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.
What are carrier 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.
What aren’t carrier oils?
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.
How are carrier oils used?
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!
Get to know some of the more popular carrier oils!
V-6
**
- A proprietary Young Living formula combining fractionated coconut oil, grapeseed oil, sweet almond oil, wheat germ oil (contains a lot of vitamin E and acts as a natural preservative), sunflower oil, and olive oil
- Moisturizes and nourishes the skin
- An excellent carrier oil for all your best essential oils and applications
**Caution: May cause a reaction to those with nut allergies.
Grapeseed Oil
- Light and thin consistency
- Well suited for massages; leaves a light glossy film over the skin
- Moisturizing
- High in linoleic acid
- Relatively short shelf life
Sweet Almond Oil*
- Slightly sweet, nutty aroma
- Medium consistency
- Absorbs relatively quickly; leaves a slight hint of oil on the skin
- Rich in vitamin E and oleic acid
- Moisturizing
- Good all-purpose carrier oil
*Caution: May cause a reaction to those with nut allergies.
Jojoba Oil
- Slightly nutty aroma
- Medium consistency
- Superior, non-greasy absorption, similar to the skin’s natural oils
- Moisturizing for skin and hair
- Long shelf life
Olive Oil
- Popular, easy-to-find oil used in both topical and culinary applications
- Thicker consistency; leaves an oily feel on the skin
- Stronger aroma
- Good source of oleic acid (omega fatty acid)
- Relatively short shelf life
Fractionated Coconut Oil
- Unlike coconut oil, fractionated coconut oil is liquid at room temperature
- No noticeable aroma
- Absorbs well; leaves skin feeling silky and moisturized; non-greasy
- High in essential fatty acids
- Long shelf life
Coconut Oil
- Solid at room temperature
- Distinct coconut aroma
- Solid white color
- Leaves a moisturizing, oily feeling layer on top of the skin
- Long shelf life
Cocoa Butter
- Solid and difficult to work with at room temperature
- Best used when melted and blended with other carrier oils
- Sweet, chocolate aroma
Shea Butter
- Solid at room temperature
- Nutty aroma
- Cream colored
- Moisturizing to skin and hair; leaves behind a moisturizing, waxy-feeling layer
Would canola oil be OK?
Hi Becky, You may use canola oil as a carrier oil if you choose.
Can you tell me anything about Argan oil as a carrier? Or Rosehip? For facial moisturizing primarily
Great questions Rachel! According to our research, both Argan Oil and Rosehip oil are excellent carrier oils for facial moisturizing.
Can emu oil be used as a carrier oil?
Hi Terry, Thanks for stopping by with your question. Emu oil can be used as a carrier oil if you choose. We hope this information is helpful!
What carrier do you recommend if I’m using your oils to create a men’s cologne?
Great question, James. V-6 is a great all-purpose carrier oil, but there are several others that would work well too. Try selecting one with a scent you enjoy. Thanks for your question and for stopping by!
I like the Grape Seed oil for my capsules, and I have on hand Coconut oil plus I use Sun flower oil for make up remover.
I will be trying the V-6 oil soon.
Hi there! This a great information. Thank you! Is emu oil considered a carrier oil?
Hi Terry, Thanks for stopping by with your question. Emu oil can be used as a carrier oil if you choose. We hope this information is helpful!
What carrier oil do you recommend for babies?
Hi Cathy, Thanks for your question. You may use any naturally derived vegetarian carrier oil of your choice. However, you may want to exercise caution with carrier oils which may pose an allergy risk such as sweet almond oil. We also suggest using a patch test procedure to ensure the oil is properly diluted for the child. We hope this information is helpful to you! Thanks for stopping by!
What about organic flaxseed oil or organic hemp oil?
Hi Victoria, Flaxseed or hemp oil can be used as carrier oils if you choose. Thanks for stopping by!
Just wondering if it is ok to use V6 as the carrier oil for DIY face serum recipes?
Hi Joy, You may use V-6 if you would like, but we cannot guarantee results as we have not tested these recipes with V-6 instead of the recommended carrier oil. We would also recommend using a patch test prior to use on your face. We hope this information is helpful!
What about soybean oil?
Hi Leigh! Yes, soybean oil can be used as a carrier oil if you would like. Thanks for stopping by!
Can organic castor oil be used as a carrier oil? I have cold pressed, hexane-free. It says on the bottle, soothes and softens skin. Made by Heritage Store. Thank you for your help.
Hi Jodie! Yes, castor oil can be used as a carrier oil if you choose. Thanks for stopping by!
At the moment I use coconut oil, didn’t realize there were so many different oils to choose from. Thanks for the info!
The massage therapist I go to uses Cold Pressed Castor Oil. Is this safe to use?
Thank you for your question, Janet. Cold pressed castor oil is appropriate for use as a carrier oil if you choose.
I am a huge fan of using Argan oil for my skin and hair – I love it. Can I use it as my carrier oil?
Hi Jodi, Argan oil has been used by many individuals as a carrier oil. You are welcome to use Argan oil if you choose. Thanks for your question!
What is the ratio of PanAway to fractionated coconut oil to mix for topical use?
Hello, please make sure to always refer to the label for usage directions which state, “Dilute 1 drop with 4 drops of V-6 or olive oil.” Test on small area of skin under-side of arm and apply to desired area as needed.
How exactly do you measure 4 drops of carrier oil?
Hi Debi, Thanks for your question. You may dispense four drops of carrier oil directly from the container or for easier measuring, try utilizing a Glass Dropper or an Easy Fill Pipette. We hope this information is helpful!
