Essential Oils and Carrier Oils: The Difference, and How to Blend Safely
Two very different things are both called "oil". A carrier oil, such as date seed or jojoba, is pressed from a seed or kernel and can be used generously. An essential oil, such as rosemary or dill, is a concentrated aromatic extract and is only ever used a drop at a time, diluted. Knowing the difference is the first step to blending safely.
Carrier oils
Carrier oils are pressed from seeds, kernels or fruit. They have a mild scent, a noticeable feel on the skin, and they are used in drops or teaspoons. In our collection they include:
- Date Seed, Jojoba and Grapeseed: light, and natural bases for blends.
- Pumpkin Seed, Wheat Germ and Argan: richer.
- Neem: a carrier oil so strong that we handle it like a concentrate, always blended at 1 part to 9. See How to Use Neem Oil for Hair.
Essential oils
Essential oils are usually distilled from leaves, seeds, roots or flowers. They are thin, strongly aromatic and highly concentrated. In our collection:
- Rosemary: fresh and herbal, for hair blends.
- Turmeric: warm and earthy, for face and body blends. See How to Use Turmeric Essential Oil.
- Dill Seed: fresh, green and slightly sweet, for body blends and the diffuser.
- Frankincense: warm and resinous, for face and body blends. See How to Use Frankincense Essential Oil.
Why essential oils must be diluted
Applied undiluted, essential oils can irritate the skin and scalp. Diluted in a carrier oil, they spread evenly and gently. More is not better: a single drop carries a great deal of the plant. As the FDA notes, a plant origin does not by itself make an ingredient safe for the skin.
A simple dilution guide
| Use | Essential oil | Carrier oil |
|---|---|---|
| Face | 1 drop | 1 teaspoon (5 mL) |
| Body | 1–2 drops | 1 teaspoon (5 mL) |
| Hair and scalp, before the wash | 1–2 drops | 1 teaspoon (5 mL) |
Start at the lower end, especially if your skin is sensitive. For rosemary specifically, read How to Dilute Rosemary Essential Oil; for frankincense, How to Use Frankincense Essential Oil.
How to blend, step by step
- Measure the carrier oil into a clean glass dish or bottle.
- Add the essential oil, drop by drop.
- Mix well, and mix again before each use.
- Test the blend on a small area of skin and wait 24 hours before first use.
Who should take extra care
Essential oils are not for use on children. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have epilepsy, or are under medical care, ask a healthcare professional before using them. Keep them away from the eyes and the inside of the nose and mouth, and away from heat and open flame.
A drop, not a bottle
Used well, a small bottle of essential oil lasts a very long time. Pair it with a carrier you enjoy, and your blend becomes your own. Keep both at their freshest with our storage guide. Browse them all in Pure Botanicals.