Quick answer
To use doTERRA Fractionated Coconut Oil as a carrier oil, mix it with your chosen essential oils in the palm of your hand or a small bowl, then apply to the skin. A common starting point is a 2% dilution for daily body care (about 12 drops of essential oil per 1 ounce of carrier oil) and up to 5% for targeted areas. Always patch-test first, and adjust the ratio based on your needs.
Fractionated Coconut Oil
Why Fractionated Coconut Oil Works Well as a Carrier
Fractionated coconut oil is a lightweight, odorless carrier that stays liquid at room temperature, making it easy to blend with essential oils. Unlike solid coconut oil, it absorbs quickly and leaves little residue, so it works for massage, rollerball blends, and daily moisturizing. Because it is stable and has a long shelf life, you can pre-mix small batches without worrying about spoilage. If you want a carrier that won’t compete with the scent of your essential oils, this is a practical choice.
How to Choose Your Dilution Ratio
Dilution ratio depends on how you plan to use the blend and your skin sensitivity. For adults, a 2% dilution (approximately 12 drops of essential oil per 1 ounce of carrier oil) is a good everyday starting point for body massage or moisturizing. For a more targeted application on a small area, you can go up to 5% (about 30 drops per ounce). For children, elderly adults, or those with sensitive skin, start closer to 0.5–1% (3–6 drops per ounce). If you are unsure, always err on the side of less essential oil and increase gradually.
Step-by-Step: Making a Simple Carrier Oil Blend
You can mix your carrier oil and essential oils in the palm of your hand for a single use, or in a small glass bottle for multiple applications. For a 10 mL rollerball, a 2% dilution is about 4 drops of essential oil; fill the rest with fractionated coconut oil. For a 30 mL bottle, use about 12 drops of essential oil. Always add the essential oils first, then top with carrier oil, and roll gently between your palms to mix. Label the bottle with the date and contents. Store in a cool, dark place and use within 6–12 months for best freshness.
Everyday Uses for Your Carrier Oil Blend
A pre-diluted rollerball or small bottle of fractionated coconut oil with essential oils can be used for massage, as a facial oil (if your skin tolerates it), or as a spot treatment for dry areas. For a calming massage, blend a few drops of Patchouli Essential Oil with fractionated coconut oil; its grounding, earthy aroma is popular for creating a serene atmosphere. For skin support, Helichrysum Essential Oil is known for helping maintain a healthy-looking complexion, and it blends well with fractionated coconut oil for a targeted facial serum. Always avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes, and do not apply citrus or photosensitive oils before sun exposure.
Your step-by-step carrier oil routine
- Start with clean hands and a clean surface: Wash and dry your hands thoroughly before handling essential oils. If you are mixing in a bottle, make sure it is clean and dry. Checkpoint: Any moisture in the bottle can shorten the shelf life of your blend.
- Decide your dilution ratio: For daily body care, aim for 2% (about 12 drops per ounce). For targeted areas, up to 5%. For sensitive skin, start at 0.5–1%. Checkpoint: When in doubt, use less essential oil; you can always add more.
- Measure your carrier oil: Pour fractionated coconut oil into your palm or a small bowl. If making a rollerball, fill it about three-quarters full first. Checkpoint: Fractionated coconut oil is lightweight; a little goes a long way.
- Add essential oils drop by drop: Count drops carefully. For a 10 mL rollerball at 2%, use about 4 drops of essential oil. Stir with a clean finger or swirl gently. Checkpoint: Do not exceed your planned dilution; more is not better.
- Mix and apply: Blend by rolling the bottle between your palms or stirring. Apply to the desired area and massage gently into the skin. Checkpoint: Patch-test on a small area of skin 24 hours before first full use.
- Store and label your blend: Keep your blend in a cool, dark place. Label with the date and oils used. Use within 6–12 months for best quality. Checkpoint: If the scent changes or becomes rancid, discard and make a fresh batch.
Products that make carrier oil blending easier
- Fractionated Coconut Oil Travel Size: Fractionated Coconut Oil Travel Size is a compact bottle designed for your car, diaper bag, and carry-on. Lets you mix small batches of essential oil blends on the go without carrying a full-size bottle.
- Patchouli Essential Oil: Patchouli Essential Oil offers a grounding, earthy aroma that is both calming and centering. A good choice for a calming massage blend when diluted with fractionated coconut oil.
- Helichrysum Essential Oil: Helichrysum Essential Oil is known for its skin-supporting benefits and helps maintain a healthy-looking complexion. Pairs well with fractionated coconut oil for a targeted facial serum or spot treatment.
