Carrier Oils for your bath products

Carrier Oils

Essential Oils cannot be applied directly to the skin in their pure state; they must be diluted in carrier oils or otherwise known as "base oils". These oils are rich in fatty acids, vitamins and moisturizing nutrients. Carrier oils contain important healing substances that render the skin more elasticity and softness. Once the essential oil has been diluted in a carrier oil, the mixture can be added directly to bath water for a nourishing soak or to be used as a massage oil.

The following is a list of the most common carrier oils that you can use in you bath products. They can be purchased at your local health food stores, Juniper Tree, through mail order or internet.

Almond Oil (sweet) - For all skin types. Softens the skin; relieves itchiness.

Apricot Kernel - Excellent for facial massages; dehydrates; restores skin's glow.

Avocado - For dry skin; easily absorbed; plumps up prematurely lined skin.

Borage - Rich in Gamma linolenic acid; treats eczema and psoriasis; anti-aging properties.

Calendula - Heal cracked skin and rashes.

Carrot seed - Rejuvenates; reduces premature aging and scarring, itching; restores elasticity.

Coconut - Excellent for cracked or brittle skin; helps retain skin's moisture.

Evening Primrose - For dry skin; high in essential fatty acids.

Grape seed - Good for full body massage; odorless and easily absorbed in to the skin.

Hazelnut - Good for oily skin; easily absorbed.

Jojoba - Anti-bacterial; anti-inflammatory; hydrating; good emollient.

Macadamia - Helps maintain the natural moisture level of the skin.

Olive Oil - Disinfecting; healing; excellent for soothing chapped skin.

Passion Fruit - Helps maintain the skin's elasticity.

Rosehip - Promotes tissue regeneration; good for scars, burns and wrinkles.

Safflower Oil - Light texture; easily absorbed.

Sesame - Good natural sunscreen; practically odorless.

Sunflower - Softens the skin; helps the skin maintain its natural level of moisture.

Wheat Germ - Aids muscle and lymph function; good for dry skin; natural antioxidant; strong odor.


Source: Secrets of the Spa...Pamper and Vitalize Yourself at Home by Catherine Bardey, Black Dog and Leventhal Publishing, New York, NY. 1999. Pages 166-167.