Feeling baffled by carrier oils? It's not surprising, there are dozens on the market.
But don’t panic, we're here to help you find out what carrier oils are, why you need them and how each one works!
Contents:
- What Are Carrier Oils?
- Why Use Carrier Oils?
- Our Ultimate List of Carrier Oils and Their Benefits
- How To Use Carrier Oils
- Honourable Mentions
- Summary
What Are Carrier Oils?
Carrier oils are extracted from plants such as avocados, almonds and coconuts. These plant based oils are used as a base in most blends, creams and lotions.
Cold pressed carrier oils and unrefined oils often retain nutrients, such as fatty acids and vitamins. Each carrier oil has its own benefits that suit different skin and hair types. They can be used in many cosmetic products from skincare and haircare to bath oils.
What is the Difference Between Essential Oils and Carrier Oils
Unlike carrier oils, essential oils are an aromatic oil. They are used mainly for their scent and they are extracted from fragrant plants like peppermint, lavender, orange, basil and more.
They are also extracted differently to carrier oils. Carrier oils are cold pressed, whereas essential oils are steam distilled.
Essential oils are also highly concentrated, making them unsuitable to be used directly on the skin as they may cause irritation. So we use carrier oils to ‘carry’ the essential oil onto the skin by diluting it.
Difference Between Carrier Oils and Infused Oils
If you’ve had a look through our range of carrier oils, you may have noticed there are some infused oils like amla infused oil, arnica infused oil, calendula infused oil and comfrey infused oil.
These oils are not exactly the same as ‘carrier oils’. So what are they and how are they different?
Carrier oils are pressed straight from the plant to extract the oil. The oil is extracted from the nut or seed of the fruit through cold pressing or expeller pressing.
Whereas, infused oils are made by infusing the plant in a carrier oil like sunflower oil. For example, the calendula flowers are harvested and then submerged in sunflower oil for up to 10 days to infuse it.
Carrier oils have their own natural benefits, but infused oils have some natural benefits from the infused plant as well as the properties of the carrier oil.
Why Use Carrier Oils?
Carrier oils are packed full of essential nutrients, vitamins and fatty acids that are amazing for the health of your skin and hair.
They moisturise and soften skin, hydrate hair and can even help ease inflammation of skin conditions like eczema. By combining carrier oils and essential oils it's easy to create your own hair and skin care products without the need for any nasty chemicals.
Our Ultimate List of Carrier Oils and Their Benefits
There are a lot of similarities between carrier oils but they also have their subtle differences which make some better than others for specific products or skin types. Here is our round-up of some of the most popular carrier oils…
1. Almond Oil
Sweet almond oil is a great all-rounder and can be used in everything from face oils to hair care. It is a great source of vitamin E and has amazing moisturising properties. Sweet almond oil is also very nourishing, easily absorbed and doesn't block pores.
Sweet almond oil has a comedogenic rating of 2 so it may clog pores for acne prone skin. Sweet almond oil is suitable for all skin types including dry skin, oily skin, irritated skin and damaged skin. If you have sensitive skin then sweet almond oil is a great oil for you!
We stock conventional almond oil and organic almond oil.
Alternative Oils: Some oils that are similar to almond oil are: apricot kernel oil, argan oil, olive oil, safflower oil, peach kernel oil and hazelnut oil.
Main Use: Any skincare application including face treatments, moisturisers and lotions.
2. Apricot Kernel Oil
Apricot kernel oil is very light and gentle on skin whilst being ultra moisturising. It is also a great carrier oil for massage oils and homemade body oils as it glides smoothly across the skin and is fast absorbing so it doesn’t leave it feeling greasy.
Alternative Oils: Some oils that are similar to apricot kernel oil are: sweet almond oil and peach kernel oil.
Main Use: It is mainly used in skincare like lotions, balms or body butters.
3. Argan Oil
Argan oil has been used in Morocco for centuries for food and beauty. It’s full of vitamins E and A and essential fatty acids which keep skin healthy and strengthen hair and nails. It is a very lightweight oil and absorbs into the skin quickly. In its raw form, argan oil has a distinctive nutty aroma.
Argan oil is particularly suitable for mature skin as the essential fatty acids reduce fine lines and wrinkles as well as reduce discoloration. It is also said to help treat acne due to its anti-inflammatory properties and antibacterial properties, which enhance skin health and reduce blemishes.
You’ll see argan oil as an ingredient in a lot of hair care recipes as it leaves it nourished, softened, shiny and frizz free.
Argan oil is also fantastic in face treatments and massage oils as it has the lowest comedogenic rating possible, so it is very unlikely to clog your pores.
