What Are Carrier Oils? And How To Use Them To Dilute Your Favorite Essential Oils

New to diluting your essential oils with carrier oils?

Essential oils are 100% natural and have so many wonderful benefits, but it’s important that you handle them with care. These potent oils are highly concentrated, which is why they often come in such small bottles – a little bit goes a long way! Always take time to properly dilute your essential oils with carrier oils before use, especially when applying directly onto your skin. Failure to dilute could cause serious health effects such as skin irritation, burns, photosensitivity, and even illness. But don’t let this scare you away from using essential oils – dilution is really simple and it actually prolongs the life of your oils!

So what is a carrier oil exactly?

The term carrier oil comes from its initial purpose, which is carrying the essential oil onto the skin. Diluting oil with carrier oils also helps control the consistency and potency of essential oils without losing any of their therapeutic effects. An indispensable companion of essential oils, carrier oils are natural, neutral-smelling, and typically have amazing health benefits of their own.

What kind of carrier oils do we carry?

Coconut Oil:

What can’t you use coconut oil for?  Coconut oil can be used daily as a hair oil by applying 1-2 drops onto your finger tips, rubbing both hands together to heat up the oil and running it through the ends only, or use weekly as a mask using about 2-3 tsp and spreading it from your scalp to ends (run through with a brush) – let it sit for 30min to 1 hour, to hydrate dry, brittle hair. Since there is high fat content in coconut oil it also is very hydrating for your skin, which helps prevent wrinkles, and even leads to clearer skin.

Almond Oil:

Almond Oil is a quick absorbing oil and a great source of vitamin E and oleic acid- which makes it another great choice to use as a moisturizer.

One thing that sets almond oil apart from a lot of the other carrier oils is that not only does it moisturize dry hair, it is used to help treat hair loss. Apply 1 tbsp of warm almond oil and massage into scalp every night after cleansing.

How to use as an extensive treatment: Rinse your hair and comb excess water out. Once thoroughly combed, apply warm almond oil to scalp and brush through to the ends. Wrap hair into shower cap. Let it sit for one hour, or overnight if needed.

Jojoba Oil:

The makeup of jojoba oil is very similar to sebum, which is something our skin glands naturally produce to lubricate the face and scalp, jojoba oil mimics the effects and acts as a natural moisturizer as well. It is extremely safe to use, it is non-comedogenic and non-allergenic so it will not clog pores, and can be used safely around the eyes. You can use the oil as a natural and moisturizing make-up remover as well- apply a couple drops onto a cotton ball, swipe across face and neck. Use until face is clean, and don’t worry about the amount used-jojoba oil will not dry your skin. 

How can you use jojoba oil for hair?  Well a couple drops and you can smooth frizzy hair. Men- you can also substitute your beard oil with jojoba oil for awesome results.

Argan Oil:

When using on skin: 1-2 drops of oil on skin. Argan oil is non-greasy and acts as a natural moisturizer that is high in vitamin E and fatty acid contents which is essential for anti-aging purposes. Argan Oil can also help protect hair and skin from UV damage due to its high level of antioxidants- it helps recover sunburns more quickly but also works to protect the skin’s DNA to prevent skin cancer.

When using on hair: to promote hair growth and repair damaged hair use 2-3 drops (depending on length of hair) massage into scalp and run through ends.

How do you dilute your essential oils with our carrier oils?

The dilution ratio depends on the oil and who is using it. Some oils like lavender and ylang ylang are mild, requiring less dilution, while potent oils such as tea tree will need to be diluted more heavily. Use your best judgment and dilute more if you feel a burning sensation or irritation- so be sure to test a small amount at first. 

.25% = 1 drop essential oil + 4 teaspoons of carrier oil

Always dilute .25% when using essential oils on children under the age of 7.

1% = 1 drop essential oil + 1 teaspoon of carrier oil (or 5-6 drops per ounce)

We recommend this ratio for children over the age of 7, pregnant women, and elderly adults.

2% = 2 drops essential oil + 1 teaspoon of carrier oil (or 10-12 drops per ounce)

This ratio works well for most adults.

