If you use essential oils, there's no doubt you've used a carrier oil to dilute your essential oils. Carrier oils are mainly oils extracted from the nuts, seeds or kernels of plants.

As they are fairly neutral, carrier oils compliment essential oils and are an excellent choice for diluting essential oils for skin and hair products such as massage oils, scrubs, salves, lotions and balms.

Why All Carrier Oils Are Not Created Equal

Essential oils are volatile, meaning they evaporate quickly leaving behind the concentrated potent aroma of the plant - this makes them too strong to use directly. Carrier oils don't evaporate and don't exude a strong aroma, making them the perfect companion for essential oils as they retain and carry all the medicinal properties of essential oils. Also, based on the essential oils you are using, you have full control on concentration levels by deciding the ratio of each essential oil to carrier oil.

But there's more to carrier oils than meets the eye. Different carrier oils carry their own amazing therapeutic properties based on the essential fatty acids and natural nutrients they contain, that might often get overlooked as most of the focus is on the essential oils being paired with them. These characteristics of each carrier oil influence their unique application and their shelf-life. Pairing your essential oils with the right carrier oils can be extremely beneficial in realizing the full benefits of what you are trying to achieve.

That said, it's important to note that just any oil from your kitchen might not serve as a good carrier oil (shortening, butter and margarine are best left in the fridge) and especially any petroleum-based oils like mineral oil or baby oil contain unnatural solvents that don't do anything to enhance the healing properties of essential oils.

In this post we'll take a look at some of the best carrier oils for essential oils, their own unique medicinal properties and why they belong in your medicine cabinet!

Here are the top 20 best carrier oils for essential oils:

1. Coconut Oil

By far coconut oil is one of the most popular carrier oils used to dilute essential oils and for good reason. Coconut oil, derived from the fruit of the coconut tree, is a super-oil full of naturally present antioxidants and is an excellent antifungal, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial. It is exceptional for nourishing the hair, nails and skin. Its almost 50% content of lauric acid means that coconut oil can retain a long shelf life and improve good cholesterol (HDL). It is also great for dry skin and treating skin conditions as it has natural deep moisturizing properties.

When buying coconut oil look for unrefined coconut oil as that does not go through the process of chemical extraction. Also you can buy coconut oil that is solid at room temperature and works well for making home-made balms and creams and smells great, or fractionated coconut oil which is liquid at room temperature and has almost no aroma.

2. Olive Oil

Extracted from the fruit of the olive tree, olive oil has an incredible number of health benefits and does a lot more than just cook and flavor food!

With 75% oleic acid, this popular cooking oil is excellent for your heart and cardiovascular system and can actually lower bad (LDL) cholesterol and increase good (HDL) cholesterol. It is also a potent anti-inflammatory and helps to reduce resistance to insulin.

Olive oil is a light oil with a fruity aroma that is not overpowering so it works well for blending most essential oils. Being non-greasy you can use it for almost any skin or hair type as it does not clog skin pores or leave hair locks looking greasy. It is excellent for dandruff, frizzy hair and dry skin.

When buying olive oil there are countless brands available - make sure not to buy the very cheap brands as these are more refined and may be mixed with other oils in the manufacturing process. Unrefined extra virgin olive oil is the best as no heat or chemicals are used in the extraction process and it contains the highest concentration of oleic acid.

3. Jojoba Oil

Comprised of over 75% eicosenoic acid, a long omega-9 fatty acid that cannot be digested by humans, but most closely resembles human sebum - jojoba oil is famous for being the carrier oil that is closest to mimicking the natural oil secretions of human skin! This makes it an excellent moisturizer for using on areas like the face and neck that may otherwise look oily with other carrier oils.

The oil is extracted from the seeds of the jojoba tree and has a light nutty aroma. Jojoba oil is a natural anti-fungal and works well when combined with essential oils that also have anti-fungal properties and are used for topical fungal infections.

With the longest chain of essential fatty acids than any other carrier oil and its ability to resist oxidation, jojoba oil holds a long shelf-life. Its high rate of absorption make it one of the top carrier oils on our list.

