A Guide to Choosing the Best Carrier Oil

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Carrier oils are vegetable oils used to dilute essential oils before applying to the skin in massage and aromatherapy. They are so named because they carry the essential oil onto the skin. When it comes to carrier oils, there are dozens to choose from, each with different benefits. Check out this guide to choosing the best carrier oil for your DIY recipes, roller balls, and other purposes.

Why Use a Carrier Oil?

Carrier oils are useful for many essential oil applications.

  • Comfort: Certain oils can feel hot when applied directly to the skin, especially sensitive areas. Using a carrier oil slows down the penetration of the essential oil and reduces discomfort. Dilution with a carrier oil is highly recommended for babies and children as well.
  • DIY Projects: If you enjoy making your own personal care products, many recipes include the use of a carrier oil.
  • Massage: In massage, carrier oils are necessary to disperse essential oils as well as provide a slick medium for massage techniques.
  • Roller Ball Blends: Most roller blends contain a carrier oil. While you can create roller blends with pure essential oils, they use a lot of oil. For this reason, most people choose to add a carrier oil to rollers.
  • In Capsules: Some people add carrier oils to capsules containing essential oils because it prevents burping the taste and odor of essential oils.

Choosing a Carrier Oil

Selecting a carrier oil depends largely on the purpose. Most carrier oils are derived from the seeds or nuts of plants, and the rate of dispersion will vary based on how light or heavy the carrier oil is. Additionally, some oils can clog pores and may not be desirable for topical applications. Most carrier oils have little aroma, but a few may have a slight odor that affects the finished product. When choosing a carrier oil, it is important to take into account viscosity, lubrication, absorption, and aroma.

When selecting a carrier oil, make sure you are using the highest quality you can afford. You don’t want to compromise the essential oils you use with a cheap additive. Look for organic, cold-pressed, pure, unrefined oil with no additives. 

Comedogenic Rating

When choosing a carrier oil for skin preparations, many people look at the comedogenic rating of the oil.

  • 0 – Non-comedogenic; will not clog pores.
  • 1 – Low: Slight chance that the oil will clog your pores.
  • 2 – Moderately low: Will not clog pores for most people, but be careful if you are acne-prone.
  • 3 – Moderate: Will cause break-outs for many people.
  • 4 – Fairly high: Will cause break-outs for most people.
  • 5 – High: High risk of break-outs with this type of oil.

Let’s have a look at some of the most common carrier oils.

Apricot Kernel Oil

Source: Cold-pressed from apricot kernels (seeds)

Benefits: Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, readily absorbs into skin

Characteristics: Free-flowing, lightweight, non-greasy, liquid oil with rapid absorption

Aroma: Mild, nutty, and sweet

Comedogenic Rating: 2

Uses: Skin preparations, especially under the eyes

Argan Oil

Source: Kernels of argan fruit (Argania spinosa)

Benefits: Good for dry skin, acne, psoriasis, eczema, wrinkles, joint pain, skin inflammation. May prevent hair loss and dry hair. Regulates sebum production to prevent breakouts. Contains Vitamin E, which helps fade scars and improves the texture of the skin. When ingested, argan oil is a choleretic and hepatoprotective agent that can prevent hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerosis.

Characteristics: Free-flowing, non-greasy, liquid oil with moderate absorption

Aroma: Very mild neutral

Comedogenic Rating: 0

Uses: Excellent in skin preparations, especially for those who are acne-prone; hair applications; internal usage. Check out this helichrysum anti-aging serum with argan oil.

Baobab Seed Oil

Source: Cold-pressed from seeds of the baobab tree (Adansonia digitata)

Benefits: Uniquely, this oil has relatively equal proportions of saturated to monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats. This is important because the smaller fatty acids penetrate hair and skin readily to add moisture and suppleness, while the polyunsaturated fats remain on the surface of the hair/skin, forming a protective layer.

Characteristics: Free-flowing, non-greasy, liquid oil with slow absorption

Aroma: Lightly nutty, almost floral

Comedogenic Rating: 2

Uses: Great for hair and skin. Try this Protective Summer Hair Serum!

Calendula Oil

Source: A carrier oil is infused with calendula flowers (Calendula officinalis). The quality of the oil largely depends upon the carrier oil that is used.

Benefits: Antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor and antioxidant properties

Characteristics: Depends on carrier oil used

Aroma: Lightly floral

Comedogenic Rating: 1, depending on carrier oil that is used

Uses: Healing and moisturizing to skin. Try a Soothing Relief Roller with calendula oil for sore, tender skin.

