If you’re living an oily life, carrier oils are likely a huge part of your day. Most people have a favorite or a tried and true carrier oil that works best with their bodies and skin. Coconut oil is a fantastic carrier oil to use when diluting essential oils for topical use. It’s also a great choice to add to household, beauty, and kitchen recipes. Here are some of our best coconut oil recipes and uses.
Coconut oil is the first carrier oil I ever used when I began using essential oils. I kept a huge jar of solid coconut oil next to my bed at all times. I would scoop out a tablespoon or so into my hands, then add a few drops of essential oils with no rhyme or reason. Oops.
This was a terrible method since I would sometimes get confused with which jar was my kitchen coconut oil, and which one was for my bedroom. Not a great system. Lesson learned. I have since branched out to other carrier oils [1], but coconut oil still remains my favorite.
Read about some of our other oily mishaps here and 15 Things I Wish I’d Known When I Started Using Essential Oils [2].
What is Coconut Oil?
Coconut oil is derived from the fruit of a coconut tree. It has anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties that make it perfect for the skin. The consistency is light and non-greasy. Coconut oil is rich in lauric acid and other medium-chain fatty acids.
Ideally, coconut oil should be virgin, unrefined, and free of any fillers or additives. There are two types of coconut oil: Fractionated [3] and Solid Coconut Oil. [4]
Fractionated Coconut Oil
- Liquid at room temperature
- Clear and nearly odorless
- Extended shelf life
- Absorbs easily into the skin, non-greasy
- Perfect for making your own roller ball recipes
Coconut Oil
- Solid at room temperature
- White in color
- Strong coconut aroma
- Light, fluffy and non-greasy formula
- Perfect for making balms and creams
Dilution Guidelines
For topical essential oils, dilution recommendations are always listed on the label. Using oils with children will require additional dilution with quality carrier oils.
Here are some guidelines that may help:
- For babies (age 0 – 1), increase the recommended carrier oil by 8 times. So if the dilution on the label calls for 1 drop to be diluted in 1 teaspoon of carrier oil then for babies you would dilute 1 drop of essential oil in 8 teaspoons of carrier oil. If there is no dilution ratio on the label, then dilute 1 drop of essential oil with at least 1 tablespoon of carrier oil.
- For toddlers and young children (age 2 – 6), increase the recommended carrier oil by 4 times. For example, if the recommended labeled dilution is 1 drop of essential oil per 1 teaspoon of carrier oil, then you would dilute 1 drop of essential oil in 4 teaspoons of carrier oil. If no dilution is listed on the label, then dilute 1 drop of essential oil with 1 1/2 teaspoons of carrier oil.
- For elementary children (ages 7 – 11), increase the recommended carrier oil by 2 times. For example, if the label recommends diluting 1 drop of essential oil with 1 teaspoon of carrier oil, then increase the carrier oil to 2 teaspoons per 1 drop of essential oil. If no dilution is listed on the label, then dilute 1 drop of essential oil with at least 1 teaspoon of carrier oil.
Make Your Own Roller Blends with Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is our preferred carrier oil for making essential oil roller blends. It is so easy to customize a blend to meet your health and wellness needs. The ratio for a 10ml roller bottle is 2 teaspoons coconut oil, to 10-15 drops of essential oils.
Be sure to use the dilution guidelines above if using a roller blend on children or babies.
Ingredients
- cute 10ml roller bottle [5]
- 2 teaspoons fractionated coconut oil [6]
- 10-15 drops essential oil(s) of your choice
- waterproof label [7]
Directions
- Combine the coconut oil and essential oils in the roller bottle.
- Insert the roller attachment and lid.
- Label with a waterproof label.
- Store away from the reach of young children.
See all of our roller blend recipes here. [8]
Here are our favorite recipes with coconut oil:
Muscle Relief Massage Oil [9]
When you have a strenuous workout plan, you want your post-exercise routine to support your tired muscles while helping you recover. Get your game plan together before you start your next workout.
Mix up a batch of this Muscle Relief Massage Oil this week! [9]
His and Hers Romantic Massage Oils [10]
His and Hers Romantic Massage Oils combine the excitement of touch with the power of essential oils to promote a sense of togetherness, comfort, warmth, and invigoration!
Add some romance back into your life with this Massage Oil Recipe [10]
DIY Chest Rub with Essential Oils [11]
As part of my winter wellness, I keep this Chest Rub on hand because it helps make me feel inspired and comforted with its uplifting aroma!
Be ready for winter with this DIY Chest Rub [11]
Easy Homemade Bath Bomb [12]
Our simple DIY Bath Bomb recipe uses quality ingredients and pure essential oils to create an all-natural, affordable bath bomb. Practice a bit of self-care today with this easy recipe!
Make this simple bath bomb today! [12]
Women’s Solid Deodorant [13]
This women’s solid deodorant is one of our most requested recipes. Shea butter, coconut oil, and beeswax make up the solid foundation upon which this recipe is built. It’s tried and true in our home!
Create your own all-natural deodorant and ditch the chemicals! [13]
Owie Ointment [14]
We’ve put together a soothing, family-friendly recipe using traditional herbs and essential oil ingredients to help bring comfort to irritated skin. Our Owie Ointment is great for everyday bumps, bruises, and minor irritations to the skin.
Soothe those owies with this gentle ointment! [14]
Peppermint Brownie Bites [15]
These brownies don’t taste like the syrupy sweet candy canes people eat in December. The peppermint essential oil that we use is herbal and energizing and blends in perfectly with chocolate! Plus, the coconut oil makes the brownies soft and moist.
Whip up a batch of these bite-size brownies this week! [15]
Stay tuned for more essential oil carrier oil recommendations coming soon.
Some of these recipes are included in our eBook, Essential Oil Recipes for Healthy Hair & Skin, along with more than 60 other tried & true recipes that we’ve created, tested, and personally use. Click HERE to see more information and purchase your digital copy today! [16]
More essential oil tips you might enjoy:
- Jojoba Oil Benefits and Recipes [17]
- Getting to Know Your Essential Oils series [18]
- Strategies & Tips for Using Essential Oils [19]
- Essential Oil Recipes for Healthy Hair & Skin eBook [16]