There are a variety of cold pressed vegetable oils also known as carrier oils used in aromatherapy. It is important to choose cold pressed vegetable oils as they have gone through a lot less processing than those found on your local supermarket shelf. They still contain vitamins, minerals and fatty acids not found in other processed oils.

Each vegetable oil has its own unique properties. Here are just a few of the most common oils to get you started.

Sweet Almond (Prunus amygdalus dulcis)
This is the most common oil used by aromatherapists. It can easily be blended with other vegetable oils. It’s excellent for many skin conditions including eczema, itchy, dry and irritated skin.

Apricot Kernel (Prunus armeniaca)
Apricot kernel is ideal for facial blends. It’s light and can be blended with heavier oils. It’s ideal for mature, dry, sensitive and inflamed skins. This oil is also useful for eczema.

Avocado (Persea americana)
Avocado oil is obtained from the flesh of the fruit and may prove useful for those with nut allergies. It’s thick and green so it could stain your sheets or clothes but again it can be blended with other vegetable oils. It’s easily absorbed by the skin and is very good for dry, damaged skin and nappy rash.

Sunflower (Helianthus annuus)
Sunflower oil is a light non greasy oil that blends easily with other heavier oils. It’s very good for all skin types.

Rosehip (Rosa rubiginosa)
Rosehip is a relatively expensive oil that is extracted from the seeds of a rose bush that grows wild in the Andes. It can go rancid very quickly if not kept in the fridge. It’s very good for aging skin, dry eczema, superficial wrinkles, scars and stretch marks. Use for small localised areas rather than a whole body massage.

Evening Primrose (Oenothera biennis)
Evening primrose is another good facial oil. It can be blended with other oils. Use for eczema, psoriasis and wound healing.

Jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis)
Jojoba is considered a wax rather than an oil and doesn’t go rancid. It’s very useful for all skin types and helps to regulate the sebum of the skin. Expensive essential oils such as rose, jasmine and neroli are often blended in 3 or 5% jojoba to make them more affordable