Essential Oils vs. Carrier Oils: Which One Should You Opt For?

Essential oils and carrier oils have become popular worldwide in the health and beauty genre due to the numerous benefits they possess. Even though both types of oils carry unique properties, they are used in haircare, skincare, and overall wellness regimen. Essential oils comprise highly concentrated plant extracts having potent, light, and non-greasy properties, whereas carrier oils are lipid, fatty extracts extracted from seeds of the plant that can dilute essential oils. This makes essential oils safe for direct application on the skin.

Over the years, essential oils have become quite popular for their cosmetic benefits and pleasant aromas. This is the reason why many individuals have become keen on incorporating these into their routines safely and effectively. However, there are still critics who debate whether one should use essential oils, carrier oils, or use them together. In this blog, we will discuss an in-depth comparison of essential oils vs carrier oils. Besides this, we will understand their differences, common usage, advantages, and how to use essential oils and carrier oils together for maximum benefits.

What are Essential Oils?

Essential oils are highly potent plant-based compounds extracted from leaves, flowers, citrus peel, stems, and various parts of the plant. To preserve the natural compound responsible for unique aromatic properties, these oils are extracted using the methods of steam distillation and cold pressing. The reason why these oils are called “essential” as they carry the core aromatic essence of the plant, which holds its distinctive chemical components. Just to yield 6-8 ounces of essential oil, it can take up to 100 lbs of plant material. 

Essential oils are highly concentrated; just a few drops can have a significant impact. Besides, they are also volatile, which means, if not stored properly, they can turn into gas in a fraction of a second. The highly concentrated properties provide essential oils with unique and strong aromatic effects, making them beneficial for skincare, haircare, and aromatherapy. Lavender, tea tree, frankincense, and eucalyptus essential oils are some of the best essential oils for skin. However, these oils should be diluted with carrier oils to prevent any potential irritation.

Here are some commonly used essential oils:

• Lavender

• Peppermint

• Tea tree

• Frankincense

• Rosemary

• Lemon

• Eucalyptus

• Bergamot

• Chamomile

• Cedarwood

What are the Common Uses of Essential Oils?

Essential oils have widespread applications in various industries, including skincare, haircare, DIY, the food industry, and so on. The possession of aromatic advantages and unique characteristics makes them vital for numerous applications. Essential oils play a vital role in aromatherapy. Aromatherapists believe that these oils can help to improve mood and relieve tension.

Essential oils also act as the core ingredient for various skincare and haircare products. These oils can also be used as an alternative to synthetic chemicals used in personal care and the household. One can also make DIY candles, linen sprays, bath bombs, and massage oils by combining essential oils with other components.

What are Carrier Oils?

Carrier oils are organic, plant-based, fatty oils extracted from nuts, whole fruits, or seeds. In contrast to essential oils, carrier oils are non-volatile, mild, and contain deep nourishing properties. This is the reason why carrier oils are widely used for skincare, haircare, and massage therapy. Expeller pressing and cold pressing are the two methods that are used to extract these oils, making sure that their beneficial compounds,i.e., vitamins, fatty acids, and antioxidants, are retained properly. 

The reason these are called “carrier” oils is that they are used to dilute essential oils and assist in delivering the powerful molecules of essential oils through our skin into our bodies.  Besides making essential oils safe for usage, carrier oils provide powerful haircare and skincare benefits, making them vital to natural beauty and health regimens. To make sure the carrier oil remains stable and doesn’t produce an odd smell, additional processing steps are carried out before being bottled and made available for sale. 

Here are some commonly used carrier oils:

• Argan oil

• Coconut oil

• Grapeseed oil

• Olive oil

• Sweet Almond oil

• Avocado oil

• Castor oil

• Hemp Seed oil

• Rosehip oil

What are the common uses of carrier oils?

Carrier oils are said to have moisturizing, nourishing, and protective qualities, which is the reason why they’re widely used in skincare, haircare, and overall wellness regimens. They are used for multiple roles as they can successfully dilute essential oils in addition to the numerous benefits of their own. Carrier oils are used during massages as they help in creating a smooth and nourishing base. It also reduces friction and guides essential oils to absorb into the skin.

Offering a wide range of benefits, carrier oils are also used in skincare and haircare products such as face serums, moisturizers, shampoos, conditioners, and so on. One of the prominent uses of carrier oils is for diluting strong essential oils and helping the plant compounds get absorbed into the skin. 

Essential Oils vs. Carrier Oils: Which one should you choose?

Though both essential oils and carrier oils have distinct purposes and functions, both these oils play a crucial part when we talk about the health and beauty industry. So, understanding the key differences between these two kinds of oils is important for utilising the resources and maximising benefits from them.

The choice between essential oils and carrier oils entirely depends on the type of result you wish to achieve. If you want strong and unique aromatic results, essential oils will be the right choice. However, they must be diluted with carrier oils before applying directly to the skin. Carrier oils can be a great choice if you require gentle application with some pre-defined benefits. Depending upon your skin’s sensitivity and the type of oil you use, it’s important to use a drop or two of essential oil for every tablespoon of carrier oil. 

Final Thoughts

To sum up, both essential oils and carrier oils play a vital role in improving skincare, haircare, and wellness regimens. Essential oils come with strong and unique aromatic properties, whereas carrier oils ensure safe and reliable application. By understanding the unique properties of both types of oils and learning how to combine them, you can optimize sv their ability to get the best results.

Remember, while choosing a product or oil, make sure it's premium, organic, and appropriate for your skin and hair type. From creating a DIY product, practising aromatherapy, or taking care of your skin and hair, an ideal blend of both essential oils and carrier oils can have a positive impact on your self-care procedures. Nature has an abundance of gifts to offer, and you can always benefit from those gifts if you explore them with attention and great care.  

Disclaimer

SVA Organics supplies essential oils for industrial use only. We do not guarantee them to heal, cure, prevent, or detect any ailment or disease. SVA Organics does not ensure 100% accuracy of any of the information that is published here.

CAUTION: If pregnant, nursing, or under a doctor's care, consult a physician. Discontinue use if irritation occurs. Avoid contact with the eyes. Keep out of children's reach.