63 Different Carrier Oils: How to Pick the Best One 

While essential oil use has been around since as early as 4500 BC, the popularity of using essential oils for aromatherapy, skincare, and other uses has skyrocketed in recent decades.

Whether you’ve dabbled with essential oils or are a seasoned veteran, you’re likely aware of the importance of carrier oils to help safely dilute and apply essential oils. With so many different carrier oils, how do you know how to pick the right one?

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain:

• What to look for when choosing a carrier oil, including safety considerations.
• The best carrier oils for your particular use, from face to hair to aromatherapy to bath oils.
• The pros and cons of 63 different carrier oils.
• Anything else you could possibly think of related to carrier oils! 

What are carrier oils?

Carrier oils are plant-based oils used to dilute and easily apply essential oils. Like essential oils, carrier oils can be applied to your skin, hair, and nails, and they offer additional benefits like promoting hydration.

Essential oils are concentrated plant extracts enjoyed by many for skincare, aromatherapy, and other therapeutic uses. While some essential oils can be applied “neat” (on their own without a carrier oil), many essential oil manufacturers recommend diluting them in carrier oils and then applying them to prevent skin irritation and improve the efficiency of the application.

Carrier oils are especially helpful if you want to apply essential oils to a large surface area on your body; essential oils don’t easily spread over your skin on their own.

Carrier oil safety

Carrier oils are generally considered safe, but there are a few safety considerations that are important to note.

• Like dietary supplements and skin care products, carrier oils aren’t regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This means that the safety, purity, and other aspects of carrier oils might not be as the manufacturer claims unless they use a third party to verify standards.
  
  The exception here would be for oils that are also used for consumption (e.g. cooking oils), which are regulated by the FDA.

• Carrier oils might cause allergic reactions in some people. You might not be aware that you’re allergic (or sensitive) to a particular oil until you use it, which is why it’s recommended to apply a new carrier oil on a small area of skin as a “patch test”. If you develop any signs of irritation (rash, redness, etc.) then you might be sensitive or allergic to that carrier oil.
  
  If you have specific food allergies then you should avoid applying carrier oils with those ingredients to your skin. For instance, if you have a tree nut allergy then you need to avoid almond oil, walnut oil, and other oils derived from tree nuts. 

• While not as much of a safety concern, some carrier oils can clog pores and cause acne. This is called being comedogenic, and most carrier oils come with a comedogenic rating (we’ll explain more about what that means soon!) to help you choose the best carrier oil if you’re acne-prone.

The best carrier oils for each of 7 main uses

Carrier oils are primarily combined with essential oils for seven uses:

• Face
• Body
• Hair
• Nails
• Aromatherapy
• Massage
• Bath oil/Soap

For those who want a quick cheat sheet before we get into the nitty gritty of all 63 carriers we detail, below are the best carrier oils to check out for each use…    

Face

Some essential oils are known for their ability to improve facial tone, prevent acne, and more (frankincense, lavender, and tea tree oil, to name a few!). Carrier oils effectively dilute and apply essential oils to your face with the bonus of acting as a moisturizer.

Best carrier oils for face

• Argan oil (non-comedogenic)
• Almond oil
• Grapeseed oil (non-greasy, fast absorbing)

Body

Applying essential oils to larger areas of your body like your arms, legs, and torso requires the use of carrier oils to effectively dilute and distribute the essential oils. Like carrier oils for your face, using carrier oils on your body can also help act as a moisturizer.

Best carrier oils for body 

• Almond oil
• Rosehip oil
• Jojoba oil

Hair

Applying essential oils to your hair can offer hydration benefits and might even help fight scalp issues like dandruff (looking at you, tea tree oil!). Carrier oils help deliver these essential oils to your scalp and hair follicles.

Best carrier oils for hair

• Argan oil
• Grapeseed oil
• Jojoba oil
• Coconut oil (best used as a hair mask since it’s greasier/thicker)

Nails

Some essential oils are used to help improve the texture of brittle nails, harden nails, and fight issues like nail fungus. Carrier oils can deliver these essential oils to your nails and help soften brittle nails by acting as a moisturizer.

Best carrier oils for nails

• Jojoba oil (small molecules allow it to penetrate nails, which aren’t as absorbent as your skin)

Aromatherapy

Essential oils can be used as aromatherapy to help improve mood and support healthy emotional responses. In these instances, essential oils are often applied to a small area (using a carrier oil) and inhaled to offer aromatherapy.

A common form of essential oils for aromatherapy is a roller, which is a small tube with essential oils diluted in a carrier oil with a roller ball for application.

Best carrier oils for aromatherapy

• Fractionated coconut oil (no scent allows the fragrance of the essential oils to shine through)
• Grapeseed oil (mild scent)

Massage

Diluting essential oils in a carrier oil for massage can help the masseuse’s hands more easily glide over muscles, as well as offer potential benefits like promoting relaxation (lavender) and easing muscle tension (clary sage, peppermint, and more).

