Pure Coconut Oil as a Carrier Oil?

by Therri
(Cincinnati, OH)

Hello I am new to the world of aromatherapy. I recently bought pure coconut oil and I was wondering if I can add an essential oil to it for a nice fragrance? I love the smell of coconut but was disappointed when I noticed that the coconut oil I have does not have a "coconut" smell.

ANSWER:
Hi Therri
Thanks for your question and the answer is - yes! Coconut oil is perfect for using with essential oils. Coconut oil has much smaller molecules than other carrier oils, almost as small as the molecules of essential oil. So coconut oil penetrates very easily into the skin, allowing the essential oil to be readily absorbed.

Also, you are quite right, pure coconut oil has no smell. If it does, check the label it probably has added "fragrance." Anything that has fragrance as an ingredient should be avoided. "Fragrance" can be a chemical cocktail as there is a legal loophole allowing "fragrance" to be a mix of potentially up to hundreds of chemicals!

Another important point about pure coconut oil is that it will go solid at about 25 degrees celcius (about 75 degress Fahrenheit). so it can be difficult to use in cooler weather as it will be solid.

As you may have noticed on my website, the essential oils I use do not require dilution because of their guaranteed purity. I only use and recommend Young Living Essential Oils. If you wish to use essential oil perfume with Young Living Essential Oils, you will blown away with the difference in smell. It is the way essential oils are supposed to smell!

More information about these oils is available here.

Wishing you lots of blending fun!

Jen
Essential Oil Goddess