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Carrier, Essential, and Infused Oils

Watch the video recording of "Enhanced Aromatherapy Formulation: Synergy with infused oils, carrier oils, and essential oils"

Things to Consider with Carrier Oils:

Benefits of the oil Specific constituents Therapeutic actions
Possible allergies
Shelf life
Skin type Environmental factors Personal preference
Texture of the finished product

Learning Outcome Review common carrier oils Review the differences of between essential oils and carrier oils Review methods for making infused oils Review dilution guidelines for topical application Review common topical applications Discuss the phases of emulsion formulation Discuss anhydrous formulation Demonstration of formulae

Common Carrier Oils Used in Aromatherapy

Almond (Prunus amygdalis var dulcis) oil
Apricot Kernel (Prunus armeniaca) oil
Avocado (Persea americana) oil
Camellia (Camellia japonica) oil
Grapeseed (Vitis vinifera) oil
Hazelnut (Corylus avellana) oil
Jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis) oil
Olive (Olea europaea) oil
Safflower (Carthamus tinctorium) oil
Sesame (Sesamum indicum) oil
Sunflower (Helianthus annuus) oil
Wheat germ (Triticum sativum) oil
Cocoa (Theobroma cacao) butter
Coconut (Cocos nucifera) oil
Mango (Mangifera indica) butter
Shea (Vitellaria paradoxa) butter
Evening Primrose (Oenothera biennis) oil
Borage (Borago officinalis) oil
Rose hip (Rosa rubiginosa) oil

Some of the benefits of Carrier Oils:

Fatty acids
Essential fatty acids
Fat-soluble vitamins
Phospholipids
Phytosterols
Therapeutic actions of their own

Anti-inflammatory Antioxidant Emollient Protectant

Differences Between Essential Oils and Carrier Oils

Essential Oil

Produced by specialized cells in many parts of plants
Small range of constituents- Hydrocarbons only
Steam distilled or cold pressed
Volatile

Carrier Oil

Cold pressed only
Extracted from kernel, nut, seed, and sometimes flesh
Not volatile
Range of constituents- Acids, Cholesterols, Essential Oils, Proteins

Infused Oil

Why use infused oil?

Benefits of both the specific carrier oil and the herb
Extracts additional constituents not found in essential oils
Multiple herbs can be used for synergy

Methods of Making Infused Oils

Dried (1/2oz) or fresh (1oz) herb to 8oz carrier oil Solar method: Jar the herbs and oil and set in warm space for several days to a few weeks Water bath method: Use a double boiler on low heat and steep 30 minutes Crock pot method: Jar the herbs and oil and place in a crock pot with ½ inch of water and steep on the lowest setting for 2 hours
Strain through muslin

Things to Consider With Infused Oil: Allergies, Benefits of carrier oil, Benefits of herbs, Shelf life of the carrier oil, Vitamin E to slow rancidity

Diluting for Topical Use

Why Dilute for Topical Use?

Allergic response
Constitution
Medical conditions
Medication interactions
Skin sensitivity
Systemic toxicity

Topical Use Dilution Examples

Generalized dilution ratio

Facial application .25-2% Facial creams or oils Lip balm
Full body application 1.5-5% Massage Body lotion or oil
Acute injury 3-15% Pain Wound care
Spot treatments 10-25% or more Localized rash Bites Nail fungus

Examples of Topical Use Products

The purpose of the product and the type of product should be considered and can guide dilution rates.

Things to Consider With Topical Use

Essential oil contraindications Specific essential oils might require a lower concentration Children, the elderly, and those of lower constitution may need more dilution Frequency of use Duration of Use Less is more

Bath Salts

Relaxation
Pain

Body Oils

Hydration
Soothing
Nourishing

Cold or Hot Compresses

Itch
Pain
Swelling

Liniment

Warming
Joint pain
Muscle pain

Ointments

Antiseptic
Healing
Soothing
Chest rub

Spot Treatments

Antiseptic
Relaxation
Roll-ons

Tube Balms

Antiseptic balm
Lip balm
Bite balm

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