Best carrier oils for massage

• Almond oil
• Grapeseed oil
• Fractionated coconut oil/MCT oil

Bath Oil/Soap

Adding carrier oils to your bath can promote hydration to your skin, especially to combat the drying effects of hot water. It can also help dilute essential oils you add to your bath to promote relaxation or ease muscle tension.

Carrier oils can also be used in soaps, helping to promote moisture when absorbed by your skin.

Best carrier oils for bath oil/soaps

• Almond oil
• Grapeseed oil
• Jojoba oil
• Apricot kernel oil

How to pick the right carrier oil

Here are the primary factors to consider when choosing a carrier oil (assuming you’re not allergic to it!). The first four (aroma, absorption, skin type, and shelf life) are most important, and we detail them for each of the 63 carrier oils below:  

Aroma

There are several different carrier oils, each coming from different plant-based sources. The aroma of carrier oils will vary depending on the type, so it’s important to choose one that you like for the intended purpose, as well as your own preferences. 

If you want the scent of the essential oils you’re using to stand out, then you’ll want a mild, neutral-smelling carrier oil so it doesn’t overpower the essential oil. 

Absorption

Carrier oils have different levels of absorption, meaning how easily they absorb on your skin (versus sitting on top of your skin/being “greasy”). The absorption of carrier oils is impacted by the molecular weight and size, or how big and heavy the oil molecules are.

Skin Type

Choosing a carrier oil for your skin type is one of the more important aspects to consider. If you have acne–prone skin then you’ll want to choose carrier oils with low comedogenic scores (less likely to clog pores), whereas people with very dry skin might benefit from more hydrating carrier oils even if it has a high comedogenic rating.

Shelf Life

The shelf life of carrier oils might be important based on your typical use. For instance, if you use carrier oils daily then you probably won’t mind buying oils with shorter shelf lives, but if you rarely use them it would be more cost-effective to choose an oil with a longer shelf life.

Viscosity

Viscosity is the measure of a fluid’s resistance to flow. Low viscosity = freely flowing and high viscosity = slow flowing. 

The viscosity of carrier oils mainly applies to the intended use. For instance, if you want a thin, easy-to-apply mixture then you’ll want a low-viscosity carrier oil, whereas a higher-viscosity oil might be ideal for applying for slower absorption, such as hydrating very dry skin or applying as a mask (facial, scalp, etc.) that you don’t want to quickly absorb.

Color

The color of the carrier oil will be more important in instances where the appearance of the end result is important, such as when making soaps or products with an intended hue. Carrier oils usually don’t leave a lingering color when applied to your skin because they are absorbed and then dry.

Most carrier oils are yellow, amber, white/cream, or green in hue.

Other considerations:

Refined vs. unrefined

Just like cooking oils, carrier oils come in refined and unrefined versions. Refined oils are more processed, which usually makes them more shelf-stable and have more neutral aromas.

Unrefined oils haven’t been processed and might have shorter shelf lives, but usually retain their natural properties better than refined oils.

Unrefined oils are typically expeller-pressed or cold-pressed, which don’t apply heat to extract the oils. These can be more expensive because the total yield is less, but not using high heat helps preserve the quality of the oil molecules.

Organic?

Choosing organic carrier oils means the source wasn’t treated with chemical fertilizers or pesticides. Organic carrier oils will likely be more expensive than non-organic versions, but some people choose organic carrier oils because they feel the quality is superior.

63 Carrier Oils

We’ve researched 63 different carrier oils and compiled the information in one place to help you choose the best oil for your needs. Here are some important details about the summaries and how to read the tables!

? = unknown; if there is a ? in a field in the table, it means we couldn’t find an answer from a reputable source, which is the case for some of the less-common carrier oils.

Absorption: We used fast, average, and slow absorption to describe how quickly the carrier oil is absorbed into your skin. Fast absorption = less likely to leave an oily residue whereas slow absorption = sits on your skin longer/may have a greasier feel.

Skin type: We used the comedogenic rating to help assess if an oil is ideal for dry (D), normal (N), or oily/acne-prone skin (O). 

Low comedogenic ratings are ideal for acne-prone skin, whereas higher comedogenic ratings aren’t as worrisome if you don’t have acne-prone skin, or will be using the oil on an area not prone to acne.

The comedogenic rating for oils:

0 = non-comedogenic (does not clog pores)

1 = slightly comedogenic (very low chance of clogging pores)

2 = moderately low comedogenic (may clog pores for some)

3 = moderately comedogenic (will likely clog acne-prone/oily skin type)

4 = fairly high comedogenic (will clog pores for almost all skin types)

5 = highly comedogenic (will clog pores)

Allergies: If a carrier oil falls under the category of the top nine most common food allergens (because proteins from the oil are absorbed into your skin and can cause an allergic reaction), we listed it. Remember that it’s possible to have an allergy or sensitivity to a specific oil that isn’t from a major allergen.

