Tuesday, December 25, 2012

Carrier Oils



This is a compilation of the carrier oils that I own. I use these oils in conjunction with my essential oils.

Sweet Almond
Botanical Name: Prunus dulcis

Extraction Method: Cold Pressed

Description: Sweet Almond Carrier Oil is an excellent emollient and is known for its ability to soften and re-condition the skin. It is rich in proteins, Olein Glyceride Linoleic Acid and Vitamin D, and is considered extremely nourishing - particularly when used regularly. It can be expected to sooth dry skin and irritated areas. Massage therapists should note that it can stain sheets.

Color: Pale yellow to golden yellow liquid.

Aromatic Description: Sweet Almond Carrier Oil has very little scent characteristic of most carrier oils.

Common Uses: Sweet Almond Carrier Oil has been used as an aromatic-bitter for anorexia, as a digestive tonic, to promote menstruation and to reduce fever and expel worms. It is also used by massage therapists.

Consistency: Typical and Characteristic of Carrier Oils

Absorption: Absorbs into skin at average speed, slight oil feeling left on skin.

Shelf Life: Users can expect a shelf life of 1 year with proper storage conditions (cool, out of direct sunlight). Refrigeration after opening is recommended.

Cautions: None Known.
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Avacado
Botanical Name: Persea americana

Extraction Method: Cold Pressed

Description: Avocado Carrier Oil contains Vitamins A, B1, B2, D, E, and Beta carotene. It is classified as a monosaturated oil and is best suited for dry skin conditions in topical applications.

Color: Pale yellow to golden yellow liquid.

Aromatic Description: Avocado Carrier Oil has very little scent characteristic of most carrier oils.

Common Uses: Small amounts of Avocado Oil is typically added to other carrier oils in order to enrich protein and vitamin content. It is used predominantly by manufacturers (particularly great in soaps, lotions and creams) and massage therapists.

Consistency: Typical and Characteristic of Carrier Oils.

Absorption: Avocado Carrier Oil will leave a sticky, waxy feel if applied topically to large areas of skin.

Shelf Life: Avocado Carrier Oil is slow to go rancid; users can expect a shelf life of 6 Months to 1 Year with proper storage conditions (cool, out of direct sunlight). Refrigeration after opening is recommended.

Cautions: None Known.
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Grapeseed
Botanical Name: Vitis vinifera
Extraction Method: Cold Pressed

Description: This oil is obtained from the seeds of grapes cultivated in the Central valley of Chile. The oil is extracted without solvents or any kind of chemical processing. The oil is obtained by cold pressing followed by a thorough filtration, maintaining the components of the oil.

Color: Dark yellow green liquid.

Aromatic Description: Grapeseed Organic Carrier Oil has a sweet balsamic aromatic scent reminiscent of aged wine.

Common Uses: This oil is an important source of antioxidants, nutrients that traps the free radicals generated by the skin lipids. The high contents of omega 6 fatty acids can assist with skin problems such as eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis. It is rapidly absorbed by the skin, so it makes a good massage oil. It is light and dry and you can use it wherever you might use a high linoleic oil or in cosmetic formulations to tone up the skin. It is widely used in skin with acne and cellulite.

There are some good phytosterols in this oil which are 0.8% to 1.5% unsaponifiable. It contains campesterol, Bsitosterol, and stigmasterol, all of which help with barrier repair, reduction of inflammation, and reduction of itching. With a high content of linoleic acid you'll get some barrier repair, moisturizing, and reduction in trans epidermal water loss. It is a great choice for any formulation that would deal with damaged and stressed skin.

It can help skin retain the normal structure of epithelium cells and nerve cells via supporting the cell membranes. It is noted to be especially effective to help the skin around the eyes. It's commonly used in stretch mark preparations. In addition, Grapeseed Carrier Oil applied to the feet at the beginning of each day can help deal with many foot problems such as itching, scaly flaking and odor.

Consistency: Grapeseed Carrier Oil is one of the lightest carrier oils available.

Absorption: Absorbs easily into the skin.

Shelf Life: The product must be stored in a dry and fresh place. The oil is sensitive to light, air (oxygen) and heat. The unopened package has a shelf life of two years.

Cautions: None Known.
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Castor
Botanical Name: Ricinus communis

Extraction Method: Cold Pressed

Description: Castor Carrier Oil is one of the few oils that can be used as an emulsifying agent. It also acts as a protective barrier on your skin that will protect against harsh environmental conditions.