How to use jojoba oil:

1. Natural Make-up Remover: Stop using chemical-filled makeup removers! Jojoba oil removes makeup naturally from the face and eye area and actually nourishes the skin at the same time. Simply soak a cotton ball with the oil and use it to remove makeup, dirt and grime.

2. Cracked Feet and Hands: Soak hands and feet in warm water for 10 minutes (add your favorite essential oil from UpNature to enhance relaxation or invigorate!), dry with a towel and massage in the oil.

3. Protect From Sunburn: Does your skin get red from exposure to the sun? This means your skin is getting damaged from UV ray exposure. Reduce inflammation by applying jojoba oil to affected areas.

Find premium, certified USDA Organic Jojoba Oil at UpNature. GMO Free. No toxins. Unfiltered and undiluted. Therapeutic grade.

4. Sweet Almond Oil

Highly rich in Vitamin E and an excellent natural antioxidant, sweet almond oil is extracted from the dried fruit of the almond tree.  It's high vitamin E content makes it an optimal choice for nourishing the skin, regenerating new skin cells and keeping in moisture, making it a great choice for  those who have dry skin.

It's natural antioxidant properties help protect from the damaging effects of the sun, and it's high concentrations of both oleic and linoleic acids help to relieve inflammation and soothe irritated skin. 

Being non-greasy and hypoallergenic, it makes an excellent massage oil (especially for infants) and its rich Vitamin E content can actually help repair damage in the collagen layer of the skin, making facial skin smooth and supple and reducing wrinkles. Sweet almond oil makes our list for one of the top oils of choice for nourishing the skin, hair and nails. 

5. Argan Oil

Best known for its anti-aging properties and promoting hair growth and repairing hair damage and split ends,  if you haven't heard of or used argan oil, you're missing out on a carrier oil that is loaded with rich, nourishing properties and healing benefits! No wonder top-notch cosmetic companies are using it in their high-end formulations.

Argan oil is extracted from the fruit of the Moroccan argan tree (Argania spinosa). Rich in antioxidants, Vitamin A and E, and oleic and linoleic fatty acids, argan oil is especially beneficial for healing inflammation and damage caused by UV rays of the sun, reducing the appearance of stretch marks and scars and promoting healthy cuticles and nails.

It is one of the best oils to use for regenerating skin cells, making it an excellent choice for anti-aging salves and lotions.

How to use argan oil:

1. Fight Acne: Tired of using acne products that dry out the skin? Combine 1-2 drops of argan oil (a little goes a long way) with a drop of tea tree essential oil and dab onto problem areas. Tea tree oil has proven, wonderful antibacterial and antifungal properties that compliments argan oil's anti-inflammatory properties beautifully, to get rid of acne and reduce scarring naturally.
 

2. Reduce Stretch Marks: Apply a couple of drops of warm argan oil and gently rub into the affected areas. Vitamin E and A in argan oil rejuvenate the problem areas and nourish the skin.

3. Anti-aging Moisturizer: Apply 1 drop of argan oil on your fingertips and tap into the wrinkle-prone areas of your face, such as around the nose and the temple area. Use the same gentle tapping motion and apply a drop under your eye area as well every night before you sleep. The rich Vitamin E and Vitamin A content in argan oil will help to reduce fine lines and wrinkles and impede premature aging.

4. Natural Hair Conditioner: Argan oil makes an excellent natural leave-in conditioner to bring back glow and shine, reduce frizz and promote hair growth. Depending on the length of your hair use 1 to 3 drops and massage in the scalp while running your hands through your hair and finally rub it in well at the end tips of your hair.

Find premium, certified USDA Organic Argan Oil at UpNature. GMO Free. No toxins. Unfiltered and undiluted. Therapeutic grade.

6. Avocado Oil

The fruit of the avocado tree is almost one-third oil and is one of the thickest, most luxurious oils on our list! Avocado oil is also a good oil to use for anti-aging as it contains palmitoleic acid, a type of fatty acid that is found naturally in human fatty tissues just under the skin. Since avocado oil mimics this fat, the skin absorbs it in, especially providing excellent nourishment for older, mature skin that has thinned with age.

