils to dilute its intensity and avoid skin discolouration.

  • As a macerated carrier oil, it can be up to $100\%$ of a blend.

  • If referring to the distilled essential oil from seeds, do not use more than $10\%$ within a carrier oil blend.

• Rich in

  • Beta-carotene, a precursor to Vitamin A, which gives it its orange colour and contributes to its skin benefits.

  • Vitamins A, B, C, D, and E, providing a comprehensive nutrient profile.

  • Various fatty acids essential for skin health.

• Good for:

  • A very good cell rejuvenation oil, promoting the growth of new, healthy skin cells.

  • Excellent for premature aging, helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines and improve skin elasticity.

  • Effective for itching conditions, dryness, psoriasis, and eczema by nourishing and repairing the skin barrier.

  • Helps delay the aging process and appearance by protecting cells from oxidative stress.

  • Considered a good facial oil due to its regenerative and nourishing properties.

Hypericum:

• Warning: Known for causing photosensitivity (phototoxic reactions) if applied to the skin before sun exposure. Clients must be advised to avoid direct sunlight after application.

• Origin: A macerated oil made from the flowers of St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum), resulting in a distinctive ruby-colored oil.

• Photosensitivity: Can be a significant problem; direct sun exposure after application must be avoided for at least $12-24$ hours.

• Blending: Blends particularly well with calendula oil as a carrier, creating a potent soothing and healing combination.

• % Blend: Can be up to $10\%$ of the total blend, owing to its powerful therapeutic effects.

• Rich in

  • Vitamins A, B, D, and E, all essential for skin recovery and health.

  • Various Minerals that support cellular function.

• Good for:

  • Powerful anti-inflammatory actions, reducing swelling and redness.

  • Soothing inflamed nerves, making it useful for nerve pain.

  • Healing for easily bruising skin, strengthening capillaries.

  • Beneficial for varicose veins due to its circulatory support.

  • Relief from conditions like Neuralgia, Sciatica, and Fibrosis.

  • Effective in the treatment of sprains.

  • Promotes healing of burns and bruises, reducing discomfort and accelerating recovery.

Soybean oil:

• Vitamin E Content: A good source of Vitamin E, ranking as the second best source of Vitamin E (approximately $78mg/100ml$) among carrier oils, surpassed only by wheatgerm oil.

• Origin: Extracted from the bean via cold pressing, resulting in a pale oil.

• % Blend: Can be used to make a $100\%$ blend for various applications.

• Rich in: Contains more lecithin than any other vegetable oil, which acts as an emulsifier, and is high in unsaturated fatty acids (linoleic and oleic acids), crucial for skin barrier function.

• Suitability: Suitable for all skin types due to its balanced composition and moisturizing properties, making it an excellent choice for use on both the face and body.

Avocado:

• Origin: Extracted from the flesh of the pear-shaped and partially dried fruits. Its color can range from colorless, pale to deep green, depending on the ripeness and extraction method.

• Shelf-life: Possesses a good shelf-life due to its stable fatty acid profile.

• Cost: Good quality avocado oil is often expensive due to the extraction process and nutrient content.

• % Blend: Use at a $20\%$ dilution with other carrier oils in a blend, as its richness can be heavy or too occlusive for some skin types when used at higher concentrations.

• Rich in: Exceptionally rich in vitamins A, B (B1, B2, B5, B6), and D, providing intensive nourishment to the skin.

• Good for:

  • Helps significantly in cell regeneration, promoting healthy new skin growth.

  • Highly beneficial for stretch marks, improving skin elasticity and reducing their appearance.

  • Excellent for managing the symptoms of eczema and psoriasis due to its rich emollient and anti-inflammatory properties.

  • Promotes healing for all skin types, especially dry, mature, or damaged skin.

• Storage: Should be stored in a cool, dark cupboard to protect it from light and heat, which can degrade its beneficial compounds.

Wheatgerm:

• Origin: Extracted from the seed via cold pressing, yielding a deep yellow to orange color with a strong, distinctive yeast-like aroma.

• Stabilizer: A valuable addition to all blends, primarily to prolong their shelf-life and stabilize other, less stable oils due to its powerful antioxidant properties.

• Usage Caution:

  • Avoid use on its own due to its strong aroma and thick consistency.

  • It is generally the last oil added to a blend to ensure its antioxidant benefits are integrated throughout.

• Rich in

  • Exceptionally high in Vitamin E, making it the richest natural source, which is a potent antioxidant.

  • Contains B-complex vitamins and essential Minerals.

  • Features a high proportion of beta and gamma tocopherols (natural anti-oxidant agents), which are particularly useful in delaying rancidity in carrier oil blends.

• CONTRA-INDICATED: Individuals with WHEAT INTOLERANCE or Celiac disease should avoid topical contact with wheatgerm oil. Always check for allergies.

• Dilution: Recommended concentrations are $10$ drops of wheatgerm oil added to a body blend (typically a $10ml$ carrier base) and $5$ drops added to a face blend (typically