We stock organic argan oil, and conventional argan oil. Both types of argan oil are extracted by cold pressing only, and are made from untoasted argan kernels produced in Morocco.
Alternative Oils: Some oils that are similar to argan oil are: refined rosehip oil and sweet almond oil.
Main Use: Mainly used in skincare like moisturisers, lotions or serums.
4. Avocado Oil
Avocado oil is a good carrier oil for improving body, hands and hair health. Avocado oil is ultra rich and nourishing and is perfect for mature skin as it contains lots of beta carotene, vitamins and essential fatty acids which help prevent the signs of premature ageing.
It is highly recommended for eczema, sensitive skin and other dry skin conditions as it’s extremely moisturising and penetrates deeper into the skin than most carrier oils.
Avocado oil is medium-high on the comedogenic scale so can block pores for some people when used in face treatments. Because of this, it is best used for body and hand treatments.
Because of its high amount of fatty acids, avocado oil helps restore and maintain the skin barrier, promoting optimal hydration and skin health. It’s slightly slower than other oils to be absorbed into the skin which makes it perfect for night creams and serums.
Used in hair treatment recipes it tames frizz, smooths, conditions and adds shine.
We stock three types of avocado oil: Refined avocado oil which is clear, golden in colour and with a neutral scent, Cold pressed avocado oil which is dark green/brown in colour and has a strong scent, and Organic cold pressed avocado oil which is similar to the cold pressed avocado oil in appearance but is pressed from organic avocados.
Refined avocado oil is easier to work with in a recipe because it won’t affect the colour or scent of the finished product. However many people prefer the moisturising effect of cold pressed avocado oils.
Alternative Oils: An oil that is similar to avocado oil is olive oil.
Main Use: Mainly used for body applications like creams and body moisturisers.
5. Castor Oil
Castor oil is quite a viscous oil with a consistency similar to honey, so it is often balanced with other thinner oils in a recipe for soap, skin or hair products.
We love castor oil for stimulating hair growth and encouraging thicker hair, eyelashes and eyebrows. It gives hair a great shine and conditions nails and cuticles.
Castor oil is popular in cold process soap making, as it is one of the few oils that can add a bubbling, lather effect to soaps!
Castor oil has a very different composition to other carrier oils, as it is mostly made up of Ricinoleic fatty acid which is rarely found in popular carrier oils.
We stock conventional castor oil and organic cold pressed castor oil. Both are similar in appearance but the organic castor oil is a little lighter in colour and not quite as viscous.
Alternative Oils: Castor oil is very unique and there aren't any similar carrier oils we would recommend.
Main Use: Its main use is haircare products like hair treatments and conditioners.
6. Fractionated Coconut Oil
Fractionated coconut oil (also known as MCT oil or refined coconut oil), is a clear, odourless, liquid coconut oil. It is also the lightest carrier oil and quickest to absorb into the skin!
Perfect for when you want to use coconut oil, but solid coconut is inconvenient. Fractionated coconut is an intense moisturiser which will smooth and soften this skin.
Coconut oil can be used in both hair and skin products like creams, moisturisers, hair masks, conditioners and lotions. Fractionated coconut oil may clog pores for acne prone skin types and oily skin. However, fractionated coconut oil is great for sensitive skin, dry skin, damaged skin and combination skin.
Alternative Oils: Fractionated coconut oil has a unique composition. However, some oils that are similar in consistency are safflower oil and grapeseed oil.
Main Use: Mainly used in moisturisers, creams or massage oils.
7. Grapeseed Oil
Grapeseed oil is one of the most versatile and popular natural oils for massage, skin and hair treatments and soap making. A fantastic ingredient that suits any recipe, particularly ones where you want to add essential oils as grapeseed oil has no natural scent.
Grapeseed oil is delicately lightweight, incredibly gentle, easily absorbed and packed with vitamins E, D and E. Grapeseed oil is also rich in essential fatty acids, this oil will balance and nourish the skin. It contains linoleic acid, which is known for its ability to regulate oil production, and enhance moisturizing properties, making it particularly suitable for oily and acne-prone skin types.
We stock conventional grapeseed oil, and organic cold pressed grapeseed oil. Both types are a clear, green/yellow colour with a neutral scent.
Alternative Oils: Some oils that are similar to grapeseed oil are: safflower oil, apricot kernel oil and macadamia nut oil.
Main Use: Its main use is as a massage oil.
8. Jojoba Oil
Jojoba oil is technically a liquid wax, so it has a very different fatty acid composition to other carrier oils. As a result it brings a little something extra to every recipe. That’s why it is in so many recipes!
