Ebooks MY/SG/PH Topical Use of Essential Oils | Page 8

Carrier oils
In the world of essential oils, a carrier oil is an oil that literally carries essential oils
to the desired area on the skin. Carrier oils are primarily used for dilution. When
you dilute an essential oil with a carrier oil, it will dilute the potency of the
oil, however, it will increase absorption into the skin, which will ultimately
allow you to maximize the benefits that the essential oil has to offer.
Ideally, a carrier oil should be a pure vegetable oil so that it can easily
dissolve an essential oil without damaging the delicate chemical profile
of the oil. If an essential oil’s chemical makeup is altered or damaged
in any way, it will reduce the efficacy of the oil, and you will not reap
the desired benefits. The following carrier oils are commonly used to
effectively dilute essential oils:
- Avocado oil
- Walnut oil
- Macadamia nut oil
- Sweet almond oil
- Linseed oil
Fractionation
- Sunflower oil
- Olive oil
- Coconut oil
Carrier oils contain long fatty acids that
are known to oxidize over time. During
the process of fractionation, the shorter
length fatty acid chains are separated
out in order to give the oil a longer
shelf life.
In most cases, carrier oils contain chemical components that can oxidize over time.
You may notice oils that have been fractionated, or have gone through the process
of fractionation, to help prolong the shelf life of the carrier oil. dōTERRA uses
Fractionated Coconut Oil as a carrier oil due to its long shelf life and because it has
a non-greasy, lightweight feel.
Black Pepper
Cassia
Cinnamon
Clove
Geranium
Lemongrass
Oregano
Essential oils that should always be diluted before topical use:
Thyme