To ensure you’re not allergic or sensitive to a particular carrier oil, we recommend performing a patch test (applying a small amount of a new-to-you carrier oil on your skin and allowing time to pass to see if you have any reactions before applying a large amount of it).

Abyssinian seed oil

• Made from the Crambe abyssinica plant, Abyssinian seed oil is most commonly used for hair care, nail care, and other cosmetic uses.
• Helps smooth hair frizziness and repairs split ends.

Aroma	Absorption	Comedogenic rating	Skin type (D, N, O)	Shelf life	Major allergen?
Little to no scent	Fast	0	D, N, O	2 years	None

Almond oil (sweet almond oil)

• Made from the kernels of almonds/sweet almonds (not bitter almonds, which aren’t safe to consume whole and are used to make things like almond extract and almond liqueur), almond oil has a strong nutty scent which might overpower some of the scents of essential oils.
• Might leave a slight oily residue, but is considered ideal for all skin types.
• Good base for making lotions.

Aroma	Absorption	Comedogenic rating	Skin type (D, N, O)	Shelf life	Major allergen?
Nutty, sweet	Slow	2	D, N, O	1-2 years	Tree nut

Apricot kernel oil

• Pressed from the kernels of apricots.
• Similar to almond oil and peach oil.
• Supports soft, supple skin.
• Might help reduce dandruff by moisturizing the scalp.

Aroma	Absorption	Comedogenic rating	Skin type (D, N, O)	Shelf life	Major allergen?
Nutty, sweet	Fast	2	D, N, O	At least 1 year	Considered a tree nut in this instance

Argan oil

• Primarily made in Morocco, the primary region where argan trees grow.
• Has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Considered extremely moisturizing, argan oil is also suitable for oily and acne-prone skin due to its comedogenic rating of 0.

Aroma	Absorption	Comedogenic rating	Skin type (D, N, O)	Shelf life	Major allergen?
Mild/neutral	Average	0	D, N, O	3 years	Tree nut (to be safe; not likely to cause allergies)

Arnica oil

• Made from the arnica plant, which is used as a homeopathic remedy to ease pain, reduce inflammation, and ease swelling.
• Beneficial when applying topically to ease bug bites, sprains/strains, etc.

Aroma	Absorption	Comedogenic rating	Skin type (D, N, O)	Shelf life	Major allergen?
“Almost odorless”/neutral	Average	Around 2?	D, N, O	At least 2 years	None

Avocado oil

• You can choose food-grade avocado oil or avocado carrier oil, which isn’t regulated by the FDA. Either is acceptable as a carrier oil.
• A source of vitamins A, B, D, E, and beta carotene.
• Considered deeply moisturizing and ideal for mature, dry skin; with a comedogenic rating of 3, might not be suitable for oily or acne-prone skin.

Aroma	Absorption	Comedogenic rating	Skin type (D, N, O)	Shelf life	Major allergen?
Neutral to slightly nutty	Average	3	D, N	At least 1 year; refrigeration recommended	None

Babassu oil

• Extracted from the babassu palm, a tree that grows in the Amazon region of South America.
• Ideal for skin and hair, babassu oil is similar to coconut oil in its properties (it’s a soft, semi-solid oil, not liquid) while being less greasy than coconut oil.

Aroma	Absorption	Comedogenic rating	Skin type (D, N, O)	Shelf life	Major allergen?
Mild, nutty	Average	1-2	D, N, O	2-3 years	None

Baobab oil

• Rich in vitamins and sterols (plant compounds that can help retain moisture), baobab oil is very resistant to going rancid, making it a good choice if you don’t use carrier oils often.
• Great for promoting moisture in your skin, hair, lips, and the delicate skin around your eyes.

Aroma	Absorption	Comedogenic rating	Skin type (D, N, O)	Shelf life	Major allergen?
Light nutty, floral	Slow	2	D, N, O	2-5 years	None

Black currant seed oil

• Rich in antioxidants, black currant seed oil is harvested from the Ribes nigrum plant (black currant) and has been used to heal and treat skin conditions such as eczema, dandruff, and psoriasis.
• Good source of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), which is great for moisturizing dry skin.

Aroma	Absorption	Comedogenic rating	Skin type (D, N, O)	Shelf life	Major allergen?
Fruity	Fast	0-1	D, N, O	Up to 2 years	None

Black cumin seed oil

• Also called black seed oil, black cumin seed oil can be used as an oral supplement in some cases.
• Rich in thymoquinone (phytochemical/antioxidant) and thymol (a compound with  bacteria-fighting properties).
• Used to hydrate skin, promote healing of burns, and many other therapeutic properties related to reducing inflammation.