Color: Pale yellow to golden yellow liquid.

Aromatic Description: Castor Carrier Oil has very little scent characteristic of most carrier oils.

Common Uses: Castor Carrier Oil is used in massage therapy, aromatherapy, and in manufacturing (particularly as a conditioning agent in hair care products).

Consistency: Typical and Characteristic of Carrier Oils.

Absorption: By design, Castor Oil will remain on the surface of the skin, acting as a barrier.

Shelf Life: Users can expect a shelf life of 1 to 2 years with proper storage conditions (cool, out of direct sunlight). Refrigeration after opening is recommended.

Cautions: None Known.
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Jojoba
Botanical Name: Simmondsia chinensis

Extraction Method: Cold Pressed

Description: Jojoba is a favorite carrier oil. In actuality, it is a liquid wax. It closely resembles the sebum of the skin, and is rich in vitamin E. This promotes a glowing complexion. The golden variety of Jojoba may alter color and odors in cosmetics. It is also important to note that Jojoba may go cloudy in cool temperatures. It will return to its clear state with warming. Purchases of entire drums can also expect some clouding near the end of the drum. This is natural as Phospholipids (natural components of most vegetable oils) hydrate and precipitate out of suspension. The sediment is actually extremely high in beneficial vitamin E and will only create problems if the oil is heated to extreme temperatures where they will darken and precipitate out of suspension. Any sediment can be decanted out wherever practical.

Color: Golden to brownish yellow liquid wax.

Aromatic Description: Jojoba Carrier Oil has a pleasant, soft odor.

Common Uses: Jojoba Golden Carrier Oil can be added to other carrier oils in order to extend shelf lives, and has become a common oil in the aromatherapy industries because of it's excellent skin care properties. The golden variety of Jojoba is less desired in cosmetic manufacturing; nonetheless, in applications that aren't sensitive to discoloration or odor, Golden Jojoba is still commonly used. Massage therapists may use small amounts in their carrier oil blends, but as it will clog pores, its application is limited.

Consistency: Typical and Characteristic of Carrier Oils.

Absorption: Jojoba creates a barrier but will leave a satiny finish.

Shelf Life: Jojoba has 2 years of shelf life for all intents and purposes. It may go cloudy in cool conditions but will return to its natural state once warmed.

Cautions: None Known.
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Extra Virgin Olive
Botanical Name: Olea europaea

Extraction Method: Cold Pressed

Description: Olive is an extremely versatile oil. It is a favorite on both dry and irritated skin.

Color: Gold to green liquid.

Aromatic Description: Olive Carrier Oil has an appealing odor, it can influence essential oils if in a blend.

Common Uses: Olive Carrier Oil can be used for many manufacturing applications, though it may not be a preferred choice in any particular category.

Consistency: Typical and Characteristic of Carrier Oils.

Absorption: Absorbs into skin at average speed, slight oil feeling left on skin.

Shelf Life: Users can expect a shelf life of 6 months to 1 year with proper storage conditions (cool, out of direct sunlight). Refrigeration after opening is recommended.

Cautions: None Known.
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Wheat Germ Oil
Botanical Name: Triticum vulgare

Extraction Method: Cold Pressed

Description: Wheatgerm Carrier Oil is rich in natural vitamins A, B, D, and E, Proteins and Lecithin. It is an anti-oxidant that can be added to other carrier oils in order to extend their shelf life naturally.

Color: Golden yellow to amber brown liquid. Wheatgerm may be cloudy in appearance due to the presence of natural sediments found in the oil. The product is good to use but if desired, it can be subsequently filtered to remove any sediments.

Aromatic Description: Wheatgerm Carrier Oil has a distinct, earthy aroma that is pleasant, but that carries the risk of overpowering other aromas if not used in dilution.

Common Uses: Wheatgerm Carrier Oil is often used in combination with other carrier oils in order to extend shelf lives.

Consistency: Typical and Characteristic of Carrier Oils.

Absorption: Wheatgerm Carrier Oil leaves an oily feeling on the skin, and should be used in dilution with other carrier oils for best results.

Shelf Life: Users can expect a shelf life of 1 to 2 years with proper storage conditions (cool, out of direct sunlight). Refrigeration after opening is recommended.

Cautions: None Known.

Grace & Blessings,
~ T. Den


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