Castor Oil

Source: Extracted from castor beans (Ricinus communis) by either mechanical pressing, solvent extraction, or a combination of pressing and extraction.

Benefits: High in essential fatty acids, including ricinoleic acid (RA)

Characteristics: Viscous, greasy, liquid oil with very slow absorption

Aroma: Slightly bitter

Comedogenic Rating: 1

Uses: Lubricant for massage; useful in making soaps. NOT ideal for any internal use, as it can induce vomiting and diarrhea. Because of the aroma, castor oil is not a preferred carrier oil for many aromatic blends.

Learn more about Castor Oil.

Cocoa Butter

Source: Extracted from cocoa nibs (Theobroma cocoa) by cold-pressing (preferred) or solvent extraction

Benefits: Moisturizing and conditioning; antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, photoprotective (protects from sun damage), anti-aging; produces a thicker, more heat-resistant final product.

Characteristics: Brittle, hard, solid fat with slow absorption

Aroma: Strongly sweet and chocolatey

Comedogenic Rating: 4

Uses: Skin and hair care products for its moisturizing and conditioning; used in soap making

Coconut Oil

Source: Cold-pressed from the meat of mature coconuts (Cocos Nucifera)

Benefits: Coconut oil is an emollient, which is a moisturizer that helps keep the skin moist and protected by trapping moisture in the skin. It is also antimicrobial, which helps prevent infection and inflammation. Readily available and relatively inexpensive.

Characteristics: Soft, greasy, semi-solid oil with slow absorption

Aroma: Mild, coconuty

Comedogenic Rating: 4

Uses: Great for skin, lip, and hair preparations. Try this homemade Boo Boo Balm.

Coconut Oil (Fractionated)

Source: Fractionated coconut oil is derived from pure coconut oil. Fractionation removes the primary fatty acid, 12-carbon lauric acid (C12), and some other long-chain fatty acids, making this oil liquid at room temperature. Most of the health benefits of coconut oil can be attributed to the lauric acid, so fractionated coconut oil does not retain many of the benefits of coconut oil.

Benefits: Fractionated coconut oil is very slick and makes a great lubricant or massage oil. It is also moisturizing to the skin, though it does not hold in moisture as well as regular coconut oil. Mild, nearly odorless, and relatively inexpensive.

Characteristics: Free-flowing, non-greasy, liquid oil with moderate absorption

Aroma: Mild, coconuty

Comedogenic Rating: 2-3

Uses: Carrier oil in roller balls, use in capsules, topical application of essential oils. Check out this Lavender Lash Serum with fractionated coconut oil.

Grape Seed Oil

Source: Cold-pressed from seeds of grapes (Vitis vinifera)

Characteristics: Free-flowing, relatively non-greasy, liquid oil with fast absorption

Benefits: Rich in phenolic compounds (such as reservation and carotenoids), fatty acids, and vitamins. Anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant; prevents free-radical damage to skin.

Aroma: Very mild and neutral, almost odorless

Comedogenic Rating: 1

Uses: Skin, hair, and fingernail preparations. Also makes a great lubricant for vaginal use or in massage. Try Roses and Myrrh Cuticle Serum with grapeseed oil.

Hemp Seed Oil

Source: Cold-pressed from hemp seeds (Cannabis sativa)

Benefits: Rich source of polyunsaturated omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, as well as α-linolenic acid and omega-6 γ-linolenic acid. These help build healthy cell membranes and also help produce the skin’s natural oil barrier, thus keeping skin hydrated, plumper, and younger looking.

Characteristics: Free-flowing, somewhat sticky, liquid oil with moderate absorption

Aroma: Mild, nutty

Comedogenic Rating: 0

Uses: Great for aging or dry skin, eczema (atopic dermatitis) and for improving hair and nail strength.

Jojoba Oil

Source: Actually a wax ester cold-pressed from seeds of the jojoba bush (Simmondsia chinensis)

Benefits: Strengthens hair and prevents breakage and split ends; may also be helpful in treating dandruff and dry scalp. Forms a barrier to protect skin; antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant; promotes wound healing; prevents skin aging. Has a soft, satiny feel.

