Carrier Oils Vs Essential Oils
Carrier oils and essential oils are two of the most popular types of skincare products. They both have their own unique benefits, what are the differences between them? And which one is right for you?
I use carrier oils and essential oils in all my DIY skincare formulas. They are both very important ingredients in my formulations, but while I don’t always add essential oils to my lotions and potions, carrier oils are ALWAYS a must. Essential oils are a great addition to my formulas because they add properties that are beneficial to the skin but they are too potent to be used alone.
To understand the differences, one must first understand the properties of carrier oils and essential oils.
What Are Carrier Oils?
Carrier oils (also known as base oils or vegetable oils) are plant oils that are extracted from seeds, nuts, or plants. Because of their high fatty acid content, they are very readily absorbed for use in topical skincare products.
Carrier oils are non-toxic and can be used to moisturize and nourish skin. They are usually liquid at room temperature and contain fatty acids and highly beneficial unsaponifiables. They carry natural components like glycerine, lecithin and triglycerides, which are essential for the skin’s ability to retain water and maintain a healthy complexion.
Examples of carrier oils are:
- Grapeseed oil (for all skin types)
- Sweet Almond oil (for dry skin)
- Olive oil (for dry skin, eczema, dermatitis)
- Avocado oil (for mature skin)
- Macadamia nut oil (for mature skin)
- Argan oil (for all skin types)
- Hemp seed oil (for oil skin)
- Sunflower seed oil (good for nappy rash)
Carrier oils are usually less expensive than essential oils, which means they can be used in larger quantities without creating a significant price difference. Carrier oils have been shown to be effective at reducing skin dryness, irritation and redness.
Examples when you would use carrier oils:
- To moisturize the skin after shaving
- As a makeup remover
- To soften hair
- To reduce frizz
What are Essential Oils?
Essential oils (also known as volatile oils) are extracted from the roots, stems, leaves, flowers and seeds of plants. They can be used for their scent as well as medicinal properties and are extremely concentrated in nature. They add unique and beneficial healing properties to skincare products, which makes them very popular. The easiest way to think of essential oils is as concentrated plant chemicals that can be used for a variety of purposes.
Essential oils are not really oils per se, because they are not made from fats (they’re not greasy like carrier oils – they evaporate into the air). These oils are generally extracted from their plants by steam distillation although other processes include expression, solvent extraction, sfumatura, absolute oil extraction, resin tapping, wax embedding, and cold pressing.
There are many healing benefits of essential oils, but they can be expensive. Essential oils should never replace the use of carrier oils.
IMPORTANT: Please note that their volatile components are extremely potent and should be handled with care. They should NEVER be in touch with the skin without being diluted in a carrier oil or other base. Essential oils could cause irritation to the skin which is why carrier oils should be used in conjunction with them. Essential oils can cause allergic reactions in some people and some are photosensitive, which means they react to UV light causing burns to the skin. This is why they should always be diluted with a carrier oil before application, and sometimes use the dilution only at night to avoid exposure to UV light. Please do your own research before using essential oils.
Examples of essential oils:
- Lavender essential oil
- Tea tree essential oil
- Geranium essential oil
- Rosewood essential oil
- Frankincense essential oil
- Sandalwood essential oil
Examples when you would use essential oils:
Many people use essential oils to improve their health. Some examples of how essential oils are used include:
- To boost your skincare products
- To add a scent to your products
- To use in aromatherapy diffusers
- To add to the vaporizer for scenting the air
-To treat colds and flu infections
-To ease anxiety and stress
-To improve sleep quality
-To treat skin conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis - To treat a headache
-To treat acne and rosacea
-To treat acne scars
-For stress relief, anxiety reduction and mood elevation.
The best way to choose a carrier oil or essential oil is by looking at the product you are making. What function does it serve? What is its desired skin effect? Look at what it does. Is your skin dry or dehydrated? Do you want it to be nourished or moisturized? Are you making a face wash, lotion, or serum?
I personally use both carrier oils and essential oils in my products to achieve the best results possible. I find essential oils very effective because they are concentrated and can do wonders for my skin. Having said that, carrier oils are also great to use because they have beneficial properties on their own and are very affordable.
