An article about berry oils in aromatherapy. A quick introduction written by aromatherapist, herbalist, and author Sharon Falsetto Chapman.

Berry oils in aromatherapy are not traditionally as popular as the nut and seed oils used. However, if you take the time to do some research, you will find that many berry carrier oils are packed with beneficial properties for the skin – and can be combined with essential oils in aromatherapy for greater effect.

What is a Berry Oil in Aromatherapy?

Berry oils are cold-pressed from the seed of the berry and are used as a carrier oil in aromatherapy. Many berry oils are high in essential fatty acids, vitamins, and anti-oxidants, making them favorable for skincare.

Berries have a long history of use in plant medicine. Understanding the type of berry oil, and its uses, can help you to decide which berry oil to use. Use berry oils as a carrier oil in aromatherapy practice, in combination with other carrier oils, and in many skincare bases – such as creams, lotions, lip balm, and hair care products.

The Different Types of Berry Oils

Below are listed some of the different types of berry oils suitable for aromatherapy skincare applications:

• strawberry seed (Fragaria x ananassa)

• blackberry seed (Rubius fructicosus)

• blueberry seed ( Vaccinium corymbosum)

• raspberry seed (red) ( Rubus idaeus)

• raspberry seed (black) ( Rubus occidentalis)

• blackcurrant seed ( Ribes nigrum)*

• cranberry seed (Vaccinium macrocarpon)

• acai berry seed (Euterpe oleracea)

• seabuckthorn seed (Hippophae rhamnoides)

• elderberry (Sambucus nigra)

• blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum)
• bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus).

* Note that blackcurrant also produces an absolute used in perfumery.

Characteristics of Berry Carrier Oils

In researching berry carrier oils, I found that many berry oils share the following characteristics (although there are exceptions to the rule):

• most berry carrier oils are high in omega 3, omega 6, omega 9, and vitamin E. They also contain other beneficial ingredients to the skin.

• Most berry carrier oils are suitable for all skin types; some are more suited to, for example, oily skin, or mature skin, but you will find that there is an appropriate berry carrier oil for all skin types.

• Most berry carrier oils (like many other carrier oils) are not high in aroma, so you can blend them with other carrier oils and/or essential oils.

• Most berry carrier oils are not known to have any contra-indications for general aromatherapy use.

• Many truly organic, authentic berry carrier oils can be quite expensive, so I would advise blending then in a mix with other carrier oils.

Learn More About Carrier Oils with Sedona Aromatics

If you are interested in learning about traditional carrier oils, and their applications in aromatherapy practice, consider the Sedona Aromatics Aromatherapy Certification program. Hope to see you soon!

References:

• Price, Len, 1999, Carrier Oils for Aromatherapy and Massage, UK: Riverhead

• Author’s own research and experience

About the Author:

The author of this article has been working in the health care industry since the 1990’s and in the aromatherapy industry since the 2000’s. She is a UK-certified aromatherapist, a NAHA Certified Professional Aromatherapist®, a gardener, and a certified herbalist with several years of study. She is also a botanical perfumer, working on launching her first fragrance line.

Sharon is both a published author and editor in aromatherapy, a consultant, and custom blend formulator. She is the author of Authentic Aromatherapy and the current chief editor of the NAHA Aromatherapy Journal. Sharon works from her garden studio in Sedona, Arizona, where she gardens and distills plants from her own aromatic gardens, surrounded by natural fauna and flora on an original pioneer homestead property.