Avocado oil contains high concentrations of oleic and linoleic fatty acids making it a potent anti-inflammatory and along with other naturally present nutrients and antioxidants as well at vitamins A, D & E, this carrier oil is ideal for irritable skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema.

Due to its high viscosity, avocado oil dries slowly making it a good carrier oil for massage. To make it more free flowing it can be blended with another carrier oil such as olive oil or sweet almond oil.

7. Grapeseed Oil

Just like the name suggests, grapeseed oil is extracted from the seeds of grapes. Grape seeds are loaded with antioxidants and other beneficial nutrients, making grapeseed oil high in proteins, minerals, vitamin E and linoleic acid (a natural anti-inflammatory). Grapeseed oil is used for both cooking and cosmetics, but only grapeseed oil labeled as food-grade should be used in culinary applications.

Grapeseed oil does not make skin greasy so it is widely used in many manufactured cosmetics and you can find it in sunscreens, creams, lotions and other cosmetic products. It also has antiseptic properties and is a mild astringent, making it a good carrier oil for acne-prone skin or oily skin. Being lighter than coconut oil for example, grapeseed oil moisturizes and nourishes hair without making it greasy and works well to combat dandruff.

8. Moringa Oil

Hailing from the 'Miracle Tree,' people all over the world are now discovering the many benefits of moringa oil!  Extracted from the seeds of the Moringa Oleifera (drumstick or horseradish) tree, the oil has been used for centuries and has some amazing medicinal properties for skin and hair health.

Containing almost 70% oleic acid, an essential omega-9 fatty acid, moringa oil contains nutrients that can strengthen cell membranes and repair damaged cells and is especially beneficial for skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and rosacea.

Cold-pressed moringa oil is rich in antioxidants and is a powerful anti-inflammatory. Research suggests that it inhibits oxidative stress making it excellent to use for anti-aging. The vitamin A content in the oil supports the production of collagen, helping to rejuvenate dull, sagging skin and improving the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Moringa oil works wonders for the skin as a fast-absorbing natural moisturizer and can also accelerate wound healing. It makes an excellent natural conditioner to nourish the hair and scalp and can protect the hair from UV radiation and environmental damage.

How to use moringa oil:

1. Heal Scars: Apply 1-2 drops of moringa oil to scars, blemishes and minor burns. Being a natural anti-inflammatory with powerful nutrients, moringa oil naturally helps to repair scars, reduce inflammation and speed up healing.

2. Natural Hair Conditioner: Massage a little moringa oil into damp hair and leave it on as a natural hair conditioner. The oil helps eliminate dandruff, and also promotes thicker hair growth by providing essential nutrients to hair follicles.

3. Pain Reliever for Arthritis: Moringa oil's natural proven anti-inflammatory properties work well to relieve the pain and inflammation of arthritis. Combined with powerful essential oils, its benefits are extended to provide quick relief for joint pain. Mix 8-10 drops of eucalyptus essential oil (an excellent analgesic) with 1 tsp. of moringa oil and rub into the affected areas.

Find premium, Cold-pressed Moringa Oil at UpNature. GMO Free. No toxins. Unfiltered and undiluted. Therapeutic grade.

9. Apricot Kernel Oil

Obtained from the kernels or seeds of apricots, apricot kernel oil is a gentle, light oil with a slight nutty aroma, and has properties and applications similar to sweet almond oil. Usually used as a massage oil, it makes the skin soft and supple and does not leave any greasy residue behind.

The high content of both oleic and linoleic acid make this oil an excellent anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial. The high antioxidant content in apricot kernel oil make it great for protecting the skin from free radicals. The non-greasy properties of the oil make it a good carrier oil to use for oily facial skin and whole-body massage, as well as dry, irritated or sensitive skin.

10. Castor Oil

Obtained from the seeds of the castor bean plant, castor oil has been used for centuries to treat constipation, ailments of the skin and improve hair health. However, new research has shown that the benefits of castor oil go far beyond that. Castor oil can increase the count of a type of white blood cell in the body that can help to kill bacteria, viruses, fungus and even cancer cells.

