Carrier Oils: The Best Oils and How to Use

Carrier oils are plant oils, often used with essential oils, that are highly concentrated in nature. Carrier oils are mixed with essential oils so that you don’t experience skin irritation, which can happen if you use essential oils directly. You can also pick up a bottle of carrier oil and use it on your face. Wondering which carrier oil is best for your skin? Let’s reveal a list of the best carrier oils that women with different skin types can use.

What are Carrier Oils?

Carrier oils are vegetable oils derived from the fatty parts of plants such as nuts, seeds or kernels. They are used to dilute essential oils and other concentrated plant extracts before applying them to the skin. Carrier oils mostly help carry essential oils into the skin and are commonly used in aromatherapy, massage and skin care, says cosmetic, plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Shraddha Deshpande.

Best carrier oils for skin

There are many oils used in skin care. Here are some of them:

1. Jojoba oil

Jojoba oil mimics the skin’s natural sebum and is non-comedogenic, deeply moisturizing and anti-inflammatory, says an expert. According to a study published in 2012, due to its anti-inflammatory agents and healing properties, jojoba oil can help prevent acne. Research in Complementary Medicine,

2. Sweet almond oil

Rich in vitamins A, E and fatty acids, sweet almond oil reduces skin dryness and irritation. According to a research published in 2018, vitamin E can absorb UV rays so it protects your skin from the sun. Scientific reports,

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3. Coconut oil

Coconut oil is very popular because it deeply moisturizes your skin. It also has antibacterial and antifungal properties, but people with acne-prone skin shouldn’t use it as it can clog pores, says Dr Deshpande.

4. Argan oil

Rich in vitamin E and essential fatty acids, argan oil is non-greasy and quickly absorbed into the skin. It may help with skin elasticity, slowing sagging or wrinkling of the skin, the expert says.

5. Grapeseed oil

This is another light oil that is easily absorbed into your skin. Grapeseed oil is rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory as well as non-comedogenic properties.

6. Olive oil

Rich in antioxidants and vitamins A, D, E and K, olive oil is not only great for cooking but also great for the skin. It deeply moisturizes, soothes and repairs dry and damaged skin.

7. Avocado oil

It contains vitamins A, D and E and is highly moisturizing. It promotes collagen production, so it’s beneficial for dry, aging and sensitive skin, says an expert.

How to choose a carrier oil for different skin types?

While choosing the best carrier oil for your skin, keep these points in mind:

• Dry skin: Choose rich oils like avocado, olive or sweet almond oil that provide deep hydration and nourishment.
• Oily skin: Choose lighter oils like grapeseed or jojoba oil, which balance oil production without clogging pores.
• Sensitive skin: Look for gentle, soothing oils like sweet almond or jojoba oil that are less likely to cause irritation.
• Combination skin: Argan oil is a good choice because it balances and hydrates without being too heavy or too light.
• Aging Skin: Go for argan or avocado oil as they promote elasticity and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

How to use carrier oils with essential oils?

To use a carrier oil with essential oils, follow these steps:

• Mix essential oils with a carrier oil, diluting them. A standard dilution ratio for adults is 2 to 3 drops of essential oil per tablespoon of carrier oil.
• Combine the essential and carrier oils in a clean glass bottle or bowl and mix thoroughly.
• Apply the mixture to the skin as needed, using gentle, circular motions.

Most carrier oils can be mixed with any type of essential oil, but it’s important to consider the properties of the carrier and essential oils, the expert says. For example, a light carrier oil such as grape-seed may be preferred for face application, while a richer oil such as coconut may be better for body applications.

Carrier oils can be used without essential oils as they are beneficial on their own. They can moisturize, nourish and protect your skin.