I just received my kit a couple of weeks ago. I am a bit nervous about using them as I haven’t done much research, but want to live a healthier lifestyle. Where can I safely apply topically and how do I know if or how much carrier oil to use? I’m not comfortable with ingestion as of yet until I learn more about the oils. Any help or direction would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!
Hi Nancy, Thank you for your question. It really depends on the separate oils that are used. Please always refer to the label for usage directions. We hope you enjoy your kit.
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! Yep! Food grade coconut oil and olive oil are great for use as carrier oils if you would like.
Hi Jessica! Yes, absolutely. Food grade coconut and olive oils can be used as carrier oils.
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.
Is there a printable view of this so I can have it for reference and education?
There isn’t at the moment, Danna. In the meantime, feel free to print the article from the website itself, or copy/paste it into a document and save or print. Hope this helps!
I use grape seed and vita e oil the most.
I have read that carrier oils need to be cold processed. I have and use the V6 and the Ortho Ease regularly, but would like to try others. I have not found anything that says “cold processed.” Can you tell me if that is important please. Thank You! And what is the shelf life on the V6 and Ortho Ease?
Hi Penny! According to our research, cold pressed carrier oils are best as they retain their aroma, flavor and value. V-6 is a blend of several different cold pressed oils as well a fractionated coconut oil. The crude coconut oil is cold pressed and then controlled distillation is used to fractionate (extract/separate/collect) the medium chain fatty acids. The purpose of extracting and using the fractionated coconut oil is to extend product stability and to reduce staining.
Ortho Ease is the same base as V-6 with added essential oils.
Based on our current testing, V-6 and Ortho Ease have a shelf life of approximately 2 years.
Hope this is helpful!
I use V6 the most. Also fractionated Coconut Oil, Sweet Almond Oil & Avocado Oil. Ortho Ease is a wonderful massage oil.
Is there any reason why I can not use pure emu oil or pure Ostrich oil as a carrier oil.I know that they have many healing benefits to them. I have used then with my essential oils and have found that the work great. My grandchildren love them and have seen the benefits of using them both together. I am just curious whether you have check them out?
Hi Joan! At this time, we have not been working with emu or ostrich oil. We appreciate you taking the time to share your experience with us! We’ll forward this information on to the appropriate department for future consideration.
I keep a few different carriers on hand, grape seed oil if I’m making a roller ball (I like how it isn’t overly greasy), coconut oil if I’m trying to moisturize my skin at the same time! Olive oil works great for when I’m making creams to thin it out. Shea butter I also use when making creams and stuff
How much grape seed oil do u put in the roller balls
Can I use grape seed oils that I use for cooking or it has to be specially made as carrier oils?
Hi Selyn! Food grade grape seed oil is appropriate to use as a carrier oil if you would like.
I do do terra oils and have heard great things on your oils and would love to learn more about you. Can you send me some info on your oils and what they do. Thank you so much. I am considering switching.
Lynda Veazie
Hi Lynda! Glad you stopped by! Take a look at our 2015 Product Guide for more information: https://issuu.com/youngliving/docs/2015_productguide_online?e=2440491/9771116. Feel free to explore our website at http://www.youngliving.com, too. If we can help answer any questions, please reach out to us by phone, email, or chat: https://www.youngliving.com/us/en/company/contact-us
Hi, Lynda. I just wanted to follow up and check in with you. Did you find the information you were looking for?
Hi Lynda, I would love to tell you about our terrific products and company and help you understand the difference. Just email me, and I can help you get started. lavonnewalter@gmail.com
What about Vegetable Glycerine?
Hi Kathy! Sure! You may use vegetable glycerine as a carrier oil if you would like. Many individuals use vegetable glycerine in conjunction with essential oils.
I saw a recipe for hair detangler which called for vegetable glycerine. I’m wondering if V6 could be used as a substitute. Thanks!
Thanks for your question, Sarah. You may use V-6 as an alternative if you choose; however, we cannot guarantee similar results as we have not tested the recipe with V-6 specifically.
We also love avocado oil!
Would argon oil be considered a carrier oil since it comes from a nut?
Hi Lynda! Argan oil has been used by many individuals as a carrier oil. You are welcome to use argan oil if you choose.
I also use the V-6 oil but I also use coconut oil
I absolutely love YL’s V6! It is so easy to use. Coconut Oil is my next favorite!
I use V-6, coconut oil, fraccionated coconut oil and, rarely, olive oil.
What is the best oil for children who have nut allergies?
My sons favorite carrier oil Erin is grapeseed!
Hi Erin! Grapeseed oil, Jojoba oil, or Olive oil would be appropriate for individuals with nut allergies. Hope this helps!
I use the fractionated coconut oil and love it. Sometimes I use it alone just to moisturize.
My favorite oil to mix with the YL essential oils for my face, arms, legs, etc. is JM Argan Oil. Nothing Better!
We always have olive and coconut oils on hand and I just recently purchased some sweet almond!
On my face I use avocado oil with Frankensence & Carrot Seed oils; other parts of my body I use coconut oil or almond oil.
I use coconut oil as a carrier most of the time. I also like olive oil. I haven’t tried V-6 yet, hope to someday soon, though.
I keep Coconut Oil on hand, great to make scuba with, use as a moisturizer on body. It can be used in the kitchen as well as great for personal use. Great to keep on hand for many uses.
I use rice bran oil for rollers. Very absorbent no scent
I love the V6 oil& fractionated coconut oil
I have to say I am really partial to the YL V-6.
Another one that I like to use in some of my DIY recipes is Mango Butter.