Jojoba oil is easily absorbed and leaves the skin with a healthy glow. It helps regulate the skin's oil production, supporting balanced skin and making it beneficial for all skin types.
We stock organic jojoba oil and conventional jojoba oil. Both types of jojoba oil are golden in colour and extracted by cold pressing.
Alternative Oils: Jojoba oil is not technically a carrier oil as it is a liquid wax. It is very unique and there aren't any similar carrier oils we would recommend.
Main Use: It is used in skin treatments or moisturisers for oily skin.
9. Macadamia Oil
This is another oil that you see in a lot of hair care products as it hydrates, tames and strengthens the hair. It is thick, luxurious, deeply moisturising and nourishing. It has a neutral scent and is very quickly absorbed by the skin and hair.
Macadamia oil nourishes and strengthens hair follicles, promoting hair health and thickness.
Macadamia nut oil is full of vitamin A, E, B1, B2 and K, all of which are wonderful for your skin, hair and scalp. It also contains palmitoleic acid which serves as a super healer of the skin.
Alternative Oils: Some oils that are similar to macadamia nut oil are grapeseed oil and safflower oil.
Main Use: Mainly used in hair treatments.
10. Neem Oil
Our organic neem oil is a carrier oil that is cold pressed from the seeds of neem trees. Our cold pressed neem oil is yellow/brown in colour and has a characteristically strong natural scent.
It is rich in essential fatty acids and is great for improving skin conditions and overall skin health.
Neem oil is commonly used as a repellent for insect pests. It is widely used in skin care products like lotions, creams and soap. Neem oil is suitable for all skin types including oily, cracked, damaged, irritation, dry skin and acne prone skin.
We sell both organic neem oil and virgin neem oil. Both oils have the same appearance. The organic neem oil is certified organic by the Soil Association.
Alternative Oils: Neem oil is very unique so not many oils are good alternatives. However, tamanu oil is very similar in terms of appearance and viscosity.
Main Use: Its main use is for skin treatments.
11. Olive Oil
We sell both organic extra virgin olive oil and olive pomace oil. Extra virgin olive oil is a certified organic, unrefined oil and is yellow to green in colour with a natural characteristic olive aroma. Olive pomace oil is non organic and is golden to green in colour with a neutral scent. Olive oil is well known for its health benefits, nourishing skin and hair, and contributing to overall wellness.
Olive oil is a great oil for moisturising skin as it contains monounsaturated fatty acids. It is especially good for dry skin as it helps nourish, moisturize, and rejuvenate the skin, improving overall complexion.
It can be used in cosmetic products like soap, creams, lotions, lip balms, moisturisers, shampoos and skin treatments.
It has a low comedogenic rating of 2, meaning there is a low chance it will clog pores. It is suitable for all skin types, including oily skin, dry skin and combination skin types. However, it may not be suitable for acne prone skin types.
Alternative Oils: Some oils that are similar to olive oil are avocado oil and rice bran oil.
Main Use: Its main use is in cold process soap making.
12. Rosehip Oil
Rosehip is a super lightweight, dry and nutrient rich oil that is widely used in face treatments for its revitalising and regenerating effects on the skin.
You can combine rosehip oil with other essential oils, which is especially beneficial for soothing irritated skin.
It is unlikely to clog pores and forms the basis of many natural acne, anti-aging and scar reduction treatments. Rosehip is great for use on mature and sensitive skin or stretch marks as it hydrates, evens skin tone and boosts radiance.
We stock refined rosehip which is clear and golden in colour, and organic cold pressed rosehip which is red in colour.
Alternative Oils: Some oils that are similar to rosehip oil are: raspberry seed oil and hazelnut oil
Main Use: Mainly used in skincare for mature skin.
13. Sea Buckthorn Oil
Last, but not least, sea buckthorn oil is an underrated oil that is amazing for the skin! Sea buckthorn oil cold pressed from sea buckthorn berries. The sea buckthorn plant is a small shrub that is native to the Himalayas.
Sea buckthorn oil is rich in fatty acids like linoleic and oleic acid. This helps improve hydration and overall skin health. Sea buckthorn oil is often used to make natural products in cosmetics like moisturisers, creams, face oils, soap, conditioner and hair masks.
Sea buckthorn oil has a low comedogenic rating of 1 and is suitable for all skin types and skin conditions, including oily and acne-prone skin!
Alternative Oils: Sea buckthorn oil is very unique, so there aren't many alternatives. However, if you had to find an alternative, you could try argan oil or macadamia oil.
