A Quick Guide to Carrier Oils

Carrier Oils have been used since ancient Greco-Roman times — when aromatic oils could be found in baths, cosmetics, religious rituals, and had undisputed medicinal applications. With many health and wellness benefits, carrier oils not only function well on their own but allow us to safely use essential oils as well. Bowler Cat Co. primarily mixes carrier oils that are Kosher, Vegan, and/or USDA Organic (U.S. Department of Agriculture) certified into our products to ensure you’re putting only the highest quality ingredients on your hair and skin. Read on to learn more about how carrier oils can be used.

The Basics

Despite being referred to as vegetable oils, not all carrier oils are derived from vegetables — many are pressed from seeds, nuts, or kernels. They are used to dilute or “carry” essential oils and fragrance oils, allowing for safe topical application. Unlike essential oils, carrier oils do not quickly evaporate from the skin’s surface or have the strong, natural scent of plants.

Carrier oils are vital aspects of aromatherapy massage and can be used in products such as bath oil, body oil, hand cream, lip balm, lotion, conditioners, and even aromatic diffusers. As with any other product you intend to use topically, be sure to check for allergy warnings and perform patch tests on your hair and skin, watching for unwelcome reactions before continuing use.

Composition

Carrier oils generally contain components such as fat-soluble vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other nutrients that improve the look and feel of skin and hair by adding moisture, soothing irritation, and reducing the effects of dryness. Below are the main components found in most carrier oil varieties:

VITAMINS

• Maintain and repair skin tissue

• Balance oil levels

• Reduce lines and wrinkles

• Hydrate skin to promote a healthy glow

• Even out skin tone

MINERALS

• Brighten dull complexions

• Protect against environmental stressors

• Balance oil production while remaining gentle on sensitive skin

• Encourage exfoliation

• Firm and tighten skin for a smoother appearance

• Maintain skin’s moisture level

STEROLINS

• Even out skin tone

• Moisturize and soften skin and hair

OLEIC ACIDS

• Maintain the softness, suppleness, and radiance of skin and hair

• Moisturize dry and flaky scalps

• Reduce the appearance of aging, such as premature wrinkles and fine lines

LINOLEIC ACIDS

• Moisturize hair and promote its shine

• Act as an emulsifier in the formulation of soaps and quick-drying oils

• Exhibit soothing properties

• Aid acne-prone skin

• Promote moisture retention in skin and hair

• Make oils feel thinner in consistency, thus being beneficial for use on oily skin types

VITAMIN E

• Exhibits anti-oxidant activity, which delays the appearance of wrinkles

• Protects the skin from environmental elements

LECITHIN

• Softens and soothes the skin and hair

• Keeps dry, brittle skin and hair hydrated, thus restoring moisture and luster

• Enhances the health and strength of the hair and skin

PHYTOSTEROLS

• Support collagen production

• Restore dry skin after long periods of sun exposure

• Promote the growth of newer, firmer skin

• Support skin's natural defense mechanisms

FATTY ACIDS

• Support the skin's natural oil barrier

• Hydrate skin to maintain a supple appearance

• Help protect skin from environmental elements

• Moisturize the skin

• Reduce water loss through the skin’s surface

• Improve the texture and softness of skin and hair

SELENIUM

• Exhibits anti-oxidant activity

• Slows the appearance of wrinkles

MEDIUM-CHAIN TRIGLYCERIDES

• Offer intense moisture

• Condition the hair and help reduce dry scalp symptoms

PALMITOLEIC ACID

• Delays the appearance of premature aging

• Moisturizes and tighten the skin

• Promotes shiny hair

• Enhances the brightness of the complexion

• Supports healthy-looking nails

Benefits

Each carrier oil demonstrates distinct characteristics such as color, viscosity, and penetration speed. Choose your carrier oil or oil blend based on the desired end results:

NUT OILS

• Extremely emollient and soothing for sensitive, dry, and sore skin

• Efficient in face mask treatments

• Possess soothing properties

• Maintain skin tightness and elasticity

• Suitable for oily and acne-prone skin types

• Look for — Almond, hazelnut, macadamia, walnut, etc.

SEED OILS

• Condition skin to rejuvenate complexion, especially in mature or prematurely aging skin

• Repair damage caused by dryness

• Soothe itching and discomfort caused by irritation 

• Promote an even skin tone 

• Look for — Baobab, Black Seed Currant, Borage, Broccoli, Carrot, etc.

FRUIT OILS

• Gentle and nourishing

• Light in texture to moisturize without leaving a greasy residue

• Reduce the appearance of aging skin

• Suitable for sensitive skin

• Cleansing and softening

• Promotes a glowing, youthful looking complexion 

• Look for — Apricot Kernel, Avocado, Grape Seed, Peach Kernel, Olive, etc.

ESSENTIAL FATTY ACIDS

• Hydrate and soothe itchy, dry, and acne-prone skin

• Balance essential fatty acid deficiencies and skin’s oil production

• Look for — Argan, Babassu, Calendula, Jojoba, etc.

Absorption Rates

As mentioned above, each carrier oil demonstrates distinct characteristics such as color, viscosity, and penetration speed. Choose your carrier oil or oil blend based on intended use as well as the desired end results:

VERY FAST ABSORPTION

• Quickly absorbed by the skin without leaving a greasy residue. Skin may not feel any different

• High in polyunsaturated fats

• Look for — Hazelnut, Rosehip, etc.

FAST ABSORPTION

• Quickly absorbed by the skin but will leave a slightly smooth, silky finish. Skin will feel moisturized

• Look for — Apricot Kernel, Grape Seed, Meadowfoam, Safflower, Canola, etc.

AVERAGE ABSORPTION

• These oils leave a silky feeling on the skin, without a greasy residue

• Look for — Hemp Seed, Jojoba, Argan, Sesame, etc.

SLOW ABSORPTION

• These oils could feel gummy or waxy before they warm up to body temperature. They tend to leave skin with a slight oily residue that won’t linger

• Look for — Black Currant Seed, Avocado, Castor, Flax Seed, Sweet Almond, Olive, Sunflower, etc.

VERY SLOW ABSORPTION

• These oils may need to have gentle heat applied to them before use. They tend to feel heavy on the skin and leave a thick, oily, and moisturizing barrier but are absorbed by the skin eventually

• Higher in saturated fats and have a longer shelf life than those that dry quickly

• Look for — Evening Primrose, Neem, Coconut, Macadamia Nut, etc.

Please note that these absorption rates are general and may vary between suppliers as the speed of absorption depends largely on the method of extraction and level of refinement.

Can Carrier Oils Go Bad?

Yes. Since they are made from organic matter, carrier oils can go bad — though the time in which it takes to do so will vary from oil to oil. When fresh, carrier oils have a soft aroma that becomes stronger and bitter as the oils become rancid.  Be sure to adhere to any “use by” dates stamped on Bowler Cat Co. product packaging.

Avoiding Mineral Oils

You may come across the term “mineral oil” when purchasing many commercial products. This is an oil that has been processed, bleached, and deodorized and comes from an often unknown or poor quality source — such as from stocks of vegetable oils that have gone rancid and even fish guts. Much like petroleum products, mineral oils will always be from the cheapest possible source so we recommend not buying those products for use on your hair or skin.

Please contact us if you have any questions, comments, or concerns.