Aroma	Absorption	Comedogenic rating	Skin type (D, N, O)	Shelf life	Major allergen?
Earthy, woody, peppery	Slow	2	D, N, O	2 years	None

Blueberry (seed) oil

• Made from the seeds of blueberries, blueberry oil is rich in antioxidants, just like the fruit!
• Popular for nail and cuticle treatments as well as moisturizing your body, hair, lips, and hair.

Aroma	Absorption	Comedogenic rating	Skin type (D, N, O)	Shelf life	Major allergen?
Tangy, slightly sweet	Fast	0-1	D, N, O	9-12 months	None

Borage seed oil

• Commonly used for treating inflammatory skin disorders like eczema and itchy/dry scalp conditions.
• Helps promote moisture and smoothness to dry, damaged skin.
• A rich source of gamma linolenic acid (GLA).

Aroma	Absorption	Comedogenic rating	Skin type (D, N, O)	Shelf life	Major allergen?
Mild/somewhat “fishy”	Slow	2	D, N, O	2 years	None

Broccoli seed oil

• Helps promote moisture retention and has excellent lubricating properties.
• Rich in omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids.

Aroma	Absorption	Comedogenic rating	Skin type (D, N, O)	Shelf life	Major allergen?
Herbaceous/”potent”, mildly unpleasant	Fast	1	D, N, O	2 years	None

Buriti oil

• Extracted from the nuts of the moriche palm tree in the Amazon in Brazil, buriti oil is very rich in beta carotene, an antioxidant.
• Fun fact – buriti oil is even higher in beta carotene than carrot oil! Beta carotene (vitamin A) can promote collagen synthesis (the protein in skin, hair, and nails) and promote new cell growth.

Aroma	Absorption	Comedogenic rating	Skin type (D, N, O)	Shelf life	Major allergen?
Woody, earthy	Slow? “Leaves an oily feeling on the skin”	2	D, N, O	12 months	None

Calendula oil

• Pressed from marigold flowers (Calendula officinalis).
• Popular for its antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties, calendula oil is used as a homeopathic remedy for easing skin issues like rosacea, eczema, and rashes.

Aroma	Absorption	Comedogenic rating	Skin type (D, N, O)	Shelf life	Major allergen?
Woody, musky	?	1	D, N, O	1-2 years	None

Camelina seed oil

• Very similar to flaxseed oil while being more shelf-stable and less prone to rancidity.
• Pressed from the Camelina sativa plant, also called “false flax”.
• Deeply moisturizing, but can also help balance oily skin thanks to its low comedogenic rating.

Aroma	Absorption	Comedogenic rating	Skin type (D, N, O)	Shelf life	Major allergen?
Floral	Average	1	D, N, O	2 years	None

Camellia seed oil (also called green tea seed oil)

• Pressed from seeds of the tea plant, camellia seed oil is also referred to as tea seed oil or tea oil (not to be confused with tea tree oil).
• Contains skin-friendly nutrients like vitamin E, vitamin A, squalene, omega-9, and omega-6 fatty acids to promote moisture and fight inflammation.

Aroma	Absorption	Comedogenic rating	Skin type (D, N, O)	Shelf life	Major allergen?
Mild	Fast	1	D, N, O	2 years	None

Carrot seed oil

• Natural anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal properties make it an ideal oil for treating problematic skin conditions like eczema.
• Can be added to shampoo to nourish your scalp.
• Not ideal for oily/acne-prone skin due to its higher comedogenic rating.

Aroma	Absorption	Comedogenic rating	Skin type (D, N, O)	Shelf life	Major allergen?
Earthy, woody	Slow	3-4	D, N	18+ months	None

Castor oil

• Made from “castor beans” of the Ricinus communis, a plant native to the Eastern areas of the world.
• Can act as a humectant, which means it helps draw water from the air into your skin, helping to keep it moisturized.

Aroma	Absorption	Comedogenic rating	Skin type (D, N, O)	Shelf life	Major allergen?
“Slightly unpleasant”	Slow	1	D, N, O	2 years+	None

Cherry kernel oil

• Rich in antioxidants (vitamin A and E), cherry kernel oil is good for both mature/dry skin as well as blemish-prone skin.
• Acts as an emollient, which acts to soothe and hydrate skin.
• Has a long shelf life of at least 3 years.

Aroma	Absorption	Comedogenic rating	Skin type (D, N, O)	Shelf life	Major allergen?
Sweet, fruity, nutty	Average	2	D, N, O	3+ years	None

Chia seed oil

• Acts as an antioxidant while promoting hydration and reducing itchiness from dry skin.
• Can prevent dry, frizzy hair.

