Carrot seed essential oil is often neglected in aromatherapy circles because its strong, earthy scent can be polarising.

Does carrot seed essential oil has antimicrobial properties?

Carrot seed oil has been found to have very powerful antibacterial and antifungal properties. As a result, a number of studies have been conducted into the various strains of bacteria and fungi that it can combat.

One such study in 2013 demonstrated the powers of carrot seed oil against E.coli, while further research has noted its effectiveness against strains of candida and salmonella.

Researchers have attributed these successful properties to the chemical compound alpha-pinene - a major component in carrot seed oil's natural composition.

There are many more studies out there demonstrating the benefits of carrot seed against a wide range of harmful microorganisms. Using a few drops of carrot seed oil in home cleaners can help to keep your spaces clean and hygienic.

Is carrot seed oil a powerful antioxidant?

Carrot seed oil contains powerful antioxidant properties, which means that it's able to successfully prevent damage caused by the oxidation of cells.

Oxidative damage often occurs from free radicals: toxins that set off chain chemical reactions in the body. These reactions destroy cells and, in some cases, can lead to serious and long-term health conditions.

Carrot seed oil’s antioxidants can go after these free radicals and inhibit their attacks. A 2012 study found that carrot seed oil’s antioxidant effects can even help to shield the liver from damage.

Carrot seed oil can be applied diluted and applied topically in order for these benefits to take effect, but should not be ingested. Learn more about the dangers of ingesting essential oils.

Can carrot seed essential oil benefit the hair and skin?

When diluted with a carrier oil, carrot seed oil is very safe for topical use and is a popular choice in homemade facial toners and shampoos.

Many people have reported that frequent use of carrot seed oil can protect the skin and hair from damage, leaving them both softer and healthier over time and when used in combination with rosemary oil for hair could significantly improve hair growth and health.

It has been speculated that these effects may well be due to carrot seed oil’s antioxidant properties, which can protect from environmental irritants like sunlight and pollution. More research is needed in this area, however.

Is carrot seed oil a natural sun-cream ingredient?

There’s some evidence to suggest that carrot seed oil may be able to protect from UV rays when combined with other herbal ingredients.

Some studies have suggested that carrot seed oil may even contain SPF, and as a result, many people have assumed its use as a tanning accelerator in the summer months.

It's important to note, however, that there is little evidence to support this claim for carrot seed oil specifically. Several sources have noted that carrot seed oil itself will not provide any protection from sunlight nor an acceleration to your tan if it's used on its own.

Other types of carrot oil may be used for tanning, but that still doesn't mean they contain any SPF. If you do choose to use carrot seed oil for a tan, make sure you're using it alongside commercial SPF sun protectants.

How to use Carrot Seed Essential Oil

While carrot seed oil may not be the most popular oil in the book for aromatherapy, these topical methods can help boost your day-to-day wellness routine in more ways than one.

Here are some of our favorite ways to use carrot seed essential oil.

Skincare

If you're seeking a smoother, clearer-looking complexion, implementing carrot seed oil into your routine may be just the way to go.

Try combining a few drops of carrot seed essential oil with your favourite plant-based carrier oil to create an all-natural cleanser. You can also try adding a few drops to your existing skincare products for an additional boost.

Haircare

Carrot seed oil is also a great choice for smooth, damage-free hair. Mix some carrot seed essential oil with a hair-loving carrier oil like argan and apply it from root to tip twice a week.

Alternatively, add some oil to your everyday shampoo and use it as normal.

Nail care

Rich in vitamin A, carrot seed oil has been praised for its effects in facilitating nail growth and cuticle care.

Try combining a few drops with a carrier oil like grapeseed and applying it to the nail beds once a week.

Cleaning products

The antibacterial and antimicrobial effects of carrot seed oil are ideal for topping up your surfaces in between deep cleans.

Try adding some carrot seed oil to a spray bottle with water and an emulsifier (like dish soap). Shake well, and use as needed.

History of Carrot Seed Essential Oil

As carrots are better known for their root vegetable than their seed, the history of the oil in particular is sparse. That being said, there are certain ancient uses that can be traced back to some of the earliest societies in human history.

For instance, the use of carrot seed oil has been observed against ailments like inflammation and indigestion since the time of the ancient Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians respectively.

Carrot seed oil was also used in traditional Chinese medicine as a reliever of muscle pain, as well as a remedy against intestinal issues like dysentery and worms.

Carrot seed’s distinctive scent may be a little like Marmite, but its effects are universally beneficial. A great ingredient in cleaning and cosmetic blends, carrot seed oil is not an essential oil to neglect.