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Head of the Oils and Fats Department at the Food Industries and Nutrition Research Institute, National Research Centre.
Part Two: Carrier and Essential Oils in Practical Use (Safety, Storage, Carrier Oils, and Safe Blends)
Essential oils Essential oils or volatile, are characterized by being present in their plant sources in very low percentages, whether in flowers, leaves, the entire plant, or even in some seeds, as these percentages typically range within 0.1% to 2% approximately, depending on the plant type and its conditions. This explains their extremely high concentration when extracted, as they represent the concentrated aromatic essence of the plant.
In contrast, carrier oils are found in their natural sources—such as seeds or oily fruit pulps like olive oil, palm, cocoa, coconut, avocado, and chia seeds—in high percentages that can reach 20–70% or more, which naturally makes them less concentrated and relatively more suitable for direct use.
From this scientific perspective, the usage ratios of these oils with humans, especially in dermal applications, largely reflect their natural presence ratios; where the carrier oil (Carrier Oil) is used as a primary medium or base, while the essential oil (Essential Oil) is added in small, calculated percentages, often within the range of 0.5% to 3%, achieving a balance between efficacy and safety.
A correct understanding of concentration ratios in the natural source directly leads to optimal practical application, and confirms that nature itself guides us to the rules of dilution and safe use.
After covering Part One This second part builds on the scientific distinctions between fixed oils and essential oils in terms of definition, chemical composition, physical properties, and extraction methods, by focusing on the practical aspect. Scientific understanding alone is insufficient unless it translates into correct and safe usage.
Fixed oils can serve as food and a medium for skin and hair care, while essential oils can be a powerful aromatic and functional addition. However, they require extreme caution due to their high concentration, rapid absorption, and volatility. This highlights the importance of knowing their appropriate uses, warnings, storage conditions, dilution ratios, and the role of carrier oils in balancing efficacy and safety.
Fixed oils are widely used in cooking, frying, deep-frying, salads, dressings, baking, doughs, and sauces. Oils like canola and corn are used for frying and deep-frying at appropriate temperatures, while extra virgin olive oil is preferred for salads and cold dressings due to its antioxidants, vitamins, and phenolic compounds.
Oils such as coconut and grapeseed are also used in some baked goods and doughs to impart a specific texture or flavor, while sesame or grapeseed oils can be incorporated into sauces and mayonnaise for a distinctive taste.
Essential oils should not be used for cooking or direct internal consumption in large quantities. Some essential oils, such as camphor and certain phenol-rich oils, can be toxic if ingested, even in small amounts. If some safe essential oils are used as flavorings in food, it must be in very minute doses and under clear controls, preferably within an industrial or specialized setting.
Therefore, no essential oil should be taken orally without consulting a doctor or qualified specialist, especially during pregnancy, breastfeeding, for children, individuals with liver or kidney conditions, or those taking ongoing medication.
Fixed oils are among the most important components of skin and hair care, as they supply the skin with fatty acids, help reduce moisture loss, provide a protective layer, and carry certain vitamins and antioxidant compounds.
Essential oils should not be applied directly to the skin in their concentrated form. Instead, they must be diluted with carrier oils in specific ratios. Examples include using jojoba oil as a carrier with a few drops of tea tree oil in blends for oily skin, or sweet almond oil with rose essential oil for skin appearance care, or coconut oil with a few drops of lemon or lavender essential oil for hair care. Always ensure safe dilution ratios and avoid sun exposure when using certain citrus oils.
Aromatherapy is the aromatic or inhalational use of essential oils to influence mood, psychological well-being, and overall sense of comfort. Essential oils readily evaporate, and their molecules reach the nose, where they interact with olfactory receptors that send signals to brain regions associated with emotions, memory, and arousal.
Some of the most popular oils used in this field include:
Important Note: It is important to emphasize that aromatherapy is a complementary therapy and does not replace medical care, nor should it be used as a substitute for medication or professional diagnosis.