Characteristics: Free-flowing, non-greasy, liquid wax with moderate absorption

Aroma: Pleasant soft aroma, almost odorless

Comedogenic Rating: 2

Uses: Mild and usually non-allergenic, jojoba oil is great for all skin applications. Often used for acne-prone skin and soothing to eczema and other skin issues. Use in cleansers and moisturizers, or apply directly to skin. Try jojoba oil in this Smoothing Beard Serum.

Linseed Oil (aka Flaxseed Oil)

Source: Cold-pressed from dried flax seeds (Linum usitatissimum)

Benefits: Rich in the essential fatty acid alpha linolenic acid; anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. Fatty acids balance natural skin oils and reduce inflammation; also forms a protective barrier on the skin’s surface.

Characteristics: Free-flowing, non-greasy, liquid oil with fast absorption

Aroma: Mildly “fishy”

Comedogenic Rating: 4

Uses: Skin applications, but because it can clog pores, linseed oil may be more suitable for hand and body lotions. Because of the odor of linseed oil, many people do not prefer to use it as a carrier oil for essential oil blending.

Olive Oil

Source: Cold-pressed from ripe olives (Olea europaea)

Benefits: Moisturizing and noursihing properties. Very high in beneficial vitamins and fatty acids. Also high in vitamin E and antioxidants to protect skin and slow the aging process.

Characteristics: Free-flowing, greasy, liquid oil with slow absorption

Aroma: Appealing earthy aroma

Comedogenic Rating: 2

Uses: Skin and hair applications, internal use, dilution for topical use. It has a slight odor, so many people do not prefer olive oil for creating aromatic blends. For the smoothest shave, check out this All-Natural Homemade Shaving Cream recipe with olive oil.

Palm Kernel Oil

Source: Pressed from dried and heated palm kernel nuts (Elaeis guineensis)

Benefits: Rich in vitamin E; contains essential fatty acids for anti-aging and anti-inflammatory benefits. High lauric acid content makes it ideal for producing a rich lather when used in soaps.

Characteristics: Soft, semi-solid, non-greasy oil with very slow absorption

Aroma: Odorless

Comedogenic Rating: 4

Uses: Predominantly used in soap making

Sesame Oil

Source: Expressed from sesame seeds (Sesamum indicum) via expeller pressing, cold-pressing, or solvent extraction

Benefits: Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial; combats acne, infections and rashes; healing to dry skin; reduces redness.

Characteristics: Slightly viscous liquid oil with moderate absorption

Aroma: Strong nutty aroma

Comedogenic Rating: 3

Uses: Lubricants, internal use, in healing salves

Try this Meet Me Between the Sheets Massage Oil with sesame oil.

Shea Butter

Source: Shea butter is a fat extracted from the nut of the African shea tree (Vitellaria paradoxa). This is done traditionally by extracting the nuts, pounding them to a powder, and finally, boiling the powder to release the fats. Solvent extraction is another less-commonly used method.

Benefits: Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, wonderful emollient that repairs the skin barrier, and wound healing.

Characteristics: Medium-soft solid fat with moderate absorption

Aroma: Mild, neutral; almost odorless

Comedogenic Rating: 0-2

Uses: Great in soapmaking and for lotions and moisturizers. Since it is solid at room temperature, it pairs well with other carrier oils when a fluid is desired. Shea butter also makes a nourishing, smooth hand or foot cream. Try it in this Summer-Ready Legs Cream.

Sunflower Oil

Source: Expeller-pressed from raw sunflower seeds (Helianthus annuus)

Benefits: Odorless; enhances skin barrier function; prevents invasive bacterial infections; anti-fungal; healing to atopic dermatitis and dry/scaly skin; anti-wrinkling and anti-aging properties

Characteristics: Free-flowing liquid oil with slow absorption

Aroma: Odorless

Comedogenic Rating: 0-2

Uses: Skin and hair preparations, facial moisturizers, as a carrier oil for internal consumption, all topical applications. Because it is odorless, it blends well with essential oils.

Sweet Almond Oil

Source: Cold-pressed from ripe almonds (Prunus dulcis)

Benefits: Consists mainly of oleic acid, essential fatty acids, plant sterolins, and vitamin A and E, which provide great nutritional value for all skin types. Also antioxidant and emollient rich; soothing; moisturizing; reduces hypertrophic scarring post-operatively; smoothes and rejuvenates skin; improves complexion and skin tone

Characteristics: Free-flowing liquid oil with slow absorption

Aroma: Mild, nutty, and sweet

Comedogenic Rating: 2

Uses: Good for all skin and hair care applications; excellent carrier oil for roller ball recipes, including these Back to School Essential Oil Blends.

