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Carrier oils serve to dilute the essential oil before applying it to your skin. They act as the base for “carrying” the essential oil that is being mixed into it. Compared to essential oils, you’d use a greater amount of the carrier oil to make sure you properly dilute the essential oil.
This mecocthod also has the benefit of combining the effects of the essential oils PLUS those of the carrier oils, promoting smoother skin, relaxing the muscles, and a lot more. There are various carrier oils to choose from and it’s important to know which ones to use for what application.
The Most Popular Essential Oil Carrier Oils
Below is a list of some of the best essential oil carrier oils that you can use to mix in your essential oils to have exceptional effects on the body. I’ve included information on scent, and texture so you can make your best choice. Use the carrier oil to dilute the essential oil prior to topical application. You should always dilute your essential oils prior to applying them on your skin.
1. Sweet Almond Oil
Plant Therapy Sweet Almond Oil – 4 fl oz (118mL)
I personally love sweet almond oil, not only because it’s reasonably inexpensive, but it is also a very light oil, and very easily absorbed by your skin. Its is quite nutritious with lots of vitamins including A, B and E. Sweet almond oil works wonderfully for all types of skin. It is especially useful for a facial massage as it helps balance the moisture levels in your skin, helps to improve your complexion, and gives you that special “glow of youth”! It was my first essential oil carrier oil, and I’d recommend it any day!
Sweet almond oil has a very slight nutty smell, though not overwhelming at all. I find it quite sweet and pleasant actually. You can of course always add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to personalize your spa-at-home experience.
A quick word of warning if you’re allergic to peanuts: almond oil is often produced in the same factories as peanut oil. If you have peanut allergies, be cautious. It’s possible that you are also allergic to Brazil nut, hazelnut, almonds and walnut. Check it out with your health care practitioner first if you’re unsure.
Buy Almond Oil for ca. $8.99 only
2. Jojoba Oil
Plant Therapy Jojoba Carrier Oil – 4 fl oz (118mL)
Sweet Almond Oil’s most natural match is Jojoba oil. If combined, the two oils have qualities that are closest to the natural oils of our own skin, making them great for all applications from massage to cosmetics.
Coming with a golden color, a lot of people also consider jojoba oil as one of their most favorite oils to use. It doesn’t really have much scent on its own. Derived from the jojoba beans, jojoba oil possesses an indefinite shelf life and can be stored for a longer period of time when compared to other carrier oils. It is easily absorbed by the skin and the jojoba oil mimics collagen (the main structural protein of the various connective tissues in animals), making it relaxing to the skin, especially for those who have hypersensitivity, eczema, psoriasis and acne. There are a lot of ways that you can use jojoba oil, you can use it either as is or together with other carrier oils (recipes below) to dilute your essential oil of your choice. 118ml of Jojoba Oil cost only around $13 on Amazon.
3. Apricot Kernel Oil
Plant Therapy Apricot Kernel Carrier Oil – 4 fl oz (118mL)
Coming from the kernel of the apricot plant, this carrier oil is known for its pale yellow color. What makes apricot kernel oil so great is that it works well when used with the aging skin and it’s a common ingredient for many cosmetics that can have the price of up to hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Just one or two drops of the apricot kernel oil can exhibit its benefits, providing a great deal of benefit for dry, inflamed and even sensitive skin because of its content of oleic and linoleic acid, as well as vitamin A and vitamin E. This carrier oil is lightweight and smells faintly sweet; it can be absorbed by the skin without leaving a greasy or oily feeling after use. Apricot kernel oil can be used as is or together with other carrier oils since it still exhibits its full effects regardless of the mixture, making it a great choice for those looking for good essential oil carrier oil. But do know that the apricot kernel oil can leave stains on clothes so be careful. And you can get it for as little as around $8!
