You can usually safely substitute one carrier oil for another oil with great results. Coconut oil is one that doesn't interchange well because it is solid at room temperature. Otherwise, you can pick the one that meets your needs or based on what you have on hand unless the recipe states otherwise. Some oils are better used mixed with other oils, such as avocado oil.
What Are Carrier Oils
Carrier oils are vegetable oils made from the seed, nuts, or kernels of plants. You can't apply most essential oils directly to your skin, so you have to dilute them with a carrier oil. These oils are also used in sugar scrub recipes, lotions, balms, lip balms, and salves.
Carrier oils shouldn't have a strong smell, except for unrefined coconut oil. They will have a slight nutty aroma that doesn't affect your final product. If your oil has a strong odor, it could be rancid. Discard it and do not use it.
When you're shopping for an oil, make sure you buy cold pressed oil. Heat can damage the good qualities of the oil, so it's very important to get cold pressed oils.
List of Carrier Oils and Their Benefits
Almond Oil
Almond oil (sweet almond oil) is moisturizing for your skin. It is very versatile, so it works in many types of recipes. It's high in vitamins A and E to nourish your skin. Do not use this oil if you have a nut allergy.
Apricot Kernel Oil
Apricot kernel oil is very gentle, so it's great for sensitive skin or recipes that you make for children. It's also very versatile, so it's a great substitute for almond oil. It's often used in lotion recipes and for hot oil treatments.
Avocado Oil
Avocado oil is high in essential fatty acids and fat soluble vitamins. It's great for sensitive skin or problem skin and eczema. Avocado is usually combine with other carrier oils and not used alone.
Castor Oil
Castor oil is antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal. It's often used on irritated skin. It's usually combined with other oils and not used alone.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is one of my favorite oils because of the heavenly smell. It is also naturally antifungal and antibacterial, so it 's great for lip balms and lotions. It's solid at room temperature, so it will harden a recipe when added. It can be combined with other oils so the final result isn't so hard. Look for unrefined coconut oil, which is the kind that smells like coconut. Refining may use chemicals to extract more oil, and it also bleaches and deodorizes the oil. They may also add sodium hydroxide to extend it's shelf life.
Evening Primrose Oil
Evening primrose oil is used to combat skin dryness and skin irritations. It's great for the skin and hair and is said to reduce the effects of aging. It's also great for eczema.
Flax Seed Oil
Flax seed oil is high in vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids. It's especially great for your hair because it promotes hair growth.
Grapeseed oil is a dry oil, so it isn't as oily on your skin. It's used in hair recipes and skin recipes. It's a natural astringent, so it's great for acne prone or oily skin.
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