Hair care

Some carrier oils are often used as cosmetic products’ supplement maintaining a healthy and shiny hair look. For example, coconut oil easily penetrates in the hair structure and nourishes it from within, while argan oil decreases the appearance of split ends and gives the hair a shiny look; castor oil is known to be beneficial for stimulating hair growth.

Massage and relaxation

Oilseed plant extracts are ideal for body massage because they are excellent lubricants, while at the same time they provide the skin with valuable nutrients. Such a procedure has the potential to improve blood circulation, to reduce muscle tension and to facilitate body relaxation as a whole. Pure carrier oils massage is a good option for people who are intolerant of the strong smell of essential oils even when diluted, since the aroma of carrier oils is much more delicate and much softer, as we already mentioned.

5. Popular carrier oils and their cosmetic properties

Now that we have presented the main applications of carrier oils, let us look at some of the most widely used ones and reveal some of their valuable properties.

Almond oil

It is extracted from sweet almond kernels. This oil is rich in Vitamin E, Omega-6 fatty acids and protein. It is super nourishing and suitable for all types of skin, especially for dry and sensitive one. It is easily absorbed and has the potential to soften the skin and soothe skin irritation and inflammation.

Coconut oil

Coconut oil is most famous for its antibacterial and antifungal medicinal properties, but in fact, it is a multifunctional cosmetic product. It is rich in fatty acids (lauric acid in particular), which have skin nourishing and protective properties. It is an excellent moisturizer and thus can help with different medical skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis.

Jojoba oil

In technical terms, the cold press jojoba extract is not oil (since it does not contain fatty acids) but a wax ester. This is exactly why its chemical structure is very similar to natural skin sebum. Jojoba oil is suitable for all types of skin because it balances oily skin, helps against acne and improves the condition of dry skin. Jojoba oil is rich in Vitamin E and B-complex, which makes it a valuable, nourishing cosmetic product ingredient.

Argan oil

Argan oil, also called “Marocco’s liquid gold” has been used by the local population for centuries. It is rich in Vitamin E and essential fatty acids. It is especially effective against fine lines and wrinkles, while improving skin elasticity at the same time.  It is suitable for face, body and hair as it provides deep hydration without clogging skin pores.

Castor oil

If you happen to be a mystery lover or if you like reading fiction crime stories, perhaps the name of this oil rings a bell and sounds a bit startling. In fact, the castor oil plant (Ricinus Communis) is toxic. Rest assured though, that castor oil is not toxic because in the process of production, it goes through a special stage when the toxic elements (ricin and ricinine) break down completely. That is why castor oil is absolutely safe for cosmetic use. It has skin and hair moisturizing properties and it is considered that in this way it also stimulates hair growth. This makes castor oil a very common ingredient to be found in home-made hair mask recipes.

This has been only a small part of the rich palette of carrier oils used in skincare and aromatherapy. Each of them has their unique properties and beneficial effects, which makes them a valuable ally in our daily care for our health and beauty.

6. How should we choose a suitable oil for our skin?

The choice of an appropriate carrier oils would largely depend on your skin type and specific needs. Here are some initial guidelines you can follow:

● For dry skin:

Choose thicker, deeply nourishing avocado; shea (also known as karite) or olive extracts. They are rich in fatty acids and create a protective film on top of the skin.

● For oily and blemish-prone skin: Go for thinner oils like jojoba; grape seed or rosehip oil. They are easily absorbed and do not clog pores.

● For sensitive skin: Try tender options like sweet almond oil or wheat germ oil, which are rich in Vitamin E and have skin soothing properties.

● For mature skin: Choose oils which are rich in antioxidants such as argan oil or pomegranate seed oil, which are useful against free radicals.

Another thing you need to know is what “comedogenic index” means. This is a measure unit which shows how likely it is for a cosmetic substance to clog skin pores. The comedogenic index is measured by a scale going from 0 to 5, where 0 marks non-comedogenic substances, while 5 means strongly comedogenic ones.

The comedogenic index is a useful tool but it is not absolutely conclusive. It means that even oils marked with index 5 have their place in cosmetics – in small concentrations or for extremely dry and dull, lackluster skin. Another thing to consider is that the comedogenic index can change depending on the other ingredients you decide to use. It might sound surprising but it is true that sometimes when mixing extracts with low comedogenic index, the end-result might be a product with a higher index.

In case all this sounds too complicated to you and if you prefer to use ready-made cosmetic solutions, you can always trust Alteya Organics’ products. They have been developed for different types of skin; they are certified organic products and meet highest quality standards.

7. Proper care and storage of carrier oils

Proper storage is of crucial importance for preserving the valuable properties of carrier oils. There are 4 important things to consider if you want to preserve the quality of your carrier oils for as long as possible:

● Light: Most carrier oils should not be exposed to sunlight since it can accelerate the process of oxidation. For proper storage use dark glass bottles or keep them in a dark cupboard.

● Temperature: The ideal temperature for most carrier oils is between 10°C and 25°C. Avoid exposure to extreme temperatures.

● Air: The oxygen in the air accelerates the process of oil decomposition. Make sure that you always close the bottle tightly after use and avoid leaving too much air-filled space in the container.

● Packaging: The best choice are dark glass bottles with dropper caps. Plastic containers may interact with the oils inside and cause their quality to deteriorate.

Do not miss to pay attention to the expiry date of the product. The shelf life of most carrier oils is between 6 months and 2 years but it can vary widely depending on the type of oil and storage conditions.

It is highly recommended to check all your carrier oil products regularly and to immediately change the ones whose shelf life has expired.

8. Myths about carrier oils

Myth: All carrier oils clog skin pores and cause acne.

Fact: Not all carrier oils are comedogenic (i.e., clog pores). For example, jojoba oil; grape seed oil and rosehip oil are non-comedogenic and can even have a beneficial effect on blemish-prone skin.

Myth: Carrier oils are not suitable for oily skin.

Fact: Some thinner types of oils, like jojoba oil can help regulate the production of sebum and thus improve the condition of oily skin.

Myth: Carrier oils are panacea for all skin problems.

Fact: Although carrier oils have multiple benefits, they are not a cure-all skin problems solution. Some skin conditions require specific medical treatment and consultation with a dermatologist.

Myth: Edible carrier oils, bought from the supermarket can be used for skincare

Fact: Although some edible carrier oils can be used for skincare, it is better to use ones which have been particularly developed for cosmetic purposes.

Carrier oils are wonderful extracts, possessing various properties, which have a wide range of applications in aromatherapy, skincare and hair care. The key to enjoying their beneficial effect is to carefully chose which ones to use, depending on your personal needs. Experiment with different oils until you find out which ones work best for you.

Regardless of whether you use them separately or as part of a more complex cosmetic formulas, carrier oils can be a valuable addition to your daily skincare and hair care routine. Remember that we are all unique human creatures and what works good for one may not be good for another. Pay attention to the signals your skin gives you and do not hesitate to consult a dermatologist in case you have specific dermatological conditions or need further information.