Coconut Oil as a Carrier Oil: Uses, Benefits, and Considerations
Coconut oil has grown in popularity in recent years not only for cooking, but also for use on skin and hair as part of beauty and self-care routines. Whcih begs the question: can coconut oil be used as a carrier oil for essential oils?
Technically, yes. Coconut oil can serve a carrier oil for diluting and delivering essential oils. Its creamy texture allows essential oils to diffuse nicely. However, there are some important considerations regarding coconut oil's chemistry and how it interacts with skin that determine whether it’s the best choice for a carrier oil compared to other options.
Coconut Oil Carrier Properties
Emollient Properties
Coconut oil's emollient nature is one of its key strengths. It acts to soften and smooth the skin, making it an excellent option for massage oils and skincare products. However, for individuals with sensitive or acne-prone skin, coconut oil might be too heavy, leading to clogged pores and potential breakouts.
Occlusive Nature
The occlusive property of coconut oil creates a protective barrier on the skin, helping to prevent moisture loss. While this is advantageous for those with dry skin, it might not be ideal for people with naturally oily skin. The occlusive nature could exacerbate oiliness and potentially lead to a greasy complexion.
Absorption Capability
Coconut oil absorbs well into the skin, aiding in the penetration of essential oils. Despite this, some may find it too heavy, particularly for facial application. It's essential to consider the specific needs of the skin and the intended use of the carrier oil, as heavier oils might not be suitable for all situations.
Shelf Stability
The long shelf life of coconut oil without spoilage is a significant advantage. However, it's important to note that coconut oil is prone to solidifying at cooler temperatures. Users in colder climates may find this inconvenient, as it requires heating to return to a liquid state, potentially affecting the user experience and product formulation.
Pleasant Scent
While coconut oil has a pleasant aroma, its distinctive scent may clash with or overpower the fragrance of certain essential oils. This can limit the combinations available for aromatic blends. Users seeking a more neutral carrier oil may opt for alternatives that won't interfere with the desired scent profile.
Using Coconut Oil as a Carrier Oil
For those interested in trying out coconut oil as an essential oil carrier, here are some usage tips:
Concentration
When blending essential oils with coconut oil, it's crucial to maintain a proper concentration. A general guideline is to use no more than 1-2 drops of essential oil per teaspoon of coconut oil.
Essential oils are highly concentrated extracts, and diluting them in a carrier oil like coconut oil helps prevent skin irritation or adverse reactions. This concentration ensures that the final mixture is gentle and suitable for topical application.
Skin Testing
Before applying the blended mixture to larger areas, it's advisable to conduct a patch test on a small section of skin. This step helps identify any potential allergic reactions or skin sensitivities.
Apply a small amount of the diluted essential oil on the inner forearm or behind the ear and observe for any redness, itching, or irritation. If there's no adverse reaction after 24 hours, it's generally safe to use the blend on a larger skin area.
Blending
Coconut oil can be blended with other carrier oils to enhance its overall effectiveness. Mixing it with a non-comedogenic carrier oil, such as jojoba oil, is a good option. Jojoba oil closely resembles the skin's natural sebum, making it suitable for various skin types. This combination provides a balanced blend that nourishes the skin without clogging pores, making it suitable for both face and body applications.
Application
Coconut oil, as a carrier, is best suited for skin that is neither acne-prone nor overly sensitive. Individuals with acne-prone skin may find coconut oil comedogenic, potentially exacerbating breakouts.
For those with sensitive skin, it's advisable to perform a patch test and choose an alternative carrier oil if irritation occurs. Additionally, coconut oil can be applied to dry areas of the skin to provide deep moisturization.
Downsides of Using Coconut Oil as Carrier
While coconut oil shares similarities with a lot of carrier oils, it lacks some of the defining characteristics that make carrier oils suitable for their exact purpose:
Comedogenic Nature
Coconut oil is comedogenic, which means it has the potential to clog pores, making it less suitable for individuals with sensitive or acne-prone skin.
Heaviness
Coconut oil leaves an oily residue on the skin, which may be undesirable for those seeking a carrier oil that absorbs quickly without a greasy feel.
Sensitivity
Due to its chemical composition, coconut oil can potentially irritate sensitive skin, leading to redness, itching, or inflammation.
Co-solubility Issues
Coconut oil may not have the ideal co-solubility for some essential oils, impacting their absorption and potentially compromising the therapeutic benefits of aromatherapy blends.
Key Takeaway
For general use, coconut oil can make an acceptable carrier oil with proper precautions and limitations. However, it isn’t inherently the best choice for carrying essential oils due to its heavier properties and comedogenic traits. Individuals with normal to dry skin may find it works well and offers additional moisturizing benefits.
Perform skin tests prior to use and limit to areas like hands, feet, elbows rather than facial application to be safe. Or explore mixing coconut oil with a secondary carrier oil like olive, jojoba, or sweet almond oil to get the best of both worlds.