Castor oil stands out amongst most of the carrier oils on our list because it contains ricinoleic acid, a rare unsaturated fatty acid that is found in high-quality cold-pressed castor oil and provides many healing benefits such as enhancing immunity through improving the lymphatic system, which in turn helps the body to detoxify, positively impacts circulation and supports the digestive system.

In fact research shows that castor oil packs used on the abdomen (see procedure below) are great for detoxifying the liver, alleviating ailments of the uterus and ovaries, improving circulation and reducing inflammation.

Castor oil is a natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory which makes it great for healing skin infections, and treating topical fungal infections and sunburns. Ricinoleic acid is excellent for fighting acne as it kills bacteria that clogs pores while also moisturizing the skin at the same time.  Omega-6 fatty acids in castor oil give hair a natural glow, improve circulation in the scalp and accelerate hair growth.

How to use castor oil:

1. Castor Oil Detoxifying Pack: Placed on the abdomen to detoxify the liver and support the digestive system, the lower abdomen to support uterine issues and alleviate menstrual pain, or on strained muscles to speed up healing, a castor oil pack is extremely helpful for detoxifying and reducing inflammation through activating the lymphatic system to soothe and cleanse the body.

You will need:

• Large piece of cotton flannel ( 3 feet by 1.5 feet)
• High-quality cold-pressed castor oil
• Big sheet of plastic (garbage bag will work fine)
• Hot water bottle
• Baking Soda
• Old clothes and towels (Castor oil stains)
• Pillows

Fold flannel into three parts and cover the abdomen or use a smaller piece if you are using the pack on strained muscles. Soak the flannel with castor oil (saturate it, but not heavily soak it so it is dripping with oil). Lie on your back over an old towel or sheet and place the cloth over your abdomen. Cover with the plastic bag and place the hot water bottle on top. Elevate your feet (a pillow under the knees works well) and relax! Leave the pack on for 45-90 minutes. Apply a blend of baking soda and water to remove castor oil from the skin. Make sure to drink lots of water to help in the detoxification process after you complete the treatment.

Note: You can reuse the soaked pack! Simply store in the fridge in a zip-lock bag and re-saturate with 1 tbsp. of oil if needed. Replace the pack if the color changes. For best results use 3-4 times a week for a month and experience the healing benefits!

2. Joint and Muscle Pain Relief: Relieve joint and arthritis pain naturally with castor oil. Massage a few drops of oil to aching muscles and joints. The anti-inflammatory components in the oil work to reduce swelling and inflammation. Repeat twice a week.

3. Dandruff and Scalp Infections: Being both anti-fungal and antibacterial, castor oil is an excellent home remedy for clearing dandruff. Mix 3 tsp. of castor oil with an equal amount of olive oil and 3 tsp. of fresh lemon juice. Massage it into your scalp (rubbing it into the roots) and leave for 30 minutes. Use a natural shampoo to rinse out.  Repeat once a week.

Find premium, cold-pressed, certified USDA Organic Castor Oil at UpNature. GMO Free. No toxins. Unfiltered and undiluted. Therapeutic grade.

11. Babassu Oil

Coconut oil's close cousin, babassu oil comes from the babassu tree, native to South America. Containing the same fatty acids as coconut oil, babassu oil is similar to coconut oil in healing properties and applications with a few key differences worth noting. 

Babassu oil is not as heavy or fruity like coconut oil, and cools on contact making it great to use in hot weather. It also absorbs much faster leaving the skin less greasy, making it a better choice for oily skin and whole body massage. Its 50% lauric acid content means that it can retain a long shelf-life and works well for hydrating and moisturizing dry skin.

12. Black Seed Oil

Black seed oil, or black cumin seed oil is obtained from the seeds of the nigella sativa or caraway plant. These tiny, black seeds have miraculous healing properties and have been hailed as "the cure for everything but death." There is countless research proving the incredibly amazing properties of black seed oil.

One point that makes black seed oil stand out among all other plant-based carrier oils is that it is made up of over 50% linoleic acid (omega-6 fatty acid) and that it has the highest ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 natural fatty acids. It also has three powerful natural compounds: thymoquinone, thymohydroquinone and thymol making it a powerful antibacterial, antifungal, analgesic and anti-inflammatory - but that's just the start.

