Correct Selection of Your Base (Carrier) Oil
Base oil or Carrier oil? Both terms are correct and basically mean the same thing. Carrier is pretty self explanatory. It means the product used to “Carry” the essential oils or perfumes, in this case oil and originated from fragrance making.
Originally used in manufacturing, “Base” is derived from the choice of “Base” medium used to blend the essential oils or perfumes into. Base can be shampoo, cream, lotion etc.
When producing a blend of essential oils using an oil base (carrier), correct selection of the base oil is as important as the essential oil or perfume you may add to it.
The most important thing to consider is the job the completed blend is going to do, the client profile it is intended for and the area of the body and skin type it will be applied to.
The correct base oil combination will do 95% of the work when it comes to skin/hair conditioning blends.
Before we get onto blending therapy oil products, we will have a quick look at the most common oil bases available. There are lots of others; you can see some of them on our site.
REMEMBER: when buying a carrier oil, if it has a fishy smell...it’s off!
Check the colour: when buying a jojoba for instance, it should be golden, a good rosehip is orange/amber and smells of cake mix, fractionated coconut is clear and odourless, soya and sweet almond are pale yellow with very little odour. Also check if you have bought refined cosmetic grade or unrefined. Some oils need to be refined as they are so full of impurities but others are much better unrefined, for instance rosehip.
Here we go...we will be using the star system again for oils to stock initially.
These oil descriptions are direct from our website.
(Sweet) Almond
BOTANICAL NAMEPrunus amygdalus
Sweet Almondis an excellent emollient and is known for its ability to soften and re-condition the skin. It is rich in proteins and Vitamin D, and is considered extremely nourishing - particularly when used regularly. Contains Olein Glyceride Linoleic Acid. It can be expected to sooth dry skin and irritated areas. Massage therapists should note that it can stain sheets.In the olden days, massage therapists used this or grapeseed as that was what they were taught at college and they were both readily available. Nowadays, things have moved on and there are lots of alternatives.
AROMATIC:Sweet Almond has very little scent characteristic of most carrier oils.
EXTRACTION METHOD:Cold Pressed
COLOUR:Golden Yellow
CONSISTENCY:Typical and Characteristic of Carrier Oils
ABSORPTION:Absorbs into skin at average speed, slight oil feeling left on skin.
SHELF LIFE:Sweet Almond is slow to become rancid; users can expect up to 2 years with proper Storage (cool, out of direct sunlight). Refrigeration after opening is recommended if your are keeping it in a warm atmosphere.
USES:Sweet Almond is a very popular, all purpose carrier oil. It is used by manufacturers, Aromatherapists, and massage therapists.
CAUTIONS: Should not be used by people with nut allergies
Apricot Oil pure and natural odourless Suitable for dry or sensitive skin
OIL BOTANICAL NAMEPrunus armeniaca
Apricot Oilis good for all skin types. It is very rich and nourishing - particularly in vitamin A.
AROMATIC:Apricot oil has very little scent characteristic of most carrier oils
EXTRACTION METHOD:Cold Pressed
COLOUR: Slight Yellow
CONSISTENCY:Typical and Characteristic of Carrier Oils.
ABSORPTION:Absorbs into skin quickly
SHELF LIFE:Apricot oil is slow to go rancid; users can expect a shelf life of 6 Months to 1 Year with proper storage conditions (cool, out of direct sunlight). Refrigeration after opening is recommended.
USES: Apricot Kernel is a very popular oil and is suitable for manufacturers, Aromatherapists and massage therapists. Dry and sensitive skin types add up 20% of Apricot in the blend.
Ideal in facial blends combined with other base oils
Avocado Oil Pure and Natural a lush, thick oil full of goodness great for enhancing skin and hair blends (maximum of 20% because of viscosity)
BOTANICAL NAMEPersea americana
Avocadocontains Vitamins A, B1, B2, D, E, and Beta carotene. It is classified as a monosaturated oil. It is best suited for dry skin conditions in topical applications.
AROMATIC:Avocado has very little scent characteristic of most carrier oils
EXTRACTION METHOD:Cold Pressed Virgin Unrefined, still full of all its goodness
COLOUR: Yellow/Green to Green/Brown depending upon the Lot. Avocado may go cloudy in low temperatures but will return to normal.
CONSISTENCY:Typical but slightly thicker than most Carrier Oils.
ABSORPTION:Avocado will leave a sticky, waxy feel if applied topically to large areas of skin
SHELF LIFE:Avocado oil is slow to go rancid; users can expect a shelf life of 9 Months to well over 2 Years with proper storage conditions (cool, out of direct sunlight). Refrigeration after opening is recommended.
USES:Small amounts of Avocado Oil are typically added to other carrier oils in order to enrich protein and vitamin content. It is used predominantly by manufacturers (particularly great in soaps, lotions and creams) and massage therapists. We recommend for hair and skin nourishing blends.
