The Unsung Heros of Herbalism and Aromatherapy
Carrier oils are the unsung heroes in the world of aromatherapy and natural skincare. They play a crucial role in diluting essential oils, enhancing their absorption, and providing additional nourishment to the skin. Beyond their basic use, carrier oils can also be infused with herbs to create effective remedies and skincare products. In this guide, we’ll explore the benefits of various carrier oils, their suitability for infusing herbs, and how to choose the right oil for your needs.
Understanding Carrier Oils
Carrier oils are derived from the fatty parts of plants, such as seeds, nuts, and kernels. Each carrier oil has unique properties and benefits, making them suitable for different skin types and uses. Infusing herbs into carrier oils is a traditional method to extract the therapeutic properties of herbs, flowers, roots, and other plant parts. The choice of oil for infusing depends on the intended use, the shelf life required, and the stability of the oil.
Popular Carrier Oils and Their Benefits
Almond, Apricot, & Plum Kernel Oils: All are from the rose family, and are quite similar and rather interchangeable. Lightweight and easily absorbed, these oils are excellent for all skin types. They have a shorter shelf life compared to olive oil but are still effective for infusions.
Avocado Oil: A stable oil that is high in oleic acid, rich in vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. Avocado oil to be ideal for daily use for mature skin, is soothing, and can repair skin damage.
Jojoba & Meadowfoam Oil: These oils both contain high amounts of long-chanin fatty acids, allowing them to be rather shelf-stable. These oils closely resemble the skin’s natural sebum, allowing them to be perfect for all skin types, especially oily or acne-prone skin.
Coconut Oil: Known for its moisturizing properties, coconut oil is solid at room temperature and melts on contact with the skin. It’s ideal for dry or sensitive skin. It has been shown to be antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and can relieve chronic skin issues.
Olive Oil: A classic choice for infusions. High in oleic monounsaturated fatty acids and rich in antioxidants like polyphenols, it provides a stable base for long-lasting herbal infusions and is deeply hydrating, making it excellent for dry or mature skin, but it does have a slightly oily feel.
Sesame Oil: Lighter on the skin than olive oil, sesame oil isanti-inflammatory and offers nourishment for skin, hair and nails. It has a shorter shelf-life than most other oils. Do not use the toasted variety for topical use as it does not have the same qualities.
Sunflower & Safflower Seed Oil: LIght texture with a non-greasy feel, ideal for a variety of skin types.
Camellia Seed Oil & Hazelnut Oil: Known as dry oils due to their light, non-greasy feel the skin, thanks to their high tannin content. They contain antioxidants that help maintain their shelf life. These oils are ideal for oily, irritated skin as these oils tighten pores, promote circulation and are nourishing.
Macadamia Nut Oil: Similar to avocado and apricot kernel oils. Nourishing and protective for the skin while also offering antimicrobial properties. Ideal option for a massage oil base for mature or damaged skin.
Hemp Seed Oil: Packed with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, hemp seed oil is highly moisturizing and helps reduce inflammation. It’s suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.
Rosehip Oil: Known for its regenerative properties, rosehip oil is rich in vitamins A and C. It’s excellent for reducing scars, fine lines, and hyperpigmentation.
Heavy, Medium, and Light Oils
Understanding the weight and absorption rate of different oils can help you create the perfect skincare product tailored to your needs.
Heavy Oils
Heavy oils take longer to absorb into the skin, making them ideal for very dry skin types but can make products feel greasy. These oils are excellent for conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and extremely dry or sensitive skin.
Olive oil
Coconut oil
Macadamia oil
Avocado oil
Medium Oils
Medium oils strike a balance between absorption rate and moisturizing ability. They are versatile and work well when combined with lighter or dry oils for a balanced feel.
Almond oil
Apricot kernel oil
Hazelnut oil
Hemp seed oil
Meadowfoam oil
Plum kernel oil
Light Oils
Light oils are quickly absorbed into the skin, leaving a non-greasy feel. They are perfect for making skin care products that feel light and luxurious.
Camellia oil
Jojoba oil
Rosehip seed oil
Safflower oil
Seasame oil
Sunflower oil
Making Herbal Infused Oils
Infusing herbs into carrier oils can be done in two primary ways:
Single Herb Infusions: This method involves infusing a single herb into a carrier oil. It offers flexibility as the infused oil can later be blended with other infused oils to create specific products as needed.
Herbal Blend Infusions: I prefer to pre-blend my herbs with a specific intention in mind and infuse them all together. While this method has its limitations, I find it ideal for creating small batches with specific intentions for the infused oils.
Tips for Infusing Herbs
Choose High-Quality Oils: Cold-pressed, unrefined oils retain the most nutrients and benefits. Look for oils that have a decent shelf-life as this effects the shelf-life of the final product.
Proper Storage: Store infused oils in a cool, dark place to prolong their shelf life. Some oils may benefit from refrigeration.
Use Dried Herbs: With just a few excepts, such as St. John's Wort, it is ideal to use dried herbs when infusing into a carrier oil, as the moisture content of fresh herbs increases the likelyhood of the oil spoiling.
Infusing Resins: Resins like pine resin or frankincense are excellent choices for infusing carrier oils. The finer the resin is ground, the better the infusion results. Infusing over heat can often yield better results compared to the slower folk method of letting it sit on the shelf for a month.
If you would like more information on how to make an herbal infused oil, check out the article, Herbal Infused Oils - Why and How
Conclusion
Carrier oils are truly the unsung heroes in the world of aromatherapy and natural skincare. They are not just for diluting essential oils and moisturizing the skin; they play a pivotal role in infusing herbs to create effective remedies and personalized skincare solutions. Each oil offers unique benefits that cater to specific skin needs. Whether you are crafting a blend for deep hydration or soothing sensitive skin, understanding these oils' properties allows for tailored formulations. Explore the versatility of carrier oils and herbal infusions to elevate your holistic skincare and aromatherapy practices.
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