Black seed oil's list of healing benefits include everything from preventing cancer, to boosting immunity, to balancing blood sugar and lowering blood pressure.

But perhaps one of the main benefits black seed oil is best known for is its ability to restore hair loss and baldness, most probably due to its high concentration of powerful antioxidants and antibacterial compounds that help strengthen hair follicles and encourage hair growth. Its anti-inflammatory properties alleviate dandruff and promote a healthy scalp.

When it comes to the skin, black seed oil helps to clear scars and blemishes and research suggests that it actually prevent scars from forming. In another study black seed oil was proven to be as effective as doctor recommended skin creams to alleviate the symptoms of eczema on the hands.

Black seed oil is truly nature's gift to mankind, and is practically good for pretty much anything!

How to use black seed oil:

1. Hair Restoring Oil: To promote hair growth, apply an equal ratio of black seed oil and cold-pressed high-quality olive oil to the roots of the hair. For bald spots, simply apply black seed oil directly on the affected areas. Leave for at least an hour before rinsing off.

2. Heal Scars: For bruises, minor burns, scars and blemishes, take 1-2 drops of black seed oil and apply to the affected area directly. Repeat 2-3 times daily for best results.

3. Tooth Pain Relief: Apply 3-4 drops of black seed on a cotton ball and place on the painful tooth. The natural antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and analgesic (pain reliving) properties of black seed oil will help kill bacteria, reduce inflammation and relieve pain.

Find premium, Cold-Pressed Black Seed Oil at UpNature. GMO Free. No toxins. Unfiltered and undiluted. Therapeutic grade.

13. Evening Primrose Oil

Evening primrose oil comes from the seeds of a wildflower that is native to the central and eastern parts of North America. What makes it special is its high concentration of linoleic and especially gamma-linoleic acid or GLA, which is a potent anti-inflammatory and is highly effective in treating skin conditions such as acne, psoriasis and especially eczema.

Evening primrose oil also helps combat skin dryness and irritation, treats acne, clears dandruff and improves hormonal balance.

14. Neem Oil

Extracted from the seeds of the neem tree native to the Indian subcontinent, neem oil contains over a hundred biologically active compounds including nimbidin & nimbin compounds, omega-6 fatty acids and azadirachtin, a compound that acts as a natural powerful insect repellent.

Neem oil is an excellent carrier oil for everything from treating hair and skin conditions, to eliminating parasites and serving as an insecticide, to improving oral health and even treating your pets!

Recent research suggests that neem "stimulates collagen production, good for aging skin," and also that the vitamin E content in neem "acts as a free radical scavenger, by hindering the oxidizing processes in the skin. It promotes soft and supple skin, helps in reducing old scars and promotes healing."

How to use neem oil:

1. Lice Treatment: Lice detest the strong smell of neem oil! Warm 5 tsp. of neem oil and massage into the hair. Cover with a shower cap and leave overnight, then massage with a fine nit comb to eliminate lice eggs and lice. Neem oil is also great for removing dandruff and promoting hair growth!

2. Topical Fungal Infections: Mix a few drops of oregano essential oil (rich in thymol, a powerful anti-fungal) with neem oil. Rub into toenails and other itchy areas. Repeat 2-3 times a day.

3. Teeth and Gum Health: Add 2-3 drops of neem oil on your toothpaste when you brush your teeth. The antibacterial properties of neem oil help to reduce plaque and prevent tooth decay, keeping your teeth and gums healthy!

Find premium, Cold-Pressed Neem Oil at UpNature. GMO Free. No toxins. Unfiltered and undiluted. Therapeutic grade.

15. Hemp Seed Oil

Obtained from the Cannabis Sativa plant, hemp seed oil has suffered a bad rep, but in actuality it provides some pretty amazing health benefits. With high concentrations of both linoleic and alpha-linolenic acids, hemp seed oil is a brilliant anti-inflammatory and has valuable antioxidant properties which help with skin cell regeneration and preventing premature aging.

