Carrier Oils for Skin
Information
Carrier oils are crucial if you want to use your essential oils topically. Diluting carrier oils will make sure that your essential oils are safe for use on your skin.
Carrier oils can also offer a whole host of benefits for your skin health, such as a wealth of essential fatty acids that can heal damaged skin and regenerate skin cells.
From light carrier oils for skin to more nourishing oils for complex skin conditions or irritated skin, you’ll be able to find the perfect carrier oil for all your essential oil and aromatherapy needs.
So whether you’re looking for carrier oils for oily skin, carrier oils for dry skin, or carrier oils for itchy skin - you’ll be able to find the best carrier oil for your skin below.
Is carrier oil good for skin?
If you’re interested in harnessing the healing powers of essential oils, you need to mix them with a carrier oil before you apply them topically to the skin or to your hair. Unlike essential oils, carrier oils can be applied directly to your skin. They are also sometimes known as vegetable oils.
Since an essential oil could pose a risk of irritation when applied on its own, carrier oils like sweet almond oil, avocado oil, and fractionated coconut oil are all used to protect us from their effects and make them safe for topical use.
Carrier oils can be used to make massage oils, soaps, bath oils, body oils, and so much more. If you want to see the benefits of aromatherapy on your skin, find the best carrier oil for your skin type and mix a small amount of essential oils with it.
What are the best carrier oils for skin?
Whether you’re looking for carrier oils for acne-prone skin or anti-inflammatory carrier oils for skin, we have a wide variety of different carrier oils for you to choose from. The best carrier oils for your skin will depend on the purpose you need them for and your skin type.
Some of the best carrier oils for dry skin include:
If you have oily or acne-prone skin, we’d recommend using jojoba oil. If your skin is itchy or irritated, we’d recommend using apricot kernel oil as your carrier oil. Argan oil is the best carrier oil for all skin types.
Frequently Asked Questions
A few essential oils stand out for their skincare benefits when mixed with carrier oils. Lavender is known for its soothing properties and is good for all skin types.
Tea tree oil has antibacterial properties, making it ideal for acne-prone skin.
Frankincense is beneficial for mature skin and reducing the appearance of wrinkles. Geranium balances oil production and improves skin elasticity.
Among carrier oils, avocado oil, argan oil, and coconut oil are notably moisturising. Avocado oil, rich in fatty acids and vitamins A, D, and E, deeply nourishes the skin.
Argan oil, often referred to as 'liquid gold', is packed with vitamin E and essential fatty acids, providing profound hydration and revitalising dry skin.
Coconut oil is intensely hydrating and has the added benefit of being easily absorbed into the skin. Fractionated coconut oil, a form that stays liquid at room temperature, is particularly useful.
Carrier oils are typically used to dilute essential oils for topical application. First, choose a carrier oil that suits your skin type. Mix a few drops of your chosen essential oil with the carrier oil; a general rule of thumb is to use a 2% dilution, which is approximately 12 drops of essential oil per 30ml of carrier oil.
Remember, carrier oils can also be used alone for skin hydration without adding essential oils.
You can then apply this blend directly to your skin, using it as a moisturiser or for a massage.
Products
The best carrier oils for skin products
If you're a hobbyist or business owner looking to create an all-natural skin care range, these carrier oils in particular can help take your products to new heights.
Some great oils to get your started include:
- Grapeseed oil
- Coconut oil
- Sweet almond oil
- Avocado oil
- Hemp seed oil
Grapeseed oil and coconut oil are so heavily used for skincare because of their absorbent properties that are suitable for all skin types. Their numerous essential fatty acids can penetrate the skin barrier and facilitate a healthy complexion.
Fractionated coconut oil in particular is loaded with nutrients and is commonly used as an ingredient in soap making. Adding carrier oils to your soaps can improve their quality and longevity overall.
The best essential oils for promoting healthy skin
Finding the right essential oils to combine with your carrier oils for skin can help elevate your wellness routine and encourage a healthier, brighter complexion.
While most essential oils carry some sort of skin-loving benefit, some of the more popular choices include:
Those that struggle with breakouts can also refer to our list of the best essential oils for treating acne.