In concentrate, essential oils can be very harsh on the skin. Carrier oils are mixed with essential oils to reduce the risk of an adverse reaction. Fortunately, there is a wide variety of carrier oils to choose from so you can cater to your client’s skin type and scent preferences. If you’re looking to create the perfect massage experience tailored to your customers, let’s take a closer look at the different types of carrier oils used in massages.
Jojoba Oil
Made by cold-pressing jojoba seeds, jojoba oil is technically a wax as it’s mainly comprised of wax esters, but you cannot use it as wax in the traditional sense. However, due to its unique composition, jojoba oil closely resembles the sebum that our sebaceous glands naturally produce, making it a good carrier oil for sensitive skin or skin prone to breakouts. It can be used on the body or the face, providing the skin with essential fatty acids.
Coconut Oil
Much like jojoba oil, coconut oil also closely resembles sebum in composition. It is also naturally an antioxidant. However, in its natural state, it does retain its coconut scent, so it may not be the best option for those with sensitive noses. Refined and fractionated coconut oil both lack the coconut scent, but refined coconut oil is bleached and should not be used as a massage carrier oil—fractionated is preferred.
Sweet Almond Oil
Sweet almond oil is one of the most popular oils used in skincare due to its nutty aroma and lightweight texture. When using this oil to dilute an essential oil, it’s best not to be too heavy-handed, as its natural scent can overpower the scent of the essential oil. While this may not matter much during a massage, you may not want to use it with an aromatherapy treatment.
Apricot Kernel Oil
Apricot kernel oil contains many of the same essential vitamins and fatty acids that sweet almond oil does, making it a great alternative for those with nut allergies. Due to how easily it’s absorbed into the skin, it can be used anywhere on the body, including the face. The high content of oleic and linoleic acid makes it a great carrier oil for dry or mature skin.
Grapeseed Oil
Also high in linoleic acid, grapeseed oil is a byproduct of the winemaking process and is extracted by crushing the seeds. Its non-greasy texture makes it another great option for general body massages, even for those with sensitive skin. Its thin texture and lightly scented nature make it great carrier oil for formulas that require a more intense and nutrient-filled essential oil treatment.
This list of the different types of carrier oils is just the tip of the iceberg, and there are many more for you to choose from if you want to further customize your clientele’s experiences. If you’re looking for professional spa body products with some of the oils discussed above, Essential Wholesale and Labs has what you’re looking for. We sell products packed with nutrient-rich carrier oils like grapeseed, jojoba, sweet almond, and much more.