Being non-greasy it is great to use on oily skin or for full body massages. Hemp seed oil is also a natural analgesic (pain-reliever), making it a good choice for muscle and joint pain, especially when mixed with essential oils that have analgesic properties like peppermint essential oil or lavender essential oil.

16. Rosehip Oil

Extracted from the seeds of the musk rose or Rosa moschata, rosehip seed oil contains a high concentration of linoleic and alpha-linolenic acid and is extremely high in vitamins A and E making it a highly sought after carrier oil for skin care.

In fact rosehip oil is found in many cosmetics, creams and balms for eczema, stretch marks, anti-aging and more. The fatty acids and high concentrations of vitamins in rosehip oil help to restore elasticity to the skin and improve collagen production making it a better, safer choice than chemical-filled face creams and even Botox.

When using rosehip seed oil, it's important to note that you should buy cold-pressed rosehip oil that has not been tainted by heat and therefore preserves more nutrients.

How to use rosehip oil:

1. Make Your Skin Glow: If you're tired of paying an arm and a leg for costly cosmetic products, try rosehip seed oil! The oil makes skin soft and supple and gives a natural glow to the skin.

2. Age Spots and Sunburn: Harsh UV rays can cause age spots (discoloration of the skin) to appear on the face. Rosehip oil contains powerful antioxidants that fight sun damage caused by free radicals. Apply rosehip oil directly to age spots. Vitamin A and essential fatty acids present in the oil further help to improve pigmentation, skin tone and skin texture.  To treat inflammation caused by sunburn apply a mix of rosehip oil and coconut oil to the affected areas.

3. Scars and Skin Conditions: Essential fatty acids in rosehip oil help to regenerate the skin and lighten scars, and the Vitamin A in the oil improves skin tone and texture, making the oil highly effective to use for skin conditions like eczema and lessening the appearance of acne scars.

4. Relieve a Dry Scalp: If chemically-ridden store bought shampoos are causing your scalp to be dry and itchy rub rosehip oil into your scalp to nourish your roots. Leave for an at least an hour and rinse off. The fatty acids in the oil help alleviate itching and nourish a dry scalp.

Find premium, Cold-Pressed Rosehip Oil at UpNature. GMO Free. No toxins. Unfiltered and undiluted. Therapeutic grade.

17. Flaxseed Oil

Also known as linseed oil, flaxseed oil, extracted from seeds of the flax plant provides some incredible benefits. Flaxseed oil contains the highest concentration of alpha-linoleic acid amongst all vegetable-based carrier oils making it a powerful anti-inflammatory.

Flaxseed oil is highly beneficial in treating inflammatory skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema and also joint inflammation caused by conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.

18. Emu Oil

Emu oil is obtained from the fat of the emu, a bird native to Australia. The oil contains rich fatty acids and is an excellent anti-inflammatory. A 2012 study documented that emu oil could be highly effective in treating disorders affecting the gastrointestinal system. Predominantly used for treating inflammatory skin conditions and skin burns, emu oil is full of incredible healing benefits!

Due to its ability to reduce inflammation, emu oil is excellent for treating joint and muscle pain. In fact one study demonstrated that emu oil has the same pain-relieving benefits of the analgesic drug ibuprofen.

A 2005 study found that emu oil can promote "wound healing" from burns and that, "after application of emu oil, the swelling and effusion of the burn wound were alleviated and evidences of wound infection or adverse effects were not observed."

How to use emu oil:

Relieve Joint Pain: Apply emu oil directly to aching muscles and joints and let the anti-inflammatory properties of the oil work its magic. Use it to relieve pain caused by arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, sore muscles and headaches.

All-in-one Skin Treatment Oil: Use emu oil as a powerful moisturizer for deep conditioning of dry skin under the heels, on the knees and on the elbows. The oil also helps reduce inflammation caused by skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis and helps alleviate swelling from topical burns and sun burn. The fatty acid content in the oil also helps to heal scars, fade blemishes and reduce the appearance of stretch marks.

Healthy Hair and Nail Oil: Vitamin E in emu oil helps to promote hair growth and has been documented in an animal study conducted in 2014 which states, "emu oil significantly improved hair growth," as compared to minoxidil solution, a popular hair treatment drug. Rubbing some emu oil in your cuticles and nails can also help to make nails stronger.

