Carrier oils are the ‘base oils’ that are commonly used in aromatherapy for diluting essential oils. They are typically derived from nuts, seeds and other plant materials and possess a wide range of therapeutic and healing benefits. Not only do they help ‘carry’ essential oils into the body’s systems where they can start to take effect, they also lubricate the skin to enable massage. Being rich in nourishing, fat-soluble essential fatty acids, vitamins and minerals they are also extremely beneficial for softening and improving the condition of the skin.

Choosing the right carrier oils for massage

As with essential oils there are many different carrier oils to choose from and it can be a little confusing knowing which ones to use for your massage treatments.

Sweet Almond Oil and Grapeseed Oil are the most popular base oils to use for general body massage and Apricot or Peach Kernel are commonly used for facial massage, however, your choice of oil can be much more tailored to your specific requirements. For instance, if you’re looking for an intensive skin treatment you might want to include more nourishing oils such as Avocado or Wheatgerm. We discuss some of the more popular carrier oil options below.

Top carrier oils for massage

Sweet Almond Oil is pressed from the nuts of the Prunus amygdalis tree. It is pale yellow in colour and almost odourless. It is rich in Linoleic acid (a polyunsaturated omega-6 fatty acid), vitamins, minerals and proteins that help to soften, soothe, nourish and revitalise the skin. Sweet Almond Oil is also an excellent lubricant, with an extended slip time, which makes it one of the best multipurpose carrier oils for massage. Avoid with nut allergies.

Apricot (Prunus armeniaca) and Peach (Prunus persica) Kernel oils are virtually identical in their chemical constituents, that include essential fatty acids and vitamins A, B and E. They are light in texture, readily absorbed with a silky feel that makes them a perfect choice for facial massage. Particularly suited to dry, mature or sensitive skin types.

Unrefined Avocado Oil (Persea gratissima) is a deep vibrant green colour with a nutty aroma. It’s a highly nutritious, viscous (thick/sticky) oil that is deeply penetrating. Rich in unsaturated fatty acids, lecithin and Vitamins A, C, D and E this intensive oil is ideal for undernourished, dry, dehydrated and mature skin or skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis. Unrefined Avocado Oil can be used alone but is typically diluted at 20% with a lighter oil such as Sweet Almond (or at 5-10% for the face).

Calendula (Calendula officinalis) is an infused oil produced by infusing marigold flowers in pure Sunflower Seed Oil. It has excellent anti-inflammatory, healing, regenerative properties that ideal for soothing and restoring inflamed, sore, dry or neglected skin. It is also said to be beneficial for thread veins and varicose veins.

Coconut (Cocos nucifera) Oil is solid at room temperature in its natural unrefined state and has a distinctive coconut aroma. Fractionated Coconut Oil is refined so it remains in a liquid state and has no odour. It is a light, easily absorbed, non-greasy oil that is very similar to the skin’s own natural oil, sebum. Its antibacterial, antioxidant and moisturising properties make it ideal for both skincare and massage and it has the added advantage of having a very long shelf life. Note: Coconut is classed as a dry drupe, not a nut. It is quite rare for people with tree nut allergies to also be allergic to coconut.

Evening Primrose Oil is cold pressed from the seeds of Oenothera biennis. It is a rich source of unsaturated fatty acids, in particular gamma-linolenic acid (an omega 6 fatty acid) which is required by every organ in the body including the skin. Evening Primrose Oil helps to promote healthier, younger looking skin and is particularly recommended for dry, damaged, ageing skin and skin problems such as eczema and psoriasis. It is also said to help with hormonal balance.

Grapeseed (Vitis vinifera) Oil is another popular choice for general massage. It is rich in linoleic acid, vitamins and minerals and has a light, fine, non-greasy texture, that is easily absorbed. It is ideal for mixing with a heavier, more nutritious oil if a more intensive skin treatment is required.

Hazelnut (Corylus avellane) Oil is a light, rapidly absorbed, mildly astringent oil that is particularly good for oily or inflamed skin. Hazelnut Oil has high levels of antioxidant Vitamin E help protect against environmental damage and premature ageing, and it may also help to lessen the appearance of thread veins.

Jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis) Oil is actually a liquid wax that is extracted from a South American plant. Its composition closely resembles the skin’s own sebum, which makes it one of nature’s finest emollients. It is light-textured, deeply penetrating and rich in essential fatty acids that moisturise, soften and condition the skin. It is ideal for facial massage and can help to balance oily skin. It can also be diluted with other base oils for general body massage.

Rosehip (Rosa canina) Seed Oil is renowned for its skin regenerating, anti-ageing properties. It contains high levels of essential fatty acids, antioxidant Vitamin E and trans-retinoic acid, a natural form of Vitamin A which promotes a healthier looking, more youthful complexion. It’s a dry oil, that is easily absorbed, making it ideal in facial oils. Rosehip Seed Oil is particularly recommended for dry, mature, damaged, sunburned or scarred skin. Can be used undiluted as a moisturiser or facial oil or diluted at 20% with another carrier oil for massage.

Unrefined Wheatgerm (Triticum vulgare) Oil is a rich, viscous oil that contains a nourishing cocktail of essential fatty acids and vitamins – including high levels of antioxidant Vitamin E. It is particularly good for neglected, out of condition, damaged or scarred skin and dry skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. Wheatgerm Oil has quite a distinctive aroma and is a very heavy oil, so is best added at 5-25% to lighter oils to provide extra nourishment. It also acts as a natural preservative so is excellent for adding to any massage blend to prolong its shelf life (use 1-5% dilution). Note: do not use on people with wheat or gluten allergies.

We hope we’ve demonstrated the importance and versatility of carrier oils, their wide range of benefits and how they can really enrich and add to the therapeutic value of your aromatherapy blends. 

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