Table of contents:
- A wide selection of essential oil solvents that are safe to use
- 1. Coconut oil
- 2. Jojoba oil
- 3. Rosehip oil
- 4. Olive oil
- 5.Grape seed oil (grape seed oil)
- 6.Habatussauda (black cumin seed oil)
- 7. Argan oil
- How to use essential solvent oil?
- For babies and children
- For adults
Before applying essential oils (essential oils) directly to the skin or hair, you need to first dilute them with a carrier oil to reduce the risk of allergic side effects or other skin problems. Here are seven choices of essential oil solvents that you can use.
A wide selection of essential oil solvents that are safe to use
Not all essential oils are safe to apply directly to the skin or scalp. The most common side effects of using essential oils are allergic reactions including rash, itching, and skin redness. To reduce the risk of these side effects, you need to mix essential oils with solvent oil.
Similar to essential oils, essential oil solvents also come from vegetable oils which are extracted by destroying the original plant. Most carrier oils have a mild aroma, or some are unscented at all. Most importantly, carrier oils will not diminish the properties of essential oils.
Don't forget, to adjust the type of carrier oil to your treatment goals. The reason is, the properties of each carrier oil are not always the same. Here are a few options:
1. Coconut oil
Coconut oil has been trusted for centuries as a moisturizer or a raw material for making moisturizers. It turns out that in addition, coconut oil has also been shown to have antimicrobial properties. This is due to the high content of lauric acid which is the main fatty acid in coconut oil.
In fact, the fatty acids and polyphenols contained in coconut oil are also believed to provide nutrients to the skin. That is why, it is often used for massage and treatment of skin, hair, and lips. This oil is safe for you to use as an essential oil solvent or apply it yourself.
2. Jojoba oil
Jojoba oil comes from the seeds of the jojoba plant, which is not really an oil but a wax with strong moisturizing properties. That is why, jojoba oil is considered to be similar to natural oils on the skin.
Thanks to its similarity to natural skin oils and supported by its anti-inflammatory properties, jojoba oil is believed to prevent and treat acne.
Its use is also practical because it does not clog pores and easily absorbs into the skin, so it is often chosen as an oil for bathing, massage, and facial moisturizer.
3. Rosehip oil
source: goodhousekeeping
Rosehip oil comes from rose seeds which are rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, and essential fatty acids - including alpha-linolenic acid. Various studies have confirmed its efficacy in treating various skin problems, thanks to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
Rosehip oil is commonly used as an essential oil to moisturize dry skin and as a massage oil.
4. Olive oil
Maybe from some of the oils that have been mentioned, olive oil that is not too foreign to your ears. Olive oil is packed with fatty acids and sterols which make it great for moisturizing dry skin. The choice of use also varies, from a mixture of aromatherapy, skin care, massage, facial cleanser, to hair care.
5.Grape seed oil (grape seed oil)
source: ideahacks
As the name suggests, grape seed oil is flavored from grape seed oil, which is a byproduct of the wine-making process. This oil is classified as light, easily absorbed by the skin, and has a neutral aroma, so it is often used as a carrier oil for aromatherapy, massage, and skin care.
6.Habatussauda (black cumin seed oil)
Black Seed Oil is produced from the extraction process of flowering plants Nigella sativa which bears black cumin. This oil has anti-inflammatory properties that can speed up healing of recurrences of eczema symptoms and skin burns.
7. Argan oil
source: sunnahskincare
Argan oil is rich in vitamin A, vitamin E and monounsaturated fatty acids. If you have dry skin, wrinkles, dry hair, and skin inflammation, argan oil can be the solution.
How to use essential solvent oil?
Although most carrier oils do not cause allergic reactions, it is important that you do a skin patch test before using them.
You do this by applying a little carrier oil on the wrist or under the ear, then let stand for 24 hours. If no irritation occurs, this is a sign that the oil is safe to use.
Before starting to dilute carrier oils with essential oils, it is important to follow the guidelines from the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy, namely:
For babies and children
- 0.5-1 percent dilution: 3 to 6 drops of essential oil per one ounce of solvent oil.
For adults
- 2.5 percent dilution: 15 drops of essential oil per one ounce of carrier oil. (Recommended for healthy adults).
- 3 percent dilution: 20 drops of essential oil per one ounce of carrier oil. (Recommended for treating temporary health problems, such as muscle aches or injuries).
- 5 percent dilution: 30 drops of essential oil per one ounce of carrier oil.
- 10 percent dilution: 60 drops of essential oil per one ounce of carrier oil.
Always try to store essential oil solvents in a cool, dark place. Also pay attention to adjusting the skin condition with carrier oils. If later skin irritation occurs, reduce the amount of dilution or discontinue use.