Find premium, Cold-Pressed Emu Oil at UpNature. GMO Free. No toxins. Unfiltered and undiluted. Therapeutic grade.

19. Wheat Germ Oil

The center or 'germ' of the wheat grain is under 5% of the entire grain of wheat but contains a quarter of the grain's minerals, vitamins and proteins.   Loaded with vitamin E, wheat germ oil is also a natural anti-inflammatory containing over 50% linoleic acid.

Wheat germ oil contains powerful antioxidants and can help in the repair of aging skin, sun-damaged skin and blemishes. Being a thick, heavy oil it is best mixed with other carrier oils than used on its own.The natural antioxidant content in the oil also helps to prevent oxidation which makes wheat germ oil a good choice to blend with other carrier oils as it can help extend the shelf life of other oils.

20. Tamanu Oil

Extracted from the nut of the Ati tree, tamanu oil was discovered in the islands of Fiji and is native to southeast Asia. Tamanu oil is best known for its incredible skin rejuvenating and healing properties.

Research shows that tamanu oil promotes the process of cicatrization, also known as "wound healing," meaning that it activates the skin to generate new cells and tissue and speeds up the process of skin regeneration.  It contains powerful antioxidants making it amazing for aging skin and reducing the appearance of scars, age spots and stretch marks.

Tamanu oil also contains a higher concentration of stearic acid, than most carrier oils making it a good choice for sealing in moisture when used on the skin and hair, so it is highly beneficial to use in dry climates.  

Being a natural anti-inflammatory and antibacterial tamanu oil is excellent for clearing acne naturally.

How to use tamanu oil:

Acne Healer: Hailed as a natural cure for acne, tamanu oil fights acne naturally and is an excellent alternative to harsh chemical-filled acne solutions available in the market. To further enhance the healing properties of tamanu oil against acne, blend 4 tsp. of tamanu oil with 4 drops of lavender essential oil and 4 drops of tea tree essential oil. Apply to the affected areas daily.

Sooth Dry Skin: Tamanu oil is great for dry, flaking skin especially on the elbows, knees, feet or even the face. Apply the oil directly, rubbing it into the affected areas.

Heal Abrasions: Heal scars and blemishes and promote healing of sun-damaged or burned skin by applying tamanu oil. The antibacterial and cicatrization (wound healing) properties of tamanu oil makes it an excellent oil for healing wounds.

Find premium, Cold-Pressed Tamanu Oil at UpNature. GMO Free. No toxins. Unfiltered and undiluted. Therapeutic grade.

How to Buy Carrier Oils

When shopping for carrier oils make sure to buy cold-pressed carrier oils. Cold-pressed oils are not damaged by heat and are best to use with essential oils. Cheap carrier oils may be treated with heat and could be highly refined and contain added additives which can do more harm than good. Also make sure the bottle has the proper name of the species mentioned on the label. Example for Neem: (Azadirachta Indica). If you see the word 'fragrance' it almost always means there are other additives.

Always go for 100% pure, cold-pressed, unprocessed oils that are preferably labeled as 'organic,' 'cold-pressed,' and 'Non-GMO' - this will ensure you get the best, highest quality carrier oils that retain all their natural medicinal properties and are rich in essential fatty acids, proteins, vitamins and minerals.

Since carrier oils have a high fat content some have a limited shelf life. Store your carrier oils in a cool, dark area to extend shelf life.

Side Effects and Warnings

Essential oils and carrier oils are natural but powerful. Some people may develop an allergic reaction to any oil so it's always best to try a little by doing a small skin patch test on your inner arm or leg (never your face or neck) to make sure you don't have an adverse reaction.

Last Words

There is no fixed recipe when it comes to using carrier oils and essential oils and what might work for you might not work for someone else. Since we are all biochemically exclusive, it's best to experiment with a variety of essential oils and carrier oils, pay attention to your body, and find the "personal blends" that work most optimally for you.

Back to you! Which carrier oils are your favorite? We'd love to hear from you!