What is a carrier oil?
A carrier oil is a vegetable oil—such as coconut oil, olive oil, or grapeseed oil—that can be used to dilute essential oils. It is necessary to dilute some concentrated essential oils because they are less likely to irritate or sensitize the skin. Carrier oils are also healing in their own right. They carry unique therapeutic and nutritive properties, which means the benefits are seemingly endless.
Carrier oils ensure that essential oils applied topically are comfortable to the skin. Dilution with a carrier oil does not dilute the effect of the essential oil. In fact, it prevents waste due to excessive application. Look for dilution ratios on Young Living essential oil bottles. You can also read my post about dilution rates here. Many essential oils are appropriate for use on children but most need be diluted with a carrier oil prior to use, whereas adults may apply many oils neat, or undiluted.
Vegetable shortening, butter, margarine, or petroleum derivatives (such as mineral oil, baby oil, and petroleum jelly) should never be used as carrier oils.
Hot oils are oils that can cause a hot or warming sensation when applied to the skin. Examples of hot oils and blends include: Cinnamon, Clove, Lemongrass, Oregano, Thyme, Exodus II™, and Thieves®. For some people, Peppermint’s cooling sensation can be too intense.
Young Living recommends using a patch test procedure for hot oils prior to first use. To perform a patch test, apply 1–2 drops of essential oil to a patch of skin such as the forearm. Observe that area of skin over the course of 1–2 hours for any noticeable reaction; however, reactions occur usually within 5–10 minutes. If you experience a hot or burning sensation or develop a rash, add a carrier oil to the affected area as often as needed.
Here are some of the common carrier oils, their benefits and uses. Here are the ones I've tried, and I have links to them on Amazon on my Resources tab (toward the bottom of the page under "Supplies Kate Likes"). When in doubt? Use Fractionated Coconut Oil or Young Living's V-6 (see below). Don't stress about deciding which carrier oil to use!
Almond Oil (sweet): Slow absorption. Sensitive, dry, inflamed and sore skin. Suitable for acne-prone skin. Stimulate circulation, anti-inflammatory, facilitate wound healing, maintain skin tightness and elasticity.
Avocado Oil: Slow absorption. Gentle, nourishing, light in texture, non-greasy residue, anti-aging, use on sensitive skin, cleansing and softening, antioxidant.
It's not an easy question to answer, because different carrier oils have their own different benefits that you may or may not want when creating your own blends. I found this website helpful because it explains some of the benefits of the different carrier oils, and why you might choose one versus another for different situations: The Truth About Cancer.
Young Living's V-6 Enhanced Vegetable Oil is a blend of six oils: coconut, sesame, grapeseed oil, sweet almond oil, wheat germ oil, sunflower oil, and olive oil. It's an easy multi-purpose oil if you are not interested in getting more than one.
No matter what carrier oil you choose, you want one that is cold-pressed and unrefined.