Face oils, body oils, massage oils, essential oils – now the hero feature ingredients in many trending haircare and skincare beauty products, but how do you know which oils are useful, therapeutic even, and which ones compare to basic moisturisers? Carrier oils and essential oils are both widely used in skin, hair, and aromatherapy, but each has different properties, functions, and amazing qualities. So, what’s the difference between the two?
What are Carrier Oils?
Carrier oils, also known as base oils, are fatty oils that are used to dilute essential oils before they are applied to the skin or used in aromatherapy. Carrier oils are generally considered safe for topical use and are used as a base for massage oils, facial oils, and body oils. Carrier oils are non-volatile – meaning they do not evaporate quickly like essential oils, and have a mild, nutty, or fruity scent. They also have their own beneficial properties and can help to moisturise, tone, and protect the skin. Examples of carrier oils include coconut oil, jojoba oil, almond oil, and avocado oil. (Some of our absolute favourites to use in éLive skincare!)
What are Essential Oils?
Essential oils, on the other hand, are highly concentrated aromatic compounds that are extracted from plants through distillation or cold-pressing. They are used for their therapeutic properties in aromatherapy and are often added to skincare products to provide additional benefits. Essential oils are volatile and will evaporate quickly, which means they should always be diluted with a carrier oil before use. Essential oils have a strong scent and are used in aromatherapy to help alleviate stress, promote relaxation, and improve mood. They can also be used to address various skin concerns, such as acne, eczema, and aging skin. Examples of essential oils include lavender oil, tea tree oil, and frankincense oil.
Why we Love Them
éLive skincare uses a special blend of 7 different ‘skin-loving’ natural oils – both carrier and essential oils, which when combined can help to moisturise, detoxify, cleanse, nourish, soften, hydrate, and restore your skin.
Harnessing the remarkable qualities of both carrier and essential oils is precisely what Élive skincare recognises, but it’s a scientific wonder that enables éLive Gel Therapy products to work their magic.
It’s a thermal polymer gel that’s been engineered to only release the oils on contact with skin. The heat from our skin, along with the friction of contact, activates the cells to release the oils.
Just as importantly, éLive products target the areas of skin that are most permeable: the palms of your hands and soles of your feet. These, along with your armpits and scalp, more readily absorb oil molecules than your arms, legs, belly, or back.
References:
Tisserand, R., & Young, R. (2014). Essential Oil Safety: A Guide for Health Care Professionals. Churchill Livingstone.
Worwood, V. A. (2016). The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy: Over 800 Natural, Nontoxic, and Fragrant Recipes to Create Health, Beauty, and Safe Home and Work Environments. New World Library.
Goyal, R., Sharma, P. L., & Singh, A. (2014). Carrier oils in aromatherapy: A review. International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research, 5(5), 1295-1301.