Carrier oils are usually overlooked because they don’t contain the therapeutic constituents of other essential oils, but they can play an indispensable companion of topically applied oils. Let’s take a closer look at these carriers and why they deserve a place on the shelf of anyone who uses and loves essential oils.
Carrier oils are naturally derived from vegetarian sources and have a neutral smell. They aren’t volatile like essential oils, which makes them an excellent medium for dilution and application.
Vegetable shortening, butter, and margarine are best left in the kitchen—they’re not intended for topical use. Mineral oil and other petroleum derivatives like petroleum jelly should also not be used as carrier oils.
Essential oils are volatile, which means they evaporate rapidly and contain the natural smell and characteristics of the plant. This can make them too strong to apply undiluted. Carrier oils do not evaporate or have a strong aroma, making them the perfect pair for diluting especially strong essential oils—reducing the concentration of the essential oil without altering its therapeutic qualities. When you dilute an essential oil with a carrier oil, you can also control its concentration before applying.
Like other substances that are high in fat, carrier oils have a limited shelf life, meaning that eventually they can go bad. Depending on the type, oils with a short shelf life should typically be used within six months, while oils with a longer shelf life may stay good for up to a year. It’s important to store oils in their original air-tight containers in a cool, dark place, such as the pantry, to maximize shelf life.
Carrier oils can vary widely in their consistency, absorption, aroma, shelf life, and other characteristics. Carrier oils can be blended to change or combine their properties, so you can mix and match until you find the blend that’s just right for you!
**Caution: May cause a reaction to those with nut allergies.
*Caution: May cause a reaction to those with nut allergies.
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Why is butter or vegetable shorting not recommended? The petroleum I understand, but the others I'm curious. Thanks!
Thanks for your question, Jessica. As Young Living focuses on a healthy lifestyle and wellness we feel that naturally derived, vegetarian oils like those listed in the blog post are better options for carrier oils. We hope the information provided is helpful!
I am sorry to sound so ignorant, but I am brand new at this. I just became a Distributor, and I haven't even received my premium kit yet. Just doing some research and checking out the blogs. But I have to ask, what are ROLLERS?
Hi Lyndie! Welcome to YL! We have roller fitments to help turn our oil bottles into rollers: https://www.youngliving.com/us/en/product/aromaglide-roller-fitments. It can also refer to our roller-on oils we have: https://www.youngliving.com/us/en/category/blends-roll-ons. Hope this helps!
I see that the V-6 has wheat germ in it. Wouldn't that be a problem for someone with gluten intolerance as I am.
As someone that is gluten intolerant, I too would like to know if wheat germ will cause a reaction?
Hi Brenda! Wheat germ oil may not contain the gluten protein; however, we cannot guarantee that the wheat germ in the massage oils does not contain the protein. If a person has a hyper sensitivity to gluten, we would not recommend using these products unless otherwise advised by a health care provider. Hope this helps!
Hi Sherri! All the oils in V-6 are food grade, so V-6 is suitable for ingestion.
I am fairly new to using oils so I bought the coconut oil to try as my first carrier oil!
Natural oils are excellent for the skin, we love everything that has to do with nature and their products show excellent quality. Congratulations !!!!
How does the V-6 Enhanced Vegetable Oil Complex work? Do you mix with other oils?
Newby here :)
Hi Tammy! Welcome aboard! Yes - V-6 Enhanced Vegetable Oil Complex is used to dilute essential oils. Take a look at the individual label directions for specific dilution instructions. V-6 can also be mixed to create custom blends, formulas, and massage oils. Hope this helps!
Am I able to use my coconut and olive oil that I use for cooking as a carrier oil? or do I need to use a certain kind of coconut and olive oil?
Hi Jessica! Yes, absolutely. Food grade coconut and olive oils can be used as carrier oils.
Hi Jessica! Yep! Food grade coconut oil and olive oil are great for use as carrier oils if you would like.
I like coconut, sweet almond, and olive oil.
My first choice is V-6 because I trust the sourcing of the carrier oils in it and love the viscosity of this oil. I also use olive oil and coconut oil.