3% = 3 drops essential oil + 1 teaspoon of carrier oil (or 15-18 drops per ounce)

Use this ratio to treat temporary medical conditions, sore muscles, and congestion.

25% = 25 drops essential oil + 1 teaspoon of carrier oil or 125-150 drops per ounce

Some mild essential oils can be used at this strength for healthy adults, but be cautious.

 

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Comments

  • Marge McNamee

    This article is so helpful. Thank you.

  • Dale M Groff

    I received skin envy as a roll on as a gift. I had regular skin envy. The roll on is even better. I always had issues with my face.

  • Melissa Stephenson

    Exactly what I needed to know! Thank you!!

  • Elizabeth Jane Strachan

    I am so happy with the bracelets, earrings and necklace along w the lavender oil. I shared all w my friends. The bracelets really work along w the lavender oil. I am on a fixed income so my purchases were limited. But, because I believe in the use of essential oils and wanted my close friends to experience the good results…I shared as gifts.
    I will be ordering more soon. Thank You,
    betty

  • Edna A Strickland

    Very helpful information.

  • Carole Martinez

    Helpful info, thank yoi

  • lorayne Guenther

    thanks for info on carrier oils i was wondering about them

  • Tammi R Gemaehlich

    Thank you for all your informational emails I do enjoy reading and learning MORE!! Thank You!

  • Eleanor Torrisi

    This information is so vital to me as I have been researching different ways to mix oils in carrier oils to help different skin, pain, etc. situations. I appreciate so much the information given in this article. It is essential information. Thank You.

  • Darlene West

    This is very helpful. I am excited to use my oils for the many benefits they provide. Thank you so much.

  • Diane

    Always Very Informative – Thank U !

  • Diane

    Again – Very Informative
    Good to know the proper ratios
    to receive the most out of the product !

  • Misha

    This article is a “keeper”. Thanks for sharing the knowledge!

  • Savita

    Very informative indeed

  • Kim

    Is a carrier oil absolutely necessary for a blend if it is just going on a lava bead on a bracelet? Thanks!

    • Katie B

      When using the essential oils on a diffuser bracelet it may not be necessary to dilute with a carrier oil as they are not being applied directly to your skin, with that being said if you have sensitive skin you may wish to dilute the oil before applying to the bracelet.

  • HF

    I recently bought the lavendar oil – can it be used in a diffuser? And is do I need to mix it with a carrier oil before I use it in a diffuser?

    • Katie B

      Lavender oil can be used in the diffuser. It does not need to be diluted with a carrier oil before using it in a diffuser. We recommend diluting essential oils with a carrier oil when applying them to your skin.

  • Anne McCann

    Very helpful in determining how to dilute oils.

  • Roberta Johnson

    I bought Skin Envy in the roll-on plus in the bottle. Do I need to dilute the oil in the bottle or is it ready to go? Love the roll-ons. I have Skin Envy, Lash Envy, Migraine Care and they are all excellent!

    • Katie B

      Our roll-on bottles are prediluted and do not need to be diluted with a carrier oil.

  • Susan Orians

    I ordered your car diffusers recently and was planning on giving them as Christmas gifts, I also ordered a grapefruit and I think an orange citrus oil. Do I need to tell the people I give these to to delute their oils before putting them in the diffusers, or can they put them in as is, since they are not putting them on their skin? Thank you, Susan Orians

    • Katie B

      The oils do not need to be diluted before using in a diffuser.

  • Renate

    This was indeed helpful.

  • Heather

    This info on carrier oils is very helpful. Does Vitality Extracts carry empty roll-on bottles to make personal blends? Thank you.

    • Katie B

      We do not carry empty roll-on bottles at this time.

  • Sallyann Dewing

    I’ve bought the roll ons. Do I need to dilute these or have they already been done?

    • Katie B

      The roll-on bottles include fractionated coconut oil. They do not need to be further diluted.

  • VickieG

    This information is very helpful. I knew about Carrier Oils, though I did not know the exact ratios for dilution. Vitality Extracts you are awesome! Immense Love and Light!!!

