Carrier Oils.

Carrier oils are gentle, nourishing oils, into which essential oils are mixed. The essential oils can add more benefits to the carrier oil, and the carrier oil is to dilute the essential oil and augment its usability.

Carrier oils are generally olive oil, canola oil, jojoba oil, walnut oil, almond oil, light sesame oil, flax seed oil, coconut oil, shea butter, and others made from pressing seeds and nuts, rather than distilling, which is how essential oils are derived from wood, leaves, flowers, and fruits. Generally people like to use the lightest versions of the oils when available.

Castor oil and Vitamin E oil are acceptable carrier oils in some situations. Both of these oils are very thick and sticky. Castor oil is usually mixed with another carrier oil. Castor oil is quite good for cleansing and purifying the skin, pulling stuff out of the pores. It is less gentle than other carrier oils, and can dry out the skin if used too much. Vitamin E oil is often used in small amounts, usually as a preservative to keep the other oils from going rancid. Vitamin E oil is very antioxidant and therefore makes an excellent spot healer.