4. Coconut Oil
Plant Therapy Coconut Carrier Oil – 16 fl oz (473mL)
Coconut oil contains a unique combination of fatty acids with powerful medicinal properties. There are countless health benefits to using coconut oil topically to your skin. Coconut oil comes in both refined and unrefined versions. For use in aromatherapy, you actually cannot use unrefined coconut oil since it sets like butter in the jar and can only be scooped out in chunks rather than a liquid version. Therefore, it is made available in the form of a “fractionated” carrier oil that is smooth, oily, and very useful for aromatherapy applications. It will feel very smooth to the skin, but won’t clog pores. Coconut oil seems to be among the slightly more expensive carrier oils, a bottle iof 118 ml is about $14 on Amazon. However, what’s great about the Plant Therapy brand of carrier oils, is that this one here comes with a handy pump for the oil bottle, which makes use and application so much easier!
5. Olive Oil as An Essential Oil Carrier Oil
Most commonly used in cooking, olive oil can also be used for cosmetics as carrier oil. There are a lot of benefits that you can get by using olive oil which includes relief from ear pain and joint pain. Olive oil is one of the emergency oils that you can use if you don’t have anything else on hand. Its scent is sweet and pleasurable, though not completely neutral compared to other oils. Using a small percent together with other essential oil carrier oils lets you take advantage of the benefits that olive oil can bring, but perhaps avoid the scent if you find it otherwise overwhelming. Olive oil contains a lot of proteins, vitamins and minerals that can help the skin grow smoother and rejuvenate the hair’s lost shine and smoothness.
6. Argan Oil
Argan oil is really nice to use on your face as it has restorative qualities for your skin cells. It helps with the skin elasticity, softens wrinkles and fine lines, and restores nutrient content to skin cells treating an array of skin conditions. It is very gentle, yet effective. Argan oil is derived from argan trees of Morocco, which are nutrient-rich, large, majestic trees. Argan Oil is the natural moisturizer your skin needs, and helps to naturally and noticeably soften and heal your skin.
Argan oil has a sweet smell to it, and some batches of harvest can have quite a faint smell to it. It depends a little bit on the time the oil was harvested. Spring and summer harvests have a less deep smell, whereas fall and winter crops tend to smell a little deeper. Overall, to the new nose, it could be described as smelling ‘nutty’.
7. Rosehip Oil
Another facial skin care favorite carrier oil is rosehip oil – also known as rosehip seed oil. It is rich in Vitamin C and essential fatty acids, and protects the skin by increasing cell turnover. This aids the cells in your skin to re-generate, which is why some say rosehip oil contains anti-aging benefits.
To further explain, these anti-aging benefits of rosehip oil come due to its chemical structure. Rosehip oil contains many polyunsaturated fatty acids, and when absorbed through the skin, these fatty acids convert to prostaglandins, which are involved in cellular membrane and tissue regeneration.
8. Black Seed Oil
Known as “the healthiest oil on the planet”, black seed virgin carrier oil is one my newer discoveries in carrier oils. It is also known as Black Cumin Seed Oil and extremely high in essential fatty acids, about 70-80%, which is comparable to Evening Primrose and Borage Oil.
Black seed contains an amazing amount of anti inflammatory, pain relieving, and antibacterial substances and antioxidants. These anti-inflammatory properties make it an excellent choice for a carrier oil as it is in and of itself also a remedy for a variety of skin conditions stemming from inflammation. This particular type of black seed oil by Jade Bloom is a non – GMO oil, which is nice. It is extracted through a cold press process, it’s virgin and unrefined. The Jade Bloom brand guarantees a pharmaceutical grade and 100% pure oil attained through selective sourcing.
Smell-wise, black seed is earthy, deep and herbal, and therefore best mixed with other aromas that are also woody and strong, such as Juniper Berry, Atlas Cedar, Fir Balsam, Cypress, Sandalwood or Spruce.
It is recommended to avoid black seed carrier oil in pregnancy and lactation.
Get It Here
The Best Carrier Oils For Facial Use
Use an essential oil carrier oil to dilute your essential oils before applying them topically on your skin.
When it comes to caring for the skin on your face, more rules apply than on other parts of your body. You really have to take into account if you have very sensitive skin, or sensitive areas of your skin. Some people have specific needs for the so-called “T-Zone” on your face, which includes forehead, nose and chin.
Argan oil and rosehip oil both work great for use on your face!