Aroma	Absorption	Comedogenic rating	Skin type (D, N, O)	Shelf life	Major allergen?
Mild, nutty	Average	3	D, N	2 years	None

Coconut oil

• One of the most popular carrier oils, coconut oil is popular for skin care thanks to its hydrating, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Unlike many carrier oils, coconut oil is solid at room temperature with a thicker texture (see fractionated coconut oil if you want a liquid version).
• Might not be suitable for acne-prone skin due to its high comedogenic score; however, some people use it due to its antibacterial properties to reduce acne.
• See some of our favorite coconut oil brands.

Aroma	Absorption	Comedogenic rating	Skin type (D, N, O)	Shelf life	Major allergen?
Coconut	Slow	4	D, N	18 months to up to 5 years for refined coconut oil	Tree nut (though many people with tree nuts allergies can safely use coconut)

Cranberry seed oil

• Contains vitamins A, C, E, and K, which can act as antioxidants, helping to fight cell damage that can lead to premature skin aging.
• Might help with anti-aging and fighting fine lines.

Aroma	Absorption	Comedogenic rating	Skin type (D, N, O)	Shelf life	Major allergen?
Fruity, faintly bitter	Average	2	D, N, O	2+ years	None

Evening primrose oil

• Pressed from the evening primrose plant, which has yellow flowers that open at sunset and close during the day.
• Helps retain skin moisture by preventing water loss.
• Promotes softening and smoothing of the skin by acting as an emollient.

Aroma	Absorption	Comedogenic rating	Skin type (D, N, O)	Shelf life	Major allergen?
Mild, neutral	Fast	2-3	D, N, possibly O	2+ years	None

Fractionated coconut oil

• A type of refined coconut oil that removes some of the fats from regular coconut oil, giving it a liquid consistency even at room temperature (unlike coconut oil which is solid at room temperature).
• Helps hydrate skin and might help to prevent stretch marks.
• See some of our favorite fractionated coconut oil brands.

Aroma	Absorption	Comedogenic rating	Skin type (D, N, O)	Shelf life	Major allergen?
Odorless	Fast	2-3	D, N, possibly O	“Indefinite shelf life”	Tree nut (though many people with tree nuts allergies can safely use coconut)

Flaxseed oil

• Pressed from flaxseeds, which are rich in omega-3 fatty acids (anti-inflammatory properties).
• Promotes hydration and might ease skin irritation thanks to its omega-3 properties.
• Slow to absorb and not ideal for acne-prone skin, flaxseed oil is ideal for dry/rough/mature skin

Aroma	Absorption	Comedogenic rating	Skin type (D, N, O)	Shelf life	Major allergen?
Mild, nutty	Slow	4	D, N	Up to 1 year

Goji berry seed oil

• Considered ideal for anti-aging, fighting wrinkles, and promoting skin moisture.
• Good for treating dry, chapped skin.
• Shorter shelf life compared to many carrier oils.

Aroma	Absorption	Comedogenic rating	Skin type (D, N, O)	Shelf life	Major allergen?
Fruity	Average-fast	0-1	D, N, O	9-12 months

Grapeseed oil

• Ideal as a massage oil because it has a light finish without being oily or heavy on your skin.
• Good for acne-prone skin and can reduce wrinkles, blemishes, and stretch marks.

Aroma	Absorption	Comedogenic rating	Skin type (D, N, O)	Shelf life	Major allergen?
Mild, neutral	Fast	1	D, N, O	Up to 1 year

Hazelnut Oil

• Commonly used for hair care, as a massage oil, and for aromatherapy.
• Antioxidant properties as well as being an astringent, which means it helps dry out oily skin and tighten pores.

Aroma	Absorption	Comedogenic rating	Skin type (D, N, O)	Shelf life	Major allergen?
Nutty, sweet	Fast	1	D, N, O	3-8 months; ideal to store in refrigerator due to short shelf life	Tree nut

Hemp seed oil

• Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, proteins, and nutrients that can help reduce inflammation.
• Great for acne with a comedogenic score of 0; can also be used to treat eczema and other inflammatory skin conditions.
• Made from the part of the cannabis plant that isn’t psychoactive.

Aroma	Absorption	Comedogenic rating	Skin type (D, N, O)	Shelf life	Major allergen?
Nutty	Average	0	D, N, O	2 years

Jojoba oil

• Made from the seed of the jojoba plant (Simmondsia chinensis). Most jojoba oil is produced in Israel.
• Popular treatment for dry skin and hair.
• High in vitamin E and antioxidants, jojoba oil is ideal for preventing scars, aiding in wound healing, and soothing skin disorders like eczema.

Aroma	Absorption	Comedogenic rating	Skin type (D, N, O)	Shelf life	Major allergen?
Pleasant, soft, mild	Average	2	D, N, O	2 years

Kale seed oil 

• Contains vitamin E, an antioxidant and skin-friendly vitamin that promotes hydration and protects skin from damage.
• Might help reduce UV damage (from sunlight) to your skin.