The shelf life of carrier and essential oils varies depending on the type of oil, its purity, extraction method, and storage conditions.
Carrier oils should be stored in a relatively cool place, away from direct light, humidity, and strong odors. It is preferable to use airtight, dark-colored containers when possible. Some oils rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as flaxseed and grapeseed oil, benefit from refrigeration to slow down oxidation.
Essential oils are highly susceptible to volatilization, oxidation, and light. Therefore, they should be stored in dark, tightly sealed bottles, away from heat, children, and pets. It's best to keep them at a stable, relatively low temperature, as heat and light accelerate their degradation and alter their composition.
Essential oils pose the greatest risk when misused due to their high concentration. A key warning is never to apply them directly to the skin without dilution, as this can cause severe irritation or skin sensitization. Furthermore, some essential oils can be toxic if ingested, such as those rich in camphor, phenols, or certain neuroactive compounds.
Extreme caution is advised during pregnancy and breastfeeding, as some essential oils can cross the placenta or pass into breast milk. Similarly, caution is necessary when using them on children due to their sensitive skin and developing bodies' limited ability to process concentrated compounds. Additionally, certain essential oils may interact with medications, including blood thinners, some psychiatric drugs, or blood pressure medications.
While fixed oils are generally less hazardous than essential oils, they are not without their own precautions. Partially hydrogenated oils, for instance, may contain trans fats detrimental to heart health. Some oils, like peanut oil, can trigger allergies in certain individuals. Furthermore, excessive consumption of fixed oils can lead to an increase in dietary calories and fats.
Moreover, fixed oils rich in unsaturated fatty acids can oxidize with improper storage or repeated heating, diminishing their quality and increasing undesirable oxidation byproducts.
A carrier oil is a fixed oil used to dilute an essential oil before applying it to the skin or body. It reduces the essential oil's concentration to a safe level, distributes it over a larger skin area, slows its absorption and evaporation, and protects the skin from potential irritation.
This integration of fixed and essential oils creates a balanced product that combines safety and efficacy. The fixed oil provides hydration, nourishment, and acts as a carrier, while the essential oil contributes aroma and functional benefits.
A good carrier oil should be light in texture, safe, non-irritating, relatively stable, and have a mild scent that won't overpower the essential oil's aroma. It's also beneficial if it's rich in beneficial fatty acids, vitamins, and skin-supporting ingredients.
The proportion of essential oil in the mixture must be calculated precisely. A common rule of thumb is that approximately 1 ml of essential oil equals about 20 drops, though this can vary depending on the dropper and the oil's viscosity.
The following formula is used as an approximate guide:
$$ \text{Number of Drops} = \frac{\text{Percentage} \times \text{Carrier Oil Volume (ml)}}{5} $$
For example, to prepare 10 ml of a 2% concentration mixture, the calculation is:
$$ 2 \times 10 \div 5 = 4 \text{ drops of essential oil} $$
From a practical standpoint, it's clear that carrier oils and essential oils are not interchangeable; each has its distinct role, application, and safety parameters. Carrier oils serve as the reliable foundation for nutrition and body care, whereas essential oils are potent, concentrated additions that demand careful and informed use.
When combined correctly, using an appropriate carrier oil and safe dilution ratios, you can achieve balanced natural products that offer hydration, aroma, efficacy, and safety. The true key lies not in excessive use, but in a deep understanding of each oil's nature and respecting its potency and limitations.
The distinction between carrier oils and essential oils goes beyond mere type; it's a fundamental difference in chemical composition, physical properties, uses, and safety. Carrier oils provide a reliable foundation for nourishment and body care, whereas essential oils are potent, active compounds that demand precise handling.
When both types are combined with scientific understanding and safe ratios, they create an effective natural synergy: a carrier oil that delivers, moisturizes, and protects, and an essential oil that provides aroma, sensory, and functional benefits. This guide thus serves as a practical reference for understanding these precious natural oils and utilizing them to their fullest potential.
