Almond Oil (Sweet)-Most popular carrier used. The large molecules in this oil make it a heavier oil best suited for heavy massage or for a very moisturizing cream or salve. Sweet almond oil contains vitamins A, B1, B2 and B6 and a small amount of E. Protects and nourishes the skin. Slight scent. Rich in protein and emollient, nourishing and slow to become rancid.

Apricot Kernel Oil-Medium-light weight oil suitable for massage. Use in cream and lotion recipes. Good for all skins, especially prematurely aged, sensitive, inflamed and dry. Contains minerals and vitamins. Same properties as almond oil. Suitable for body oils and lotions. Slightly more expensive than almond.

Avocado Oil-Medium-heavy weight oil suitable for massage. Use up to one-fourth to a cream or salve base. Contains vitamins A, B, and D and is rich in lecithin. Penetrates the upper layers of the skin so it is best suited for dry skin conditions. Beneficial for wrinkles. Often added in small quantities to other carrier oils. Rich, nourishing and penetrating. Used on fatty areas of skin during massage. Also, becomes slightly sticky when massaged over a large area.

Borage-Helpful for repairing sun damaged, as well as, mature skin. Useful for maintaining healthy skin. More expensive oil.

Calendula-Often added in small quantities to other carrier oils. Used in cosmetic preparations for dry, chapped & cracked skin.

Carrot-Often added in small quantities to other carrier oils. Rejuvenating for neck massage. Rich in many vitamins.

Corn-Contains large amounts of vitamin E. This carrier is acceptable when no other carriers are available.

Evening Primrose-Often added in small quantities to other carrier oils. Rich and nourishing. Good for scaly skin and dandruff preparations.

Grape Seed Oil-Light weight odorless oil suitable for light massage and is water-dispersible in the bath. Contains vitamins, minerals and protein. Good all around oil. Grape Seed oil is not suitable for creams or lotions. "Satiny" finish without the greasy feel. Mildly astringent and useful for acne and oily skin.

Hazelnut Oil- Most penetrating carrier oil. Mild scent. Nourishing and stimulating to the circulation. Medium weight oil suitable for light massage. Perfect for base oil for creams. It is stimulating to the circulation and also has astringent properties so is effective on acne. Contains oleic acid and a small proportion of linoleic acid.

Jojoba -This liquid wax is slow to become rancid. Often added to other carriers as a preservative. "Satiny" finish to the skin. Good for acne and an excellent choice for many aromatherapy uses. A must in many cream and lotion recipes. It is very stable. Jojoba contains myristic acid, which has anti-inflammatory properties.

Kukui Nut Oil- Thin, light and expensive Hawaiian carrier oil. New on the scene, this oil is wonderful for mature, aging skin. Has a slight odor, which can be overcome by adding essential oils. Not offensive. Kukui nut oil is readily absorbed into the skin and leaves the skin soft, conditioned and very moisturized. An excellent oil to add to cream and lotion formulas. Lubricating without the greasy finish. Best when combined in small amounts to other carrier blends.

Macadamia Nut Oil-Medium weight oil suitable for massage. It is highly emollient and a good addition to your cream formulas. Very nice "feel" to the oil when applied to the skin.

Carrier Oils and their properties

There are so many oils on the market today, each with its unique properties. Here is a list that I hope will be helpful to those who are wondering why they should use one oil over the other. I have compiled it from several resources on the internet, in books and from mailing lists.

Carrier Oils

Compiled by Dawn Thebarge