Aroma	Absorption	Comedogenic rating	Skin type (D, N, O)	Shelf life	Major allergen?
?	?	?	?	?	None

Kukui nut oil

• Pressed from the nuts of the Aleurites moluccana tree (Hawaii’s state tree!).
• Source of antioxidant vitamins A, C, and E.
• Suitable for all skin types, including acne, dry skin, eczema, psoriasis, etc.

Aroma	Absorption	Comedogenic rating	Skin type (D, N, O)	Shelf life	Major allergen?
Mild, slightly nutty	Average	2	D, N, O	Up to 3 years	Tree nut

Macadamia nut oil

• Very hydrating, as well as offers UV protection by acting as an antioxidant.
• High in oleic acid, which is naturally anti-inflammatory and promotes skin regeneration and moisture.
• Contains squalene, a natural lipid (fat) that helps boost skin’s hydration.

Aroma	Absorption	Comedogenic rating	Skin type (D, N, O)	Shelf life	Major allergen?
Slightly nutty	Slow	2-3	D, N	2 years	Tree nut

Marula oil

• Pressed from kernels of the marula fruit, which is native to Africa.
• Acts as a skin and hair protectant against the effects of the sun (southern Africans have used it for hundreds of years to protect skin and hair from the intense sun).
• Rich in antioxidants, which help prevent skin damage and premature aging.
• Not ideal for acne-prone skin with a higher comedogenic rating (3-4).

Aroma	Absorption	Comedogenic rating	Skin type (D, N, O)	Shelf life	Major allergen?
Nutty, earthy	Average	3-4	D, N	2 years	None

MCT oil

• Most often sourced from fractionated coconut oil, so the two are interchangeable; however, it can be sourced from palm kernel oil.
• Made of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), MCT oil is a popular massage oil due to its neutral odor and fast absorption.

Aroma	Absorption	Comedogenic rating	Skin type (D, N, O)	Shelf life	Major allergen?
Odorless	Fast	2-3	D, N, possibly O	“Indefinite shelf life”	Tree nut if sourced from fractionated coconut oil

Meadowfoam seed oil

• Made from the seeds of the Limnanthes alba plant, which is native to the Pacific Northwest region of the United States.
• An excellent emollient (skin softening), meadowfoam seed oil has a light texture that makes it suitable for all skin types as well as for your hair.

Aroma	Absorption	Comedogenic rating	Skin type (D, N, O)	Shelf life	Major allergen?
Mild, like vegetable oil	Fast	1	D, N, O	Up to 3 years	None

Moringa seed oil

• Natural antimicrobial properties make Moringa seed oil great for treating minor cuts and abrasions.
• Moisturizing, anti-inflammatory carrier oil for skin, nails, and hair.

Aroma	Absorption	Comedogenic rating	Skin type (D, N, O)	Shelf life	Major allergen?
Fresh, nutty, herbal, earthy	Average	3-4	D, N	Up to 5 years	None

Muskmelon seed oil

• Helps promote skin cell turnover, which can help improve skin’s appearance.
• Can help treat sunburns due to its anti-inflammatory properties, as well as boosting collagen production.
• High in omega-6 fatty acids and linoleic acid.

Aroma	Absorption	Comedogenic rating	Skin type (D, N, O)	Shelf life	Major allergen?
Slightly nutty	Fast	? – likely low since it’s marketed as being good for acne-prone skin	D, N, O	Up to 1 year	None

Neem oil

• Due to its cleansing and anti-fungal properties, neem oil is popular for treating infections like athlete’s foot, ringworm, nail fungus, and other fungal infections.
• Can also be used to treat acne, warts, and moles.
• Considered very potent, so be sure to perform a patch test (apply to a small area to assess tolerance/reaction).

Aroma	Absorption	Comedogenic rating	Skin type (D, N, O)	Shelf life	Major allergen?
Garlicky, sulfur-like	Slow	1-2	D, N, O	At least 1 year	None

Oat oil

• Excellent moisturizer that increases ceramide levels in your skin (ceramides are fats/lipids that are found in your skin and help retain your skin’s moisture).
• Can be used to soothe itchy, dry skin, such as with eczema and psoriasis.

Aroma	Absorption	Comedogenic rating	Skin type (D, N, O)	Shelf life	Major allergen?
Light scent of oatmeal	Slow	0	D, N, O	1-2 years	None

Olive oil

• Convenient carrier oil due to its wide availability as a cooking oil.
• Highly moisturizing, olive oil can prevent dry skin which can help reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and other signs of aging.
• A heavy oil, olive oil isn’t fast-absorbing.

Aroma	Absorption	Comedogenic rating	Skin type (D, N, O)	Shelf life	Major allergen?
Fruity, nutty	Slow	2	D, N, O	18-24 months	None

Palm oil (palm fruit oil)

• Extracted from the flesh of the fruit of oil palm trees, palm oil is similar to coconut oil in texture (soft, semi-solid oil).
• Restores hydration to dry skin and can help prevent stretch marks.
• Very high in vitamin E, an antioxidant that can help prevent skin damage/aging.