Not Sure Which Carrier Oil You’ll Like?
I get like this all the time. I learn about all the options and then I think “well, now how do I know which one I’ll like?” I suggest you start with the Sweet Almond Oil. It’s very neutral, soft, and I find it very soothing.
Shop for Sweet Almond Oil at ca. $8.99 on Amazon
Get Mixin’
I love using essential oils in my diffuser, but it is often overlooked that you can also apply essential oils topically. With all topical applications of essential oil, you should always dilute the essential oil with a carrier oil as to avoid possibly burning your skin. This is especially true if you already know you have sensitive skin! So carrier oils are forgotten or overlooked. Essential oils do have their benefits but combining them with carrier oils just stacks their benefits. Choose any of these carrier oils and see how wonderful the effects become!
In essence, you probably want a carrier oil that is almost scent-free so that when you mix it with your chosen essential oil, all you smell will be the essential oil. On the other hand, you might like to go for the added health and beauty benefits of the carrier oil itself in your application, so your oil of choice may vary a bit.
Carrier Oil Mixing Recipes
If you’re wondering what the best ratios are of carrier oils to make the most commonly liked combinations, here’s some help for you:
Almond Oil and Jojoba Oil Mix
Combining these two oils is a match made in heaven – they have been used together for years. When combined, an almond oil – jojoba oil mix has qualities nearest to your own natural skin oils, making the mix suitable for most skin types. Use this combo for massages, moisturizers, or cleansing creams. The typical ratio to use is 3/4 parts almond oil and 1/4 part jojoba oil. If you’re measuring by teaspoons for example, that would make 3 tsp almond, 1 tsp jojoba. If you’re mixing larger quantities, scale as needed. Then, add essential oils
How Much Essential Oil to Add to Your Carrier Oil?
To make a basic blend, combine one fluid ounce (30 mL) of carrier oil with 12 drops of essential oil. This makes about a 2% dilution, which is common. If this is too much, start with 6 drops of essential oil to each 1 fl. oz. of carrier oil. This would be a 1% dilution and possibly all you need.
Your Turn!
What do you think? Do you like to use carrier oils? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Tina says
Argan and Rosehip are supposed to be great for facial carrier oils, probably combined with jojoba.
Emma says
Thanks Tina! 🙂
mira says
halo
is it possible to use only the carrier oil without essential oil?
now im using rosehip carrier oil,without essential oil.
Emma says
Hello Mira, certainly you can use carrier oils without adding any essential oils. Most carrier oils have health and beauty benefits already all on their own. Use them as massage oils or other skin moisturizers.
Charissa says
In one book I’ve found on aromatherapy it says that coconut oil is not recommended for a carrier oil because it has large molecules that interfere with the skin’s absorption of essential oils but have seen lately more people using it as a carrier could not find (as of yet)anything else online saying it is not a good choice. wondering what your thoughts are and what information you have come across on that. I also like almond but does not seem to last as long as others although I have heard that adding jojoba to other carrier oils extends their life haven’t tried yet.
Emma says
Hi Charissa, thanks for writing. As long as you use fractionated coconut oil (in liquid form), I don’t think you should have a problem with the absorption of essential oils. Perhaps your source refers to coconut oil being not as effective when left in its natural state (hardened), I really don’t know. To my knowledge, coconut oil is great for a carrier oil and has many additional skin care benefits.
Ellen says
Can you put essential oils in a hand or body lotion?
Emma says
Hi Ellen – Absolutely, I do it all of the time. Carrier oils are a bit more of a pure form for a base, but if you have a body lotion you prefer, by all means, mix the essential oils in with them.
Luna says
Hand and body lotions are often less effective and leave residues in the folicals of our skin. Please research the affects of lotions on the skin long term if you are not already aware of these facts…. love your page!! Ty so much for the helpful info
Sherry says
Good morning, I use the oil cleaning method, my skin was very oily, however my skin is dry in the chin area. The formula I use is 1 teaspoon of castrol oil and 4 teaspoons of carrie oil. I’m 69 yrs. please advise me on the right formulation to prevent the driness. Should I use jojoba, Aegean, rosehip oil? Thank you, sherry
Emma says
Sherry, Castor oil is definitely a good deep-penetrating mositurizer. You need to try out what works for your skin, it’s not a one-fit-all answer. Rosehip oil would be my next favorite oil for you to try as it is fantastic on many skin types as well, and I find it smells amazing, too. Hope this helps.
