Essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts, which means they should usually be diluted before applying to the skin. Carrier oils help “carry” essential oils safely onto the skin, reducing the risk of irritation while improving absorption and extending the benefits of your blend.

Why Use Carrier Oils?

Carrier oils are plant-based oils extracted from nuts, seeds, or fruits. They help to:

• Dilute essential oils for safer topical use
• Nourish and moisturize the skin
• Improve glide during massage
• Support skin repair and balance
• Extend the life of roller blends and body oils

10 Carrier Oils & Their Charateristic

1. Jojoba Oil

Jojoba oil is technically a liquid wax and closely resembles the skin’s natural sebum. It absorbs well without feeling greasy.

Contains: Vitamin E, B-complex vitamins, wax esters, minerals
Aromatic: Very mild, slightly nutty
Extraction Method: Cold pressed from seeds
Viscosity: Light to medium, silky
Shelf Life: 3 years, use within 1 year after open

Best for: Oily, combination, and acne-prone skin
Benefits: Balancing, lightweight, stable, long shelf life

Suggested Use: Facial serums, acne-prone skin blends, perfume oils, daily moisturising oils

2. Fractionated Coconut Oil

A clear, lightweight version of coconut oil that stays liquid at room temperature. It is odorless and non-staining.

Contains: Medium-chain triglycerides (caprylic/capric acids)
Aromatic: Odourless to very mild
Extraction Method: Fractionation of coconut oil
Viscosity: Very light
Shelf Life: 2 years, use within 1 year after open

Best for: Roller bottles, massage blends, everyday use
Benefits: Fast-absorbing, smooth texture, long shelf life

Suggested Use: Roll-ons, body oils, massage blends, hair serums

3. Avocado Oil

Rich, thick, and deeply nourishing, avocado oil contains vitamins A, D, and E.

Contains: Vitamins A, D, E, oleic acid, lecithin
Aromatic: Mild, rich, earthy
Extraction Method: Cold pressed from fruit flesh
Viscosity: Medium to heavy
Shelf Life: 1 year, use within 6 months after open

Best for: Dry, mature, or damaged skin
Benefits: Deep hydration, restorative, protective

Suggested Use: Night oils, body butters, dry skin repair blends

4. Apricot Kernel Oil

A gentle, lightweight oil with a silky feel. Popular in facial and sensitive skin blends.

Contains: Vitamin E, oleic acid, linoleic acid
Aromatic: Very light, slightly sweet
Extraction Method: Cold pressed from kernels
Viscosity: Light
Shelf Life: 1 year, use within 6 months after open

Best for: Sensitive, delicate, or mature skin
Benefits: Softening, soothing, absorbs easily

Suggested Use: Facial oils, delicate skin formulas, under-eye blends

5. Argan Oil

Often called “liquid gold,” argan oil is prized for skin and hair care.

Contains: Vitamin E, sterols, antioxidants, oleic & linoleic acids
Aromatic: Mild nutty aroma
Extraction Method: Cold pressed from kernels
Viscosity: Light to medium
Shelf Life: 1 year, use within 6 months after open

Best for: Mature skin, dry hair, facial serums
Benefits: Rich in antioxidants, smoothing, rejuvenating

Suggested Use: Hair serums, face oils, mature skin blends

6. Olive Oil

A traditional carrier oil rich in antioxidants and fatty acids. Heavier texture with strong nourishment.

Contains: Oleic acid, polyphenols, squalene, vitamin E
Aromatic: Distinct olive aroma
Extraction Method: Cold pressed from olives
Viscosity: Medium to heavy
Shelf Life: 1 year, use within 6 months after open

Best for: Dry skin, body massage, intensive moisture blends
Benefits: Protective, moisturizing, comforting

Suggested Use: Body oils, salves, dry skin blends, soap making

7. Camellia Oil

A luxurious, lightweight oil traditionally used in East Asian beauty care.

Contains: Oleic acid, antioxidants, vitamins A, B, E
Aromatic: Very light, elegant
Extraction Method: Cold pressed from seeds
Viscosity: Light
Shelf Life: 1–2 years, use within 1 year after open

Best for: Face oils, dry or sensitive skin, hair care
Benefits: Silky texture, softening, elegant finish

Suggested Use: Premium face oils, hair oils, delicate skin blends

8. Grapeseed Oil

A light, thin oil that absorbs quickly and leaves little residue.