Main Use: Its main use is in moisturisers and skin treatments.
How To Use Carrier Oils
Carrier oils can be used in a wide range of applications. They can be used as a base oil for aromatherapy and diffusers. They are also commonly used for cosmetics like haircare and skincare as they carry a lot of natural benefits for the skin and hair.
When choosing the right carrier oil for your formulations, consider your specific skin or hair type and the benefits you want to achieve.
Here are some of our favourite ways to use carrier oils:
1. Hair Oil
Some carrier oils have natural properties that benefit the hair and scalp. Many carrier oils are great for hair including: almond, argan, avocado, grapeseed, castor, coconut, macadamia and sea buckthorn oil. Make sure to patch test it before use.
Simple Hair Oil Recipe
- Fractionated Coconut Oil 47g | 50ml
- Argan Oil 45g | 50ml
- Essential Oil (optional)
Method
- Weigh out the coconut oil and argan oil into a bowl and mix together.
- If you are using essential oils, add them to the carrier oil mixture and mix.
- Apply a small amount to damp hair and leave to sit for 15 to 30 minutes. Rinse the oil out with a gentle shampoo until it is fully rinsed out of the hair.
2. Body Oil
Any carrier oil can be used for a body oil as they are amazing moisturisers for the skin! Just make sure it suits your skin type and patch test it before use.
Simple Body Oil Recipe
- Jojoba Oil 58g | 66ml
- Rosehip Oil 25g | 27ml
- Fractionated Coconut Oil 5g | 5ml
- Essential Oil (optional)
Method
- Weigh out the coconut oil, jojoba oil and rosehip oil into a bowl and mix together.
- If you are using essential oils, add them to the carrier oil mixture and mix.
- Pour a small amount into your hands and apply to the body. Leave the oil to sink into the skin completely.
3. Face Oil
You can use any oil for your face oil, but you must check if it is suitable for your skin type! If you have dry skin, look for something that is highly moisturising. For oily skin types, make sure you check the comedogenic rating (you're looking for a 1 or 0), as this will tell you if it will block pores.
Simple Face Oil Recipe
- Rosehip Oil 100ml
- Jojoba Oil 50ml
- Argan Oil 10ml
- Essential Oil (optional)
Method
- Weigh out the rosehip oil, jojoba oil and argan oil into a bowl and mix together.
- If you are using essential oils, add them to the carrier oil mixture and mix.
- Pour a small amount into your hands and massage it into the face. Leave the oil to sink into the skin completely.
Honourable Mentions
Looking for some more unique carrier oils? There are so many underappreciated carrier oils that we think need more love.
- Pomegranate Oil - Pomegranate is a unique oil as it contains high amounts of a rare essential fatty acid called punicic acid, also known as omega 5.
- Meadowfoam Seed Oil - Meadowfoam has a unique long chain fatty acid composition and it is really sustainable.
- Hemp Seed Oil - Hemp seed oil is rich in essential fatty acids like alpha linolenic acid. It is also sustainably produced in the UK.
- Vitamin E Oil - Vitamin E oil is not technically a carrier oil and it contains around 70% vitamin E and is infused in sunflower oil. But it is super moisturising and hydrating!
- Black Cumin Seed Oil - Black cumin seed oil is known for improving overall skin health and it is especially good for dry or sensitive skin. It is commonly used in moisturisers, creams, serums and face masks.
- Evening Primrose Oil - Evening primrose oil is very rich in fatty acids and has a very high linoleic acid content, making it really moisturising!
- Carrot Seed Oil - Cold pressed carrot oil is rich in beta carotene and vitamins, like vitamin E and vitamin C.
- Borage Oil - Borage oil is rich in essential fatty acids like linoleic acid, palmitic acid and gamma linolenic acid (GLA), so it is super hydrating for both skin and hair.
Summary
The greatest thing about carrier oils is that there is a carrier oil for everything! Whether you need nourishing oils for your skin and hair or you want to dilute essential oils in a carrier oil, there’s a carrier oil that is perfect for the job.
When deciding which carrier oil is best for you, remember to think about your skin type, how quickly you want it to be absorbed and what you will be using it for!
It may take a few tries to find the right fit, but it is worth it in the end. So start experimenting now to find the perfect carrier oil for you!
Continue Reading
Now you know our list of carrier oils and their benefits, why not read more?
- Want to make your own rosehip oil face oil? Try this simple face oil recipe!
- Use carrier oils like jojoba oil and vitamin e oil to make your own tinted lip balm!
- Interested in soap making? Try our dandelion soap recipe!
Which carrier oil is your favourite? Let us know in the comments!