Want the Low-Down?

Download this Quick Reference Guide to Carrier Oils!

For more great information about essential oil usage and safety, check out my book, Essentials: Answers to 75 Common Questions About Essential Oils and Supplements.

CBD Sleep Balm

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There’s nothing worse than climbing into bed ready for a restful night and not being able to catch those precious z’s. Whether your mind is racing or your body just doesn’t get the message to wind down, wrestling with sleep stinks. Instead of reaching for sleeping pills, try something natural to help you drift off to dream land. This Sleep Balm combines the power of CBD and the calming aroma of essential oils to help you get a better night’s rest.

Essential Oils

This recipe combines the power of two of my favorite calming essential oils: lavender and cedarwood. But you can mix things up with the oils of your choice. You can also try lavender if you need help letting go of the pressures of the day. Other great options include frankincense, sandalwood, valerian, bergamot, and lots more. Choose oils that are relaxing and calming to you.

CBD Oil

Studies show that CBD helps relieve anxiety and stress, which can contribute to insomnia. While many people choose to take CBD internally, using this sleep balm is a gentle way to enjoy the relaxing benefits of this oil. Plus, you can apply as much or as little as you need. You can even try this balm with restless children to help them sleep better. The key here, as always, is to start with a small amount. It may take a few nights to figure out the right amount for you.

You can also adjust the amount of CBD you use in the recipe. The more you use, the more potent your balm will be. If your CBD oil contains 50 mg per 1 mL (usually one full dropper), you need 4 mL to yield 200 mg.

CBD Sleep Balm

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Combine beeswax or carnauba wax, jojoba oil, and coconut oil, in a mason jar.
  2. Create a double boiler by pouring a few inches of water in a small saucepan, and carefully set the jar of ingredients in the water.
  3. Next, gently heat the pan over medium-low heat.
  4. Once the mixture is completely melted, remove from heat. (Be careful, the glass will be very HOT!) 
  5. Finally, add essential oils and CBD oil and gently stir to incorporate.
  6. Allow to cool completely and solidify before using.

To Use

About 30 minutes before bedtime, apply Sleep Balm to bottoms of feet, chest, neck, or arms. (You can really apply it just about anywhere you desire.)

Want even more ways to help you sleep? Check out The Importance of Sleep and How to Get More of It.

If you’re looking for more information and science about CBD, come listen to the CBD Course!

Roses and Myrrh Cuticle Serum

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For some reason, healthy fingernails can go a long way to instilling confidence in women. Having tidy, manicured nails just seems to make us feel better about ourselves. I love this recipe because it’s so simple, it smells amazing, and I feel like I’m pampering myself each evening with a quick application. Try this Roses and Myrrh Cuticle Serum to condition and strengthen nails.

About the Ingredients

Essential Oils

In this recipe we have oils of rose, rosemary, melrose, and myrrh.

Like a pricey manicure, rose essential oil is a big splurge for some women. But it’s so much more than just a lovely fragrance. Rose contains an array of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which have emollient properties to keep cuticles moisturized dry skin. It also has anti-inflammatory properties to reduce redness and inflammation of the nail bed. 

The best part is that a tiny bit really goes a long way with rose essential oil. One bottle should last you a very long time, so go ahead and spoil yourself just a little! If you don’t have rose oil, you can use geranium in this recipe instead.

Rosemary essential oil is great for skin and nails because it promotes good circulation. This prevents cracked cuticles and also promotes nail growth. It contains phenolic compounds, which are astringent to keep those nail beds clean and prevent infection.

Melrose is a blend of Melaleuca, naouli, rosemary, and clove essential oils. It is popular in cosmetic and personal hygiene products for protecting hair and nails. These oils may help strengthen nails and prevent breakage.

Throughut history, women have used myrrh essential oil for personal care products. It nourishes and moisturizes the skin and prevents free radical damage. It’s especially great for ragged cuticles.

Fatty Oils

Vitamin E oil moisturizes cry cuticles and contains antioxidants that help rebuild and strengthen nails.

Jojoba is actually not a true oil but a wax ester. It comes from the seeds of the plant, which contain abundant fatty acids. These fatty acids act as an emollient for dryness, as well as a natural preservative to protect and promote healthier cuticles, which results in healthier fingernails. Jojoba can also improve the strength of nail beds to boost healthy nail growth.

