Carrier Oils – Types and Uses

Carrier oils are most commonly used as a base for various cosmetic products, as well as for diluting essential oils, which should not be used undiluted on the skin.

What is a carrier oil?

A carrier oil is extracted through cold pressing from the most oil-rich parts of the plant, such as nuts, seeds, or fruits. Cold-pressed oils are increasingly preferred because this method preserves vitamins and active compounds, making it the best method for obtaining plant oils.

What are the uses of carrier oils?

When applied directly to the skin, some essential oils can cause reactions such as strong irritation, redness, or burning. This is where carrier oils come in.

Carrier oils dilute essential oils and help “carry” them onto the skin.

Cold-pressed oils are usually plant-based. The most common cold-pressed carrier oils in Bulgaria are rosehip, apricot kernel, grape seed, walnut, and almond!

What are the beneficial properties of carrier oils?

Almond
Almond oil has a very rich fatty acid composition, containing 86% unsaturated fatty acids and only 14% saturated, which is closest to the composition of human sebum and is therefore also called “skin” oil.

It contains significant amounts of phytosterols, tocosterol, tannins, amygdalin, vitamins B2, A, E, and mineral salts. Thanks to its unique composition, it has anti-inflammatory, wound-healing, expectorant, antispasmodic, hypocholesterolemic, and antioxidant effects on the human body.

Regular use of almond oil is believed to stimulate epidermal renewal, making it effective for preventing stretch marks and maintaining elasticity in problematic skin areas. Applied around the eye contour, it prevents dark circles and reduces puffiness caused by fatigue.

Walnut
Walnut oil is rich in polyunsaturated Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, vitamins E, A, P, C, carotenoids, B-complex vitamins, micro and macro elements (zinc, iodine, copper, calcium, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, cobalt), and biologically active compounds. Its greatest value lies in ellagic acid – a natural antioxidant that slows aging, improves brain function, and boosts immunity.

Grape Seed
Natural grape seed oil is an excellent source of vitamin E, which helps protect cells from oxidative stress. The combination of polyphenols and vitamin E has been shown to accelerate wound healing by stimulating regeneration of damaged blood vessels and slowing skin aging due to its antioxidant properties.

Pure grape seed oil helps regulate sebum secretion, reducing pore blockage, acne, bacterial buildup, dead skin cells, and blackheads. Regular use of organic grape seed oil improves blood vessel elasticity, enhances peripheral circulation, prevents plaque and thrombus formation in arteries, and strengthens vein walls, protecting against varicose veins and broken capillaries.

Rosehip
Pure organic rosehip oil is one of the most effective natural anti-aging skincare products. Its vitamins E and C prevent premature skin aging, including wrinkles, fine lines, age spots, and sagging skin. Rosehip oil protects against UV radiation, environmental damage, reduces inflammation, and cleanses the skin from impurities and toxins.

This valuable carrier oil regulates sebum production, prevents pore blockage, helps prevent acne, blackheads, and whiteheads, smooths skin irregularities caused by cellulite, and minimizes skin damage from rashes, burns, eczema, or skin conditions such as neurodermatitis or psoriasis.

Apricot Kernel
Organic apricot kernel oil is a natural treasure for beauty and health. It contains a unique combination of Omega-6 and Omega-9 unsaturated fatty acids, which are essential for human health. Oleic Omega-9 fatty acid has antioxidant properties, participates in cell membrane composition, inhibits absorption of harmful saturated fats, lowers cholesterol, and protects against cardiovascular diseases.

Apricot oil is rich in beta-carotene, which converts to vitamin A in the body. Vitamin A, also called “retinol,” is essential for cell growth and division, earning it the name “growth vitamin.” Apricot oil improves eye health and reduces the risk of macular degeneration, a leading cause of vision loss in adults.

Hemp Seed
Hemp seed oil has a strong positive effect on people suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and stroke.

It contains gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), necessary for prostaglandin synthesis – compounds similar to hormones that help build muscles, control inflammation and body temperature, and are vital for other body functions. Experts state that GLA supplementation can improve hormonal health and reduce PMS-related symptoms, including menstrual cramps.

How to mix essential oils with carrier oils?

This is highly individual. Instructions for use are provided for each specific essential oil product.

Conclusion

Carrier oils make the safe use of essential oils possible. They also help nourish and moisturize your skin. It is recommended to use only high-quality and organic products!