CAUTIONS: None documented
Coconut Oil Pure and Natural skincare haircare full of vitamins (FRACTIONATED: ODOURLESS)
BOTANICAL NAMECocos nucifera fractionated
Fractionated Coconut Oilis liquid at room temperature, odourless and full of vitamins and good stuff. It is used to create a barrier on the skin. It is also the preferred oil for high quality cold process soap making.
AROMATIC: Coconut has a very slight scent, but is generally considered odourless
EXTRACTION METHOD:Cold Pressed
COLOUR: White to CLEAR
CONSISTENCY:liquid.
ABSORPTION: Coconut creates an oily, protective barrier on the skin.
SHELF LIFE:fractionated Coconut Oil has an indefinite shelf life if stored correctly
USES: Coconut Oil is a very popular oil and is suitable for manufacturers, Aromatherapists and massage therapists. Superb as a massage oil base, or added to other products to enhance nourishing properties. Superb as a base for all products, brilliant in hair oils or conditioners. An absolute must!
Grapeseed Pure and Natural Oil Ideal for greasy skin (not for dry or sensitive skin)
GRAPESEED PURE & NATURAL OIL ~ POURED TO ORDER BOTANICAL NAMEVitis vinifera
Grapeseed Oilis used as a base oil for many creams and lotions. It is the preferred carrier oils for many massage therapists because of its light, satin like finish. It also has some astringent qualities and is good for oily, acne prone skin but may be too drying for delicate, dry or sensitive skin.
AROMATIC:Grapeseed Oil is odourless and characteristic of most carrier oils
EXTRACTION METHOD:Cold Press
COLOUR:Golden Yellow with a Hearty Green Tone
CONSISTENCY:Grapeseed is one of the Lightest carrier oils available
ABSORPTION:Easily Absorbed
SHELF LIFE:up to two years if kept cool and dark
USES:Grapeseed Oil is heavily used in massage therapy, cosmetic manufacturing, and in aromatherapy. It has a drying & stripping effect and is ideal for greasy skin. Not recommended for sensitive or dry skin.
CAUTIONS: None documented
Jojoba Pure and Natural Golden Stunning Oil Haircare Skincare
There is currently a world shortage of jojoba oil, hence the horrendous price. Hopefully after the crop in July the price with get back to normal.
JOJOBA PURE & NATURAL OIL ~ GOLDEN
BOTANICAL NAMEsimmondsia chinensis
Jojobais not actually an Oil, but is a wax, and can be used as facial Oil, and is rapidly absorbed.
AROMATIC:Jojoba has very little scent characteristic of most carrier oils
EXTRACTION METHOD:Cold Pressed
COLOUR: Golden Yellow
CONSISTENCY:Typical of most Carrier Oils.
ABSORPTION:
SHELF LIFE:
USES:Jojoba Oil is a most popular addition to skin care products, and is often used alone as a facial oil as it contains natural collagen, which is almost identical in structure to the collagen present in our skin. Jojoba Oil is superb in Massage Oils (blend up to 20% with another carrier Oil of your choice), Hair Oils, Soaps, and Skin & Hair Preparations.
CAUTIONS: None documented
Macadamia Pure and Natural Use to enhance dry skin blends
BOTANICAL NAMEMacadamia integrifolia
Macadamia Oilis fantastic regenerative oil. It is high in mono-unsaturated fatty acids, contains Palmitoleic acid (promotes young soft skin), as well as omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids. It has been successfully used to help heal scars and sunburns and is considered Very safe with uses in facial and baby products.
AROMATIC:Slight
EXTRACTION METHOD:Cold Pressed
COLOUR: Slightly yellow
CONSISTENCY:Slighter thicker than typical Carrier Oils.
ABSORPTION: Macadamia will leave an oily feeling on the skin
SHELF LIFE:Macadamia oil is extremely slow to go rancid with proper storage conditions (cool, out of direct sunlight, amber glass).
USES:Macadamia is popular in cosmetic manufacturing and in combination with other carrier oils, can be used in both massage and aromatherapy.
PEACH KERNAL 100% PURE & NATURAL OIL superb delicate skincare oil (PEA100)
PEACH KERNEL PURE & NATURAL OIL ~ POURED TO ORDER BOTANICAL NAMEPrunus persica
Peach Kernelis an excellent emollient and is known for its ability to soften and re-condition the skin. It is considered extremely nourishing - particularly when used regularly. It has a very similar consistency to Almond Oil and they are often stated as substitutes for each other.
The tree is native to China and bears a juicy fruit of the same name. It is a small deciduous tree growing to 5–10 m tall.
The scientific name persica derives from an early European belief that peaches were native to Persia (now Iran). The modern botanical consensus is that they originate in China, and were introduced to Persia and the Mediterranean region along the Silk Road in early historical times, probably by about 2000 BC
AROMATIC :Peach Kernel has very little scent characteristic of most carrier oils.