  • Brenda mcminn

    Very interesting and informative information.
    Thank you!

  • Fay Mitchell

    CanI use Jobajoba in my diffuser because the mosquitos hate it.
    Could I add a few drops of lavender as well

    • Katie B

      We do not recommend using carrier oils in a diffuser as it can clog the diffuser. You can put a few drops of Lavender oil in your diffuser.

  • Jean F Burkholder

    I’m new to oils. How and where do you mix the essential and carrier oils?

    • Katie B

      Before applying any essential oil topically we recommend diluting it with a carrier oil. Dilute 1 drop of essential oil with 1 teaspoon of carrier oil (increase or decrease based on preference/sensitivity) then apply to the desired area as needed. Diluted essential oils can be stored in a dark glass bottle. In a cool place away from light.

  • Nancy

    I bought the skin envy. It said it would assist in reducing wrinkles and tired skin. But I don’t really know how to use it. I’ve been washing my face and then just dabbing the oils around the outside of my eyes and above my lips and around the outside of my mouth. Is this accurate. I bought three bottles of this and now I feel a little confused as to my purchase. Thanks so much Nancy

    • Katie B

      How to use Skin Envy
       
      Use it after washing your face in the morning, before sunscreen or before bed as a nighttime moisturizer. Apply a few drops of oil to your fingerprints. Gently dab or pat the oil into the skin’s pores on your face and neck to help the skin absorb the oil quicker.
       
      The Skin Envy essential oil blend is pre-diluted with 100% Pure Fractionated Coconut Oil for safe topical use.

      How to use Skin Envy Rollon :
      Roll the bottle between your hands before each use to ensure the essential oils are properly mixed. Use it after washing your face in the morning, before sunscreen or before bed as a nighttime moisturizer. Simply roll it to your face or any problem area.
       
      The Skin Envy Roll-On is pre-diluted with 100% Pure Fractionated Coconut Oil for safe topical use.

  • Kathy

    I am new to essential oils. I purchased hair envy do I need a carrier oil also?
    I also purchased a roll on nail envy I assume I use that directly.
    Thank you in advance for your support.
    Kathy

    • Katie B

      Hair Envy does not need an additional carrier oil as some of the oils in the Hair Envy blend are considered carrier oil. Our roll-on bottles can be used directly on the skin.

  • Delmer Ballmer

    Yes, I love this place

  • Karen Hummel

    I am going to mix a rollon for peaceful pup. How many drops to 1 tsp of carrier oil should I use for active, energetic boxer 6mos to 10 months old?

    • Katie B

      The Peaceful Pup blend includes Almond oil and does not need an additional carrier oil.

  • Lynn Bankey

    good place to share

  • Trisha

    I ordered energy essential oil. What carrier oil should I use?

    • Katie B

      You can use the carrier oil of your preference. Almond oil, Argan oil, Fractionated coconut oil, and Jojoba oil are the most commonly used carrier oils.

  • Kathy

    I am a bit confused if carrier oils are needed with the Hair Envy product. It did not seem so in the HE product directions. But this article made me wonder. I am purchasing for my daughter who has hair loss due to chemo. Any suggestions?

    • Katie B

      Hair Envy does not need additional carrier oils as there are multiple oils in the blend that are considered carrier oils. We recommend discussing the ingredients of any essential oils she wishes to use with her doctor before using.

  • Vicki hale

    I just placed an order. It is for my skin and face. Not my hair. Do I need a carrier oil???
    Vicki hale

    • Katie B

      When applying topically we recommend diluting essential oils with a carrier oil before applying them. Some of our blends contain carrier oils and do not need additional carrier oil.

  • Joyce Schroeder

    Didn’t realize I needed a carrier oil with the essential oils. I just put through an order for 3 bottles of the Immunity bundle. Which carrier will work the best?

    • Katie B

      Which carrier oil to use is largely personal preference. Almond oil, Argan oil, Fractionated coconut oil, and Jojoba oil are the most commonly used carrier oils.

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