What is a Carrier Oil?
Carrier oils also referred to as base oils or vegetable oils are used to dilute essential oils before applying to the skin. They “carry” the essential oil onto the skin. Carrier oils are generally cold-pressed vegetable oils derived from the fatty portions of the plant. Unlike essential oils that evaporate and have a concentrated aroma, carrier oils do not evaporate or impart their aroma as strongly as essential oils.
Examples of carrier oils are sweet almond, apricot kernel, grapeseed, avocado, peanut, olive, pecan, macadamia nut, sesame, evening primrose, walnut,coconut and wheat germ. Most oils bought at the grocery store are not cold-pressed. Instead, the oils are heated and therefore have less therapeutic benefit. Mineral oil is not used in aromatherapy because mineral oil is not a natural product. It is also said that mineral oil can prevent essential oil absorption into the skin.
Young Living makes a high grade V-6 (vegetable) Carrier oil. You can use this carrier oil to dilute all your favorite Young Living essential oils.
Oil Scents by Shannon Shuey 