Natural Spa Beauty | Guide to Carrier Oils |

From regular hair treatment packs and daily topical face serum, to pampering massage lotions and anti-ageing products, carrier oils are at the heart of every spa beauty product. Find out more about these amazing oils and how to choose the right carrier for your skin and body type, so you can have your own spa day in the comfort of your home.

If you are just starting out on your natural skin care journey, or even if you already indulge your body with natures natural goodness, then chances are that you'll have come across the phrase 'carrier oil' more than a few times. But what are they? Why do you need them and which ones should you use? Let's find out more!

What is a carrier oil?

Carrier oils are used as a base to dilute concentrated essential oils. By doing so, it makes the essential oil safe for topical use. Mostly unscented, carrier oils typically come from nuts or seeds and have high vitamin and nutrient content, meaning they are great for your skin.

Each carrier oil has a different combination of health benefits and therapeutic properties. Depending on the benefit or characteristic being sought will determine the choice of carrier oil.

Why use carrier oils with essential oils?

So, you are currently using our essential oils in your diffusers, right? You're also inhaling the 100% pure scents to help boost your moods. Whilst, our essential oils are organic and pure, they can cause severe irritation if applied directly on to the skin. When used with a suitable carrier oil, the potency of essential oils is diluted making them OK to apply topically. Put simply, carrier oils dilute essential oils, making them safe to use on your skin.

A word of caution!

Essential oils are generally used in low dilutions when adding into carrier oils. As a rule of thumb you need no more than 1g of essential oil per 99g of carrier oil for your face, and no more than 2g essential oil per 198g of carrier oil for your body. Why? Essential oils contain chemical compounds to which people can experience a skin reaction. Skin reactions to essential oils take three forms:

Irritation

Sensitisation (type of allergic reaction)

Phototoxicity (rapid tanning of the skin- can take the form of reddening to severe /irreversible cell damage with visible colour changes.

You should never apply undiluted oil to the skin for that reason - especially not on compromised skin. Skin reactions can vary between individuals so it’s hard to predict what could happen!

Back to carrier oil and essential oil benefits!

Carrier oils are miracle workers, containing essential fatty acids, vitamins and nutrients that do amazing things for our hair and skin. Carrier oils are also often anti-inflammatory, rich in antioxidants and humectant properties, meaning they keep the skin hydrated and protected from free radical damage.

By combining the superpowers of carrier oils with the wonderful benefits of essential oils, you can create your unique face and massage oil that is brimming with goodness and no nasty chemicals.