Essential Oils vs Carrier Oils: Differences and Comparison

What are the differences between essential oils and carrier oils (essential oils vs carrier oils)?

Essential oils are concentrated plant extracts containing therapeutic properties, while carrier oils are vegetable-based oils used to dilute essential oils.

Carrier oils are added to essential oil to dilute it before it can be applied to the skin. Both essential oils and carrier oils are used to promote thick and healthy hair.

We will be looking at the key differences between essential oils and carrier oils, how carrier oil can be used to dilute essential oils and more.

What Is Essential Oil?

Essential oils are concentrated plant extracts containing therapeutic properties of the natural plants they are extracted from. It’s a natural oil with the scent and flavour of the plant it’s extracted

The scent and flavour of other sources that essential oils are extracted from are also present in the oil. It’s concentrated and carries the essence of the flowers, seeds, leaves, and different parts of plants it’s extracted from.

Examples of essential oils include orange oil, lavender oil, rosemary oil, cinnamon oil, tee tree oil, sandalwood oil, lemon oil, and peppermint oil.

Essential oils are sold in their raw form. You will find essential oils sold in tinted glass bottles. Essential oils are used when producing cosmetics such as perfume, soap, lotion, cream, shampoo, and bath salt.

Keep in mind that essential oils are highly concentrated and need to be diluted they are applied directly on the skin. There are specific amounts of carrier oil to add to essential oils to dilute them.

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What Is a Carrier Oil?

Carrier oils, also known as base oil or fixed oil are plant-based oils used to dilute essential oils.

They are referred to as carrier oils because they help carry essential oils into the skin. Carrier oils help essential oils to spread unto the skin smoothly.

Carrier oils are extracted from the fatty parts of a plant. Plants like kernels, seeds or nuts. Some examples of carrier oils include coconut oil, sunflower oil, jojoba oil, avocado, oil, hemp oil, hazelnut oil, sesame oil, flaxseed oil, sweet almond oil, apricot kernel oil, and olive oil.

These examples of carrier oils listed above can be applied to the skin and hair. Coconut oil for example is applied on the hair for growth and avocado oil can be massaged into the skin.

Before you choose a carrier you want to apply on your skin, consider your skin type, places you will apply the oil, and any allergies reacting to the oil.

Essential Oils vs Carrier Oils: Differences

Essential oils and carrier oils are often used in massage therapy, skin care, and aromatherapy. However, they are key differences between essential oils and carrier oils.

For example;

Essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts containing therapeutic properties and diluted with carrier oils.
In contrast, carrier oils are plant-based oil or nut oils used to dilute essential oils, so they can be applied to the skin.

Essential Oils vs Carrier Oils: Comparison Chart

Below is a comparison chart that shows the differences between essential oils and carrier oils.

Essential Oils	Carrier Oils
A very common extraction method is cold pressed	They are natural oil extracted from the fatty parts of plants like seeds, and kernels.
Volatile oils that quickly evaporate	Base oils that don’t evaporate
The most common extraction method is steam distillation	Very common extraction method is cold pressed
Highly concentrated and cannot be applied to the skin. Need to be diluted with a carrier oil	Can be applied to the skin, as it requires no dilution. Can also be used to dilute essential oils
Highly aromatic	Have little or no aroma
They offer both aromatherapy benefits and therapeutic properties	Can be applied to the skin, and also nourish, moisturize, and protect the skin.

Difference Between Carrier Oil and Essential Oil

Definition

Carrier oils, also known as base oil or fixed oil are plant-based oils used to dilute essential oils.

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Essential Oils vs Carrier Oils

Scent: Carrier oils or based oils are either lightly scented or unscented. Essential oils on the other hand are highly scented.

Application on Skin: Carrier oils are not concentrated like essential oils and they can be directly applied on the skin.

Essential oils are concentrated plant extracts that cannot be directly applied to the skin.

Nature: Carrier oils or based oils are not very potent or volatile. But essential oils are highly concentrated and volatile.

Source: Carrier oils are sourced from fatty parts of a plant like kernels, nuts or seeds. Essential oils are extracted from leaves, seeds, flowers, roots, and parts of plants.

Examples: Examples of carrier oils include coconut oil, jojoba oil, sweet almond oil, olive oil, and sesame oil. Examples of essential oils include cinnamon oil, orange oil, lavender oil, sandalwood oil, and rosemary oil.

How to Mix Carries Oil with Essential Oils: Common Method

It’s highly recommended that you do a patch test before using any carrier oil. You must find the perfect carrier oil for your skin type.

Always purchase organic carrier oils from reliable and trustworthy manufacturers.

Here are a few tips to help you perform a patch.

Add a little drop of carrier oil just inside your wrist or below your ear
Next, cover the carrier oil with a bandage
After 24 hours, check on that area of the skin
Rinse thoroughly once you notice any irritation

People who are allergic to tree nuts are advised not to use oils extracted from them.

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Diluting essential oils with carrier oils

Here are important dilution guidelines to follow to dilute essential oils with carrier oil.

Add 15 drops of essential oils per 6 teaspoons of carrier oil- 2.5% dilution
20 drops of essential oil per 6 teaspoons of carrier oil- 3% dilution
30 drops of essential oil per 6 teaspoons of carrier oil- 5% dilution
60 drops of essential oil per 6 teaspoons of carrier oil- 10% dilution

Keep in mind this dilution guideline is for adults.

For children

3 to 6 drops of essential oil per 6 teaspoons- 0.5% dilution

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are frequently asked questions on essential oils vs carrier oils.

What are the benefits of using carrier oil?

Carrier oils are good for the skin, as they nourish, moisturize, and protect the skin. Besides being used to dilute essential oils, carrier oils help improve the absorption of essential oils.

How do you choose an essential oil?

For adults, it’s important to consider which essential oil is best for the skin. It’s highly recommended that essential oils are purchased from a reliable and trustworthy manufacturer.

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How do you choose a carrier oil?

Also, considering your skin type is very important when choosing a carrier oil. You want to avoid applying carrier oil made from tree nuts if you are allergic to tree nuts.

Conclusion

Essential oils and carrier oils are both extracted from plants but essential oils are highly concentrated, therefore is not advised to apply to the skin directly. They need to be diluted with carrier oils to help improve absorption.

We hope this article on essential oils vs carrier oils was helpful.

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References

Pediaa: What is the Difference Between Carrier Oil and Essential Oil
Lovingessentialoil: Carrier Oil vs Essential Oil – What’s the Difference? A Quick Guide
Healthline: How to Use Carrier Oils
Curlynikki: The Difference between Essential Oils and Carrier Oils – 4 Really Good Things to Know

Essential Oils vs Carrier Oils: Differences and Comparison

What Is Essential Oil?

What Is a Carrier Oil?

Essential Oils vs Carrier Oils: Differences

Essential Oils vs Carrier Oils: Comparison Chart