apricot kernal oil comes from the seeds of these
Although we adore shopping for natural and non-toxic bath and body items from our favorite brands, every once in a while, it’s fun to whip up a DIY beauty product. There’s a certain satisfaction in saying, “I made a yummy sugar scrub for my at-home spa night.”
But if you’re just starting to make your own treats, you may be at a loss as to where to start. We can help. Most homemade beauty/body products start with a great carrier oil. What’s a carrier oil (also known as base oil)?
It’s a vegetable-derived oil taken from the fatty part of a plant. Nuts, seeds and kernels yield oils that can be used to nurture the skin and make great products. Carrier oils are used to dilute more potent essential oils, which would cause irritations or reactions if applied straight to the skin.
Cold pressed, organic carrier oils provide the most benefit.
Now that you have the back story, let’s proceed.
Natural Beauty Vixen, with the assistance of Katherine Koeppen, RA, breaks down the types and properties of the most common carrier oils.
Sweet Almond Oil – If you can only afford one carrier oil in your home, Sweet Almond Oil is the one to have. This all-purpose oil is good for all skin types, but is especially helpful for dry, irritated, sun-damaged, or mature skin. It is also good for eczema and psoriasis. A bit heavier than other oils, it’s a great oil to use in a body or foot scrub. High in Vitamin D, Sweet Almond oil is also great as a body and massage oil.
Apricot Kernel Oil – Drenched in Vitamins A and E, Apricot Oil is the perfect alternative for those who suffer from nut allergies. It works for all skin types, but is particularly good for oily or sensitive skin. Its light texture and fast rate of absorption make it a perfect choice for facial products.
Grapeseed oil – This light textured oil is produced by pressing grape seeds after wine is made. An excellent moisturizer, Grapeseed Oil is high in antioxidants and contains Vitamin E, Beta-Carotene,Vitamin D and Vitamin C. Most Grapeseed Oil on the market is not naturally pressed; it is solvent extracted (a chemical process). However, cold pressed, organic Grapeseed Oil can be purchased at From Nature with Love. Grapeseed Oil is a great in salt and sugar scrubs.
Hazelnut Oil – This astringent oil, extracted from roasted hazelnuts, is often great for fighting acne. It is said to tighten the skin and assist with blood circulation. This expensive oil is very popular oil in Europe because of its many benefits and its long shelf life. Hazelnut oil is wonderful in facial moisturizers for oily skin.
Jojoba Oil – Technically wax, not oil, Jojoba is remarkably close in composition to skin’s own natural sebum. Besides being a great vitamin E loaded moisturizer for skin and hair, it is a very stable oil. You can store it for long periods of time without worry about spoilage. Unfortunately there is a world-wide shortage of Jojoba Oil which has made it a pricier product.
Rosehip Seed Oil – Although technically a carrier oil, because of its high price tag (roughly $30 for 4oz), Rosehip Oil is usually diluted with other carrier oils. High in Vitamin C, Rosehip Oil offers relieve to traumatized skin and extremely dry skin. It is also good for scars, burns, eczema and psoriasis.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Olive Oil is convenient because it is already in many kitchen cabinets across America. However, it has a heaviness and slow rate of absorbency that make it undesirable as a carrier oil. EVOO also has a strong scnet that interferes with the aroma of any essential oils.
Katherine Koeppen, RA, advises that all carrier oils (except jojoba) be refrigerated to double their shelf life. Remember to always look for cold-pressed oil when possible. If cold-pressed is not available, low-heat expeller pressed is the next best solution, followed by expeller pressed.
Want help with homemade beauty recipes? This book is a great resource. Or you can talk with the ladies at our beauty social network. There’s a group just for homemade beauty recipes! www.healthybeautysocial.com
Apricot photo taken by La Grande Farmer’s Market at their market in Le Grande, OR.
Olive oil photo by Idea Go
Whatever oils I am using, I always add some lavender oil for its smell.