Grapeseed oil has a slicker, lighter consistency and penetrates deeply to moisturize the nail bed. It helps prevent brittle nails that break and split easily.

Roses and Myrrh Cuticle Serum

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Combine essential oils in a 10 mL dropper bottle. Add vitamin E oil.
  2. Next, add jojoba and grapeseed oils to fill. (You don’t necessarily have to measure 4 mL of the oils. Just fill the bottle almost halfway to the top with jojoba and then top off with grapeseed.)
  3. Swirl gently to incorporate.
  4. To use, drop on cuticles and massage into the skin with your fingers. Apply once or twice daily as needed.

Complete your manicure with this Extra Special Citrus Rose Sugar Scrub!

Want to learn more science behind essential oils? Come get my book, Essentials: 75 Answers to Commonly Asked Questions About Essential Oils and Supplements.

The Season of Virgo

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As summer winds down, we enter into the Virgo season. From August 23 – September 22, the sun is in Virgo. As we leave the creative, fiery season of Leo that had us dreaming big dreams and setting goals, we embark on a time of execution. With the beginning of a new school year, many people establish new routines as they head back to school and work, and this is the perfect time to get organized.

Personality

Hardworking and analytical, Virgos like to have everything in its proper place. Their attention to detail and methodical approach to life does not leave much to chance, and that’s the way they like it. Virgos are very detail-oriented and can get so caught up in the minute details of a situation that they miss the bigger picture.

Virgos are usually gifted in communication skills and excel at speaking and writing and being persuasive. The flip side of that is they are often argumentative and manipulative. Virgos are also very vulnerable and careful. They often fail to see their own worth or understand the validity of their own emotions, feelings, and needs.

In relationships, Virgos are slow to trust, but once they do, they are loyal and committed. They do not indulge in passing relationships; rather they seek stability and predictability. They are great listeners and advisors as well, but be aware of their need to solve problems. If you want someone to just listen and not offer advice, the Virgo may not be the best confidant.

It’s Time to Get Organized!

During Virgo season, we can all harness the energy that prevails. This summer threw us into the chaos of Mercury retrograde, where concentration and order seemed impossible, and friction, miscommunications, and technology issues prevailed. Thankfully, Virgo season is here to restore order and rationality.

You may feel the urge to clean out your closet or organize your office during this time. Give in to the desire to purge and simplify. This is a time of cleansing, both physically and emotionally, as we return to order and contentment. If you have any projects looming, set your mind to completing them. Clearing off your to-do list will come easier during the next 30 days, so take advantage of the time.

Additionally, if you’ve been thinking about a new exercise routine, now is the perfect time to kick-start your plan. Avoiding a difficult conversation? Take some time to strategize and rely on prevailing communication skills of this time to approach the conflict with calm assurance.

The Throat Chakra

Virgo’s readiness to deliver facts with clarity and purpose are a sign of prevailing throat chakra. As an important instrument of communication and expression, when the throat chakra is open, we possess the ability to speak out and express our truth.

Because of its placement between the third eye and heart chakras, the throat has the responsibility of verbalizing what is in your head and heart. When blocked, it may be difficult to verbalize your feelings or get your point across. This can lead to feelings of insecurity and timidity. Conversely, an overactive throat chakra may lead to gossiping and verbal aggression.

Crystals and Stones

Because Virgos have a tendency towards perfectionism, some crystals that encourage grounding and go-with-the-flow may be beneficial. Select stones that promote balance and intuition, as well as calming energy to dispel the racing thoughts of the Virgo season.

Essential Oils

Select oils that help ground and center a racing mind during this season. Oils that ease tension can also ease the sometimes overly-practical and detail-focused Virgo. In short, the best oils during this time are those that help you chill out!

  • Frankincense
  • Cypress
  • Lavender
  • Bergamot

Virgo Roller Blend

Try this relaxing blend to calm and restore balance and harmony. You can also add these oils to a bath for a soothing soak.

8 drops frankincense

6 drops lavender

4 drops cypress

Citrine crystal chips

Neutral carrier oil, such as sweet almond oil or fractionated coconut oil

Combine essential oils in a 10 mL roller bottle. (I love the Constellation Trio from Whimsy & Wellness!) Add crystals and top off with carrier oil. Affix roller and shake gently before use.

Want to learn more about zodiac signs and how they affect us all? Check out these posts!