The more you know about the wonderful carrier and essential oils, the better you will be able to choose the right ones for your skin.
The Pros and Cons of Carrier Oils Vs Essential Oils:
Carrier oils are non-toxic. They provide the skin with rich nutrients that nourish it, allowing other ingredients in your skincare products to more effectively penetrate the skin. They are very moisturizing and the skin absorbs them quickly. They are usually less expensive than essential oils.
Essential oils can be toxic. Essential oils are extremely potent. They can be absorbed into the skin and cause irritation if used incorrectly (see below under “How to Use Essential Oils Safely”). They should be diluted in a carrier oil before application. Be sure to store them away from heat and light to prevent degradation.
The big advantages of carrier oils over essential oils include :
- They are safe to use on the skin. Most carrier oils are edible – a number of them are used as cooking oils.
Essential oils can cause irritation and allergic reactions in some people. Carrier Oils, however, have been shown to be effective at reducing skin dryness, irritation and redness . - They are generally less expensive than essential oils.
- They are more readily available in the market.
Disadvantages of carrier oils:
- They do not have specific medicinal properties, unlike essential oils. They are healing in their own right, but don’t have the same potency as essential oils.
- They are usually not as potent as essential oils (they are less concentrated than essential oils.)
- They have no perfume-like scent that you can use to make your products smell better or give them an aroma. Carrier oils can have a scent, but it is not as strong as essential oils.
The big advantages of essential oils over carrier oils include :
- Increased potency which makes them more effective in the right amounts. This means a little goes a long way.
- They have ‘fragrance’ and a pleasant smell that can be used to make your products smell better. Carrier oils do not have this smell.
- They have specific medicinal properties that can be used to treat certain skin conditions and heal wounds. For example, tea tree oil is anti-bacterial, lavender essential oil is anti-fungal and peppermint essential oil creates a cooling sensation for the skin when applied topically.
Disadvantages of essential oils:
- They are classified as highly potent, more so than carrier oils.
- They have a strong, strong smell that can be irritating if used too much.
- They are very expensive, especially if you buy particular essential oils like jasmine, neroli or rose amongst others.
- They can be damaged by light and heat.
- They have a powerful effect on the skin that is sure to awaken the skin and make it more sensitive (vibration).
- They are photosensitive, which means they can cause burning or burns to the skin if used in direct sunlight. They should be applied before sun exposure.
NOTE: Essential oils should never be used on their own, as they can be very harsh on the skin. They should be mixed with a carrier oil before application to the skin.
Which One Is Right For You?
When it comes to choosing the right oil for your needs, there are a few things to consider.
Carrier oils are great for everyday use because they’re affordable, versatile, and extremely healing for the skin. They’re a great starting place for any DIY oil enthusiast.
IMPORTANT: People who are allergic to nuts, however, should avoid using almond, hazelnut, macadamia oils, etc.
Essential oils are high-quality oils that are often used in aromatherapy. They have a strong scent and can be potent, so it’s important to dilute them before using them on the skin. Some essential oils also have antibacterial properties, so they’re good for treating acne or other skin infections. Others can be used to make perfumes.
What Else Can I Do To Take Care Of My Body?
There are many wonderful ways to support your skin from the outside, however what you put into your body is just as important as what you do for it. Eating healthy , nutritious food, drinking plenty of water and getting adequate sleep can all help you to improve your skin’s appearance and overall health.
Also remember that any topical care you are using on your skin is only effective when combined with a healthy lifestyle.
Conclusion
Carrier oils and essential oils are both great ways to improve your skin health, but they have different uses. Carrier oils are affordable, readily available and very effective at moisturizing the skin. Essential oils have a stronger scent and are more expensive, but they also have specific medicinal properties that can treat certain conditions or ailments.
Overall, both carrier oils and essential oils are great ways to improve your skin health. They both have different uses, though, so it’s important to know what type of oil is best for you.
Carrier oils are great for adding moisture and nourishment to your skin, while essential oils are perfect for use in aromatherapy or as a remedy for certain skin ailments.
Personally, I think it is important to use a variety of oils on your skin in order to get the most benefit from them all.