Contains: Linoleic acid, vitamin E, antioxidants
Aromatic: Neutral to faintly nutty
Extraction Method: Expeller pressed or solvent extracted
Viscosity: Very light
Shelf Life: 6–12 months

Best for: Oily skin, massage oils, body blends
Benefits: Non-greasy, balancing, light texture

Suggested Use: Massage blends, oily skin formulas, summer body oils

9. Sweet Almond Oil

One of the most popular carrier oils for aromatherapy and massage.

Contains: Vitamin E, oleic acid, fatty acids
Aromatic: Mild nutty aroma
Extraction Method: Cold pressed from kernels
Viscosity: Medium
Shelf Life: 1 year, use within 6 months after open

Best for: General skin care, body oils, massage
Benefits: Nourishing, versatile, gentle glide

Suggested Use: Massage oils, body oils, family blends

10. Evening Primrose Oil

A specialty oil rich in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), often used in targeted skincare.

Contains: Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), linoleic acid, omega-6 fatty acids
Aromatic: Mild earthy scent
Extraction Method: Cold pressed from seeds
Viscosity: Medium
Shelf Life: 6–12 months

Best for: Dry, mature, reactive skin
Benefits: Calming, supportive, skin-conditioning

Suggested Use: Facial treatment oils, restorative blends, mature skin formulas

How to Choose the Right Carrier Oil

Choose based on your needs:

Our Tips

You can also combine carrier oils to create your ideal texture and benefits. For example:

• Jojoba + Argan = balancing facial oil
• Sweet Almond + Grapeseed = massage blend
• Avocado + Apricot Kernel = rich skin repair blend

Cautions When Using Carrier Oils

Carrier oils are generally gentle and safe, but they still require proper handling and thoughtful use. Knowing the precautions helps ensure safe, effective aromatherapy blending.

1. Check for Nut Allergies

Some carrier oils come from nuts or kernels, such as:

• Sweet Almond Oil
• Argan Oil
• Apricot Kernel Oil

If you have nut sensitivities or allergies, avoid these oils or perform a patch test first.

2. Patch Test Before Full Use

Even natural oils may irritate sensitive skin.

How to patch test:

• Apply a small amount to inner forearm
• Wait 24 hours
• Check for redness, itching, or irritation

Especially important for sensitive skin or first-time use.

3. Watch for Rancidity

Carrier oils can oxidise over time and become rancid. Rancid oil may irritate skin and smell stale, sour, or paint-like.

Signs of spoilage:

• Strange or bitter smell
• Thickened texture
• Cloudiness or unusual colour change

Discard oils that smell off.

4. Store Properly

Heat, light, and air shorten shelf life.

Best storage:

• Cool, dark place
• Tightly closed cap
• Amber or dark glass bottle preferred
• Refrigerate delicate oils such as grapeseed or evening primrose

5. Use Fresh Oils for Facial Care

Older oils may clog pores or irritate skin more easily. Use fresher, lighter oils for face blends such as:

• Jojoba
• Camellia
• Grapeseed
• Apricot Kernel

6. Be Careful with Oily or Acne-Prone Skin

Heavier oils may feel rich or congesting for some people.

Use lighter oils first:

• Jojoba
• Fractionated Coconut Oil
• Grapeseed

Use richer oils sparingly:

• Avocado
• Olive

7. Pregnancy, Babies & Medical Conditions

Carrier oils are usually safer than essential oils, but special situations still require caution.

• Babies need simple, gentle oils and lower dilution levels
• Pregnancy may require extra care with essential oil blends
• Skin conditions like eczema may react differently

When in doubt, seek professional advice.

8. Do Not Assume “Natural” Means Safe for Everyone

Natural oils can still trigger:

• Allergic reactions
• Skin irritation
• Breakouts
• Sensitivity

Always match the oil to the individual.

9. Keep Water Out of Bottles

Moisture contamination can reduce quality and encourage spoilage. Use clean, dry droppers and hands.

10. Internal Use Is Not Recommended

Carrier oils for aromatherapy are intended mainly for topical and cosmetic use unless specifically sold as food-grade culinary oils.

Final Thoughts

Carrier oils are excellent partners for essential oils, but freshness, skin type, allergies, and storage all matter. Used wisely, they create safer and more enjoyable aromatherapy blends.

Label your blends with:

• Carrier oil used
• Essential oils added
• Dilution percentage
• Date made

This helps track freshness and skin response.