Kelly says
So can I use olive oil to mix with essential oils to make a roll on bottle ! I have that already in my pantry .
Emma says
Hi Kelly – yes absolutely you can, if you like the smell of olive oil. I find it smells quite strongly… But see what it turns out to be once you mix in your essential oils. Good luck! 🙂
Jewell says
Kelly where do you get the empty roller bottles ? Thank you…
Theresa Learn says
Hello. I really have enjoyed reading your article’s!
I am new to essential oils and I am curios as to how much carrier oil I should mix in my roller bottles? I recently purched the blended Breathe and Anxiety essential oils from Edens Garden. I just want to make sure I dont put to little in or to much.
Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.
Theresa.
Leighton Haverty says
I have seen many DIY essential oil face creams and would like to make my own. What is the ratio for the carrier oil and then several other essential oils, i.e., jojoba oil or apricot oil as carrier, then add rosehips, frankincense, patchouli, argon, myrrh, etc. I’m 76 with great skin and little wrinkles. Have been using ACV for years as a toner, as it keeps the face on a perfect pH level.
Joy Clark says
What is ACV please ?
Sabrina says
Apple cider vinegar
Peggy Sanfilippo says
Do you recommend avocado oil to use with essential oils
Emma says
Hi Peggy, yes absolutely you can use avocado oil as a carrier oil, it is very nourishing and great for aged or dry skin. It does have a very strong scent on its own though so just be aware of that and make sure you like it. It’s also quite thick and sticky so if you have multiple carrier oils available at home, mix it 10% avocado oil and 90% sweet almond or jojoba oil for example. That way, you can still get in the benefits of avocado oil without it being too overpowering.
Jeanne Beam says
I bought some avocado oil from Sams, its not organic, but it is very light with no smell at all. I have only use it for cooking. Love it for salads. I put some on my hands to see if was sticky and it wasn’t. I’m going to try it as a carrier oil. Any response would be appreciated.
John says
Hi, I have heard and read you should let the mix of oil with the carrier set up for 24-48 hours. I will be using citrus with fractionated coconut oil for possible virus infection. Thanks for your input!!
Sai darshan says
How to mix almond oil and jhojoba oil, i,e in what ratio
Emma says
Hi Sai – use 3 parts sweet almond oil and 1 part jojoba oil to start. That’s a typical ratio. You can adjust as desired but start with more almond oil than jojoba.
Linda says
Can vitamin E oil be used as a carrier oil ?
Dina says
What carrier oil would you recommend using for a mosquito repellent? I had purchased 100% pure therapeutic grade essential oil from Amazon…
Dina says
Citronella oil!
Janice Lass says
what carrier oil is unscented? I have asthma and I don’t know which one to mix with my health shield and breathe essential oil.
Emma says
Hi Janice. Personally, I think Sweet Almond Oil is very, very light in scent (almost unscented) and I could definitely recommend that one to you. These essential oil carrier oils will be 100% natural oils and won’t have chemicals or other artificial “scents” in it. Not that I’m an asthma expert at all, but I would imagine that natural products are likely better for you? If you prefer though, you can also use an unscented body lotion to mix your oils into as well, like this one here Everyone Body Lotion, Unscented, 32 Ounce, $10.51.
Minahil says
Is fractionated coconut oil, Argan oil, neroli essential oil and sandalwood essential oil mix good for acne scars? What else would you recommend for acne scars?
Jill says
Hi Minahil – I used to have acne scars, and mixing 2 drops of helichrysum oil in my facial moisturizer every morning has faded them away. I use Cetaphil moisturizer, but try it in your favorite. Both sides of my face used to have dark spots all over, and now they’re as clear as can be. It also faded a big age spot I had on my brow. My facial skin looks better than it has in years! I’m 52 years old, btw.