Aroma	Absorption	Comedogenic rating	Skin type (D, N, O)	Shelf life	Major allergen?
Virtually odorless	Slow	4	D, N	Up to 2 years or more	None

Palm kernel oil

• Pressed from the kernels of the fruit from oil palm trees, palm kernel oil is similar to palm (fruit) oil but is higher in saturated fat, giving it a thicker, more solid texture.
• Ideal for making products with a thick texture that is resistant to melting (thicker lotions, creams, etc.)

Aroma	Absorption	Comedogenic rating	Skin type (D, N, O)	Shelf life	Major allergen?
Virtually odorless	Slow	4	D, N	Up to 2 years or more	None

Plum kernel oil

• Made from pressing the kernels of French Ente plums, plum kernel oil is considered lightweight and non-greasy, making it great for not only skincare but hair care as well.

Aroma	Absorption	Comedogenic rating	Skin type (D, N, O)	Shelf life	Major allergen?
Sweet	Fast	1-2	D, N, O	At least 2 years	None

Pomegranate seed oil

• Rich in antioxidants, pomegranate seed oil is rich in antioxidants and can help fight inflammation.
• Used for skincare, massages, and soap making.
• Adds shine to hair.
• Fun fact – it takes over 200 pounds of pomegranate seeds to make one pound of pomegranate seed oil!

Aroma	Absorption	Comedogenic rating	Skin type (D, N, O)	Shelf life	Major allergen?
Virtually odorless	Slow	1	D, N, O	1-2 years	None

Prickly pear oil 

• Highest vitamin E content of any carrier oil, prickly pear oil has 150% more vitamin E than argan oil.
• Helps reduce the look of fine lines, improve complexion, calm redness, and treat sunburns, among many other uses.

Aroma	Absorption	Comedogenic rating	Skin type (D, N, O)	Shelf life	Major allergen?
Slightly nutty	Fast	1-2	D, N, O	Up to 2 years	None

Pumpkin seed oil

• Rich in omegas 3, 6, and 9, which help hydrate and nourish skin.
• The vitamin C content helps act as an antioxidant, helping to prevent skin damage.
• Also a good oil for acne-prone skin thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties.

Aroma	Absorption	Comedogenic rating	Skin type (D, N, O)	Shelf life	Major allergen?
Nutty undertones	Average	2	D, N, O	Up to 2 years	None

Radish seed oil

• Helps prevent moisture loss in your skin, which promotes hydration.
• Can help reduce the look of scars.
• Helps reduce inflammation from acne as well as preventing sun damage.

Aroma	Absorption	Comedogenic rating	Skin type (D, N, O)	Shelf life	Major allergen?
Bitter, peppery	Fast	?	Likely all types?	Up to 1 year	None

Raspberry seed oil (red raspberry seed oil)

• Linoleic acid content helps balance the skin’s oils, making it suitable for all skin types.
• Helps block UV rays to prevent skin damage.
• High antioxidant content helps prevent skin damage.

Aroma	Absorption	Comedogenic rating	Skin type (D, N, O)	Shelf life	Major allergen?
Earthy	Average	1	D, N, O	Up to 2 years	None

Rice bran oil

• Helps even out skin tone and can reduce the look of dark circles and eye puffiness due to its decongesting properties.
• Can be used on acne-prone skin as well as hair and nails.

Aroma	Absorption	Comedogenic rating	Skin type (D, N, O)	Shelf life	Major allergen?
Mild, bland	? likely average	2	D, N, O	Up to 1 year	None

Ridge gourd seed oil

• Pressed from the seeds of Luffa acutangula, a tropical vine grown in India.
• Used in hair care to prevent premature graying (thought to contain enzymes that restore the pigment in hair that gives it color).
• Helps alleviate dry scalp and promotes healthy hair growth.
• May promote skin elasticity.

Aroma	Absorption	Comedogenic rating	Skin type (D, N, O)	Shelf life	Major allergen?
Little to no aroma	Average	?	?	Up to 1 year	None

Rosehip oil (rosehip seed oil)

• Pressed from the bright orange fruit of the wild rose bush.
• Contains retinoids which help brighten skin, reduce inflammation, and prevent blackheads.
• May help shrink acne blemishes as well as help treat eczema.

Aroma	Absorption	Comedogenic rating	Skin type (D, N, O)	Shelf life	Major allergen?
Earthy	Fast	2	D, N, O	6 months after opening	None

Sacha inchi oil

• Pressed from Sacha inchi seeds, which originated in the Amazon rainforest.
• Helps moisturize skin and reduce transepidermal (skin) water loss.
• Anti-inflammatory properties treat skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and acne.

