Fixed vegetable oils or ‘carrier oils’ come from the non-volatile oily part of plants.  They are referred to as carrier oils because they are used to dilute (‘carry’), pure essential oils which can be harmful if applied undiluted to the skin.  Although vegetable oils are much safer than essential oils, they should not be used on babies, broken skin or if you suffer from severe allergies to certain foods or vegetables.

Fixed vegetable or carrier oils usually come from the seed of the plant.  Their chemical make up is far less complex than essential oils as they mainly consist of essential fatty acids, vitamins and minerals.  Some vegetable oils posses their own therapeutic properties.  For example, olive oil is known to be a skin healing agent.  Fixed vegetable oils are usually obtained in one of two ways:  they can be cold-pressed where the lack of heat ensures that an oil’s vitamins, acids & minerals are not destroy; or they can be extracted or refined using heat.  Although many people believe that refining oils can destroy their vitamin content, this is only true when the oil is to be used for cooking purposes.  In many cases, refining can improve oils because it can help remove fungal spores and bacteria which can be harmful to the skin. 

Fixed vegetable oils are used as emollients which help to protect and moisturise the skin. 

TIPS FOR USE 

The type of fixed vegetable oil you use should be dictated by skin type – i.e. whether dry, oily or normal.  For dry skin the average vegetable oil like sweet almond oil will rapidly be absorbed by the skin meaning that massage may become difficult.  In this case, adding jojoba oil, which is oilier and less readily absorbed, would help to maintain smooth massage strokes. Very dry or mature skin may require the addition of thicker oils such as apricot kernel. Below are some suggestions depending on the type of skin being treated:  

PROPERTIES OF COMMONLY USED VEGETABLE/CARRIER OILS 

Apricot Kernel Oil

This is an easily absorbed oil which moisturises both the body and face well. It is extracted from the kernel of apricot fruit and contains vitamins A, B & E which help in healing and rejuvenating skin cells. 

Borage Oil

This oil is rich in gamma linolenic acid and as a result it has excellent moisturising qualities and can help regenerate damaged skin. 

Evening Primrose Oil

This contains large amounts of essential fatty acids which are key to fighting ageing and which help to retain the skin’s natural moisture content. 

Grape seed Oil

Rich in Omega 6 and vitamin E, this odourless oil has a non-greasy feeling after application. It helps tighten and tone the skin and can alleviate acne.  

Jojoba Oil  

This is one of the best oils for hair and skin. It helps to heal inflamed skin, psoriasis and eczema and can help to control acne as excess sebum dissolves in jojoba.  

Macadamia Oil

This oil contains a large amount of palmioleic acid which helps prevent ageing and cell oxidation.  

Sweet Almond Oil

Rich in proteins and vitamin D, this oil is good for all skin types and can help provide relief for eczema sufferers.  It is quickly absorbed by the skin, leaving a non-greasy feeling.  

STORAGE  

Vegetable or carrier oils tend to have a relatively short shelf life (approximately 6 months) and can go rancid if kept for too long.  Keep in a cool, dark room and make sure you date mark the bottle when you open it so you know by when you need to use up the oil.  If the oil smells very strong or rancid do not use it.