EXTRACTION METHOD:Cold Pressed
COLOUR: Golden Yellow
CONSISTENCY:Typical and Characteristic of Carrier Oils
ABSORPTION: Absorbs into skin at easily.
SHELF LIFE:Peach Kernel is slow to become rancid; users can expect 6 Months to 1 Year with proper Storage (cool, out of direct sunlight). Refrigeration after opening is recommended.
USES: Peach Kernel oil is used in massage, cosmetics and soap manufacturing especially favoured for facial massages as it encourages suppleness and elasticity.
CAUTIONS: None documented
Rosehip Pure Organic Cold Press Oil from Chile It doesn't get any better than this, all mature, damaged or ageing skin, use up to 20% in a blends (ROSH100)
Rosa Rubiginosa(Rosa Mosqueta) Extraction – Chile
Cultivation /Origin: Rosa Rubiginosa is from the seeds contained in the red berry-like fruits or “hips” of a wild rose bush that grows in the cold, lush mountain valley of the southern Andes, in Chile.
Summary of benefits of Rosa Rubiginosa in skin care:
· Hydrates Skin
· Revitalizes
· Increases Elasticity
· Builds Collagen
· Repairs damaged skin, burns, sunburns
· Protects from environment when used as a preventative
· Dry and tired skin becomes balanced and rejuvenated
· Reducing surgical and dermal scars
· Helps reduce wrinkles and fine lines
· Helps reduce stretch marks
SCIENTIFIC STUDIES ON ROSA RUBIGINOSA
What is the component in the oil that makes it work so well on skin? The positive action of Rosa Rubiginosa in helping to regenerate damaged tissues is due to its content of Retinoic Acid in a natural state as part of a complex system of unsaturated essential fatty acids. This component responsible for the remarkable pharmacological properties of Rosa Rubiginosa oil. Retinoic acid is a derivative of Retinol (Vitamin A).The therapeutic effects of the topical application of Vitamin A have been well documented and recognized for 30 years. The most significant results have been found in the treatment of sun-damaged skin. Rosa Rubiginosa produces all the benefits of Retinol (Vitamin A) but without the secondary side effects that are commonly found in products containing retinoic acid that has been synthesized in the laboratory. Its action is controlled and slowly released by nature, eliminating the risk of overdose.
Why use Rosa Rubiginosa Oil instead of a facial crème?
Using the oil to hydrate your face and the delicate skin around the eyes is more effective than a crème for several reasons.
· Natural oils penetrate quickly and completely with gentle massaging instead of rubbing.
· Crèmes leave residue that can clog the pores in the delicate tissue around the eyes. The unique texture of this tissue responds better to the molecular structure of natural oils than to that of crèmes.
· Crèmes are often filled with petro-chemicals and harsh preservatives.
Prevention:
Using Rosa Rubiginosa as a preventative is the best you can do for your skin. It is recommended to start using this oil at age 20, especially for people who burn easily or are exposed to sunlight for long periods of time. Apply once a day to the entire face.
Aging and Sun-Damage:
Rosa oil is very effective in halting and even reversing the effects produced by the UV-rays on the skin. Significant changes can be noticed after the fourth week of continuous application. For extremely sun damaged skin, you should apply Rosa heavily at least twice a day and do not expect results for about 16 weeks.
SOYA BEAN 100% PURE & NATURAL OIL use as vitamin e in all your blends
BOTANICAL NAMESoja hispida
Soya Bean Oilis extremely high in Lecithin, Sterolins, and Vitamin E.
Like corn and some other crops long domesticated by man, the relationship of the modern soya bean to wild-growing species can no longer be traced with any degree of certainty. It is a cultural variety (a cultigen) with a very large number of cultivars. However, it is known that the progenitor of the modern soya bean was a vine-like plant that grew prone on the ground.
Beans are classed as pulses whereas soya beans are classed as oilseeds. The word soy is derived from the Japanese word shoyu (soy sauce/soya sauce).
AROMATIC:Soya Bean Oil has very little scent which is characteristic of most carrier oils
EXTRACTION METHOD:Cold Pressed
COLOUR: Pale yellow
CONSISTENCY:It is slightly thinner in consistency than most carrier oils.
ABSORPTION: Absorbs into the skin readily.
SHELF LIFE:Soya Bean oil is slow to become rancid; users can expect a shelf life of between 1 and 2 years with proper Storage (cool, out of direct sunlight). Refrigeration after opening is recommended.
USES:Soya bean is a stunning oil and is now becoming very popular with forward thinking therapists, principally because the oil is very light, high in vitamin E etc. and a really good alternative to Sweet Almond Oil which is probably the most popular of all carriers. We highly recommend this all for all purposes and it is extremely high in vitamin e. You may find it sold as pure vitamin e by people out to make some money, don't fall for it. There is no such thing as a vitamin e plant. Excellent for massage and giving blends longevity, a cheaper alternative to vitamin e chemical concentrate & wheatgerm. Great in soaps too, an absolute must for your kit.