Aroma	Absorption	Comedogenic rating	Skin type (D, N, O)	Shelf life	Major allergen?
Mild, nutty	Fast	1	D, N, O	Up to a year, possibly longer depending on manufacturer	None

Safflower oil

• A popular carrier and massage oil, safflower oil helps hydrate skin while soothing irritation, rashes, and inflammation.
• Rich in vitamin E and other antioxidants.

Aroma	Absorption	Comedogenic rating	Skin type (D, N, O)	Shelf life	Major allergen?
Bland/neutral	Fast	0	D, N, O	Up to 1 year after opening	None

Sea buckthorn oil

• Pressed from the seeds of the sea buckthorn plant, a shrub with bright orange berries.
• Helps regulate moisture levels thanks to its linoleic acid content, which is also present in your skin’s natural oils.
• May help protect against infections, ease inflammation, and slow signs of aging (and that’s according to a scientific study!).

Aroma	Absorption	Comedogenic rating	Skin type (D, N, O)	Shelf life	Major allergen?
Mild, nutty	Slow	1	D, N, O	Up to 2 years	None

Sesame oil

• Nourishing for the skin and hair, sesame oil can help remove dead skin cells and other pollutants from your skin.
• Contains vitamin E, which can help protect your skin cells from factors like pollution and UV rays.

Aroma	Absorption	Comedogenic rating	Skin type (D, N, O)	Shelf life	Major allergen?
Strong nutty aroma	Average	Refined=1, unrefined=3	Refined: D, N, O; unrefined: D, N	9-12 months	Sesame

Shea nut oil

• A thicker carrier oil compared to some, shea nut oil is extracted from the nuts of the shea tree. Cold-pressing the nuts produces shea butter with shea nut oil as a byproduct.
• Has antioxidant properties, helping to fend off cell damage and potentially reduce the effects of aging.
• Good for moisturizing and softening skin and hair.

Aroma	Absorption	Comedogenic rating	Skin type (D, N, O)	Shelf life	Major allergen?
Neutral	Average	0-2	D, N, O	? – shea nut butter has a shelf life of 2 years	Tree nut; refined shea nut oil is considered safe for tree nut allergies

Sunflower oil

• Considered highly absorbent and good for acne-prone skin due to its low comedogenic rating.
• High in linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid with antibacterial properties.
• Helps skin retain its moisture while combating inflammation thanks to its antioxidant content (vitamin E).

Aroma	Absorption	Comedogenic rating	Skin type (D, N, O)	Shelf life	Major allergen?
Virtually odorless	Fast	0-2	D, N, O	1-2 years	None

Tamanu oil

• Pressed from the seeds of the tamanu tree, tamanu oil is very thick and not recommended to use as a standalone carrier oil (mixing it with other carrier oils is ideal).
• Can naturally solidify or separate at colder temperatures but will return to liquid around 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Helps boost collagen formation and reduce the look of scars.

Aroma	Absorption	Comedogenic rating	Skin type (D, N, O)	Shelf life	Major allergen?
Nutty	Slow	2	D, N, O	2-4 years	None

Tomato seed oil

• Rich in linoleic acid, which helps soothe irritated skin.
• Emollient properties help smoothen and soften the skin.
• Rich in antioxidants such as beta carotene.

Aroma	Absorption	Comedogenic rating	Skin type (D, N, O)	Shelf life	Major allergen?
Faint tomato scent, tangy	Average	0-2	D, N, O	1-2 years	None

Walnut oil

• Has a greasier texture, but is an excellent moisturizer and can help lessen the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
• Soothing oil can help with wound healing and skin conditions like eczema.

Aroma	Absorption	Comedogenic rating	Skin type (D, N, O)	Shelf life	Major allergen?
Very faint/odorless	Average	1-2	D, N, O	Up to 2 years	Tree nut

Wheat germ oil

• Very high in vitamin E, wheat germ oil is nourishing for inflammatory skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis.
• Very high comedogenic rating means this oil is likely to clog pores even in people without acne-prone skin.

Aroma	Absorption	Comedogenic rating	Skin type (D, N, O)	Shelf life	Major allergen?
Earthy, peppery, wheat	?	5	D	Up to 2 years	None

How to mix carrier oils with essential oils 

Note that you can combine different carrier oils as well as several essential oils to make your own custom blends. Your specific essential oils will likely offer guidance on which dilution strength to use.

Many people like to use glass roller ball bottles to make roll-on blends. You can also store your diluted essential oils in any container (glass or plastic), preferably an opaque one that protects it from sunlight.

According to the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy, here are the guidelines for mixing essential oils with carrier oils. (6 teaspoons =1 ounce)

• 2.5% dilution: 15 drops essential oil per 6 teaspoons carrier oil
• 3% dilution: 20 drops essential oil per 6 teaspoons carrier oil
• 5% dilution: 30 drops essential oil per 6 teaspoons carrier oil
• 10% dilution: 60 drops essential oil per 6 teaspoons carrier oil

FAQs:

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