Keva says
I am so thankful for finding Eden Gardens essential oils. Thus far, they are great in my eyes and affordable for my pockets.
Alta says
What is the most suitable carrier oil for orange and frankincense essential oils?
I would like to use frankincense for massaging my mom’s abdomen (she has fallopian tube cancer that has spread to the peritoneum) and orange for helping her relax.
Thank you for your advice.
Suha says
Hello
iam thinking to mix Tamanu oil and jojoba oil and add Lavender oil to the mix as a facial recipe
what you think
thanks
Katie Dishneau says
Greetings. I have bruising occasionally on my arms and hands from delicate and elderly skin. I blended geranium essential oil with a good base unscented body lotion and massaged it onto my bruised arms twice a day, and in 3 days my horrible bruises we’re GONE and no shadow bruises remained (the shadows that sometimes remain where a bad bruise has been)! Totally clear and unnoticeable in 3 days is like Majick! I wanted to share this. Thank you.
Laura says
Hello! I recently had laparoscopic surgery and have scars on my stomach as a result. I have lavender oil and olive oil but I am confused as to how I should be mixing them for the scars. Can you help explain how to mix them and what ratio to use?
Vrithamani Srinivasa says
I was told that Mustard oil is one of the best carrier oils for diluting essential oils, for using them to reduce pain and inflammation. Any thoughts and suggestions on this?
Brenda says
I am thinking about using essential oils for topical applications. Can they be added to a favorite unscented body lotion? I like the Aveeno brand.
Emma says
Hi Brenda- yes you can certainly add the oils to your Aveeno lotion! It doesn’t have to be a carrier oil- they are just nice and clean and have nothing else added that the oil could react with.
Shelly says
I need a mosquito repellant for my kids that get eat up while outside. They both also have sensitive skin. I have got lavender, lemon eucalyptus, peppermint, and I think my Citronella is on it’s way. Could you give me some advice on how to mix them and if I can use it in water to spray on them or their clothes!!???!! I would greatly appreciate any help, thank you!!!
Emma says
Hi Shelly, thanks for your question. Please have a look at my article here to help you make mosquito repellent at home 🙂 How to use essential oils as mosquito repellent. I recommend witch hazel as a base since it adds further anti-inflammatory properties to the mix, but if you’re in a pinch, you can definitely also use water!
Theresa says
I just bought my first bottle of essential oil! I’m excited to get some sweet almond oil now and give this a try! Your website was very helpful ! Thank you!!
Karen Foster says
With stage 3 lung cancer, mixing a carrier oil with Frankincense and applying over the back, what are your thoughts
valerie stapf says
august 2017
can a person ingest essential oils? i saw a weight loss recipe using lemon, grapefruit, and peppermint in a coconut carrier oil. is it safe? i purchased the do-terra . oils but have not tried it yet
Emma says
Hi Valerie, please have a read through here: Which essential oils are safe to ingest?. I hope that should answer your questions!
Stacy says
I’m new to EO’s so I have a quick question. I purchased an EO necklace and am thinking about getting the EO ring. Is a carrier oil nescessary to make the EO last longer, or since it won’t be directly on my skin, is it not necessary? Thanks!
Emma says
Hi Stacy. I also have an essential oil necklace and it came with leather pads where the oils go on directly. Some products come with felt pads for the oils. Does yours have anything like that included? In either case, no, don’t use carrier oils with jewelry. The carrier oils are used only for application of essential oils onto your skin, where they need to be diluted. Don’t use carrier oils in diffusers, either.
Euphemia says
Is lavender oil a carrier oil, which other carriers is the best to combine it with
Emma says
Hello. Lavender oil is NOT a carrier oil, it is an essential oil. Carrier oils are for example Jojoba Oil, Sweet Almond Oil, Apricot Kernel Oil, and more that are listed in this blog post above. Personally, I like Rosehip oil or Sweet Almond oil as a carrier base. If you’ve never used a carrier oil, start with Sweet Almond oil as it doesn’t have a very strong scent on it’s own. It’s also almost ‘sweet’ smelling and pairs well with lots of essential oils.