It’s good to know that essential oils are very strong but using them directly on the skin might actually cause more harm than benefit.
That’s where carrier oils come in.
You can say carrier oils gently support your beautiful essential oils. They cut back essential oils a bit, ensuring they are safe for your skin and distributes them evenly all over. State of the art, many essential oils should not be applied directly to the skin unless you have a carrier.
So which carrier oil should you choose? All three—jojoba, coconut and almond oil—have their own feel, how fast they get absorbed and what they do for your skin. This guide explains the main carrier oils and how to decide which one is best for your needs in a massage blend, DIY skincare or a soothing bath oil.
Let’s dive into Carrier Oils 101.
What Is a Carrier Oil?
Carrier oils are used with essential oils to help them be applied safely to the skin. Essential oils are volatile and disappear fast, but carrier oils are made from the plant’s parts that are high in fat (e.g., seeds and nuts). They transfer the essential oil to your skin which is why they are called carrier oils.
Most carrier oils have very little or no smell, are non-irritating and have a lot of nutrients, especially fatty acids and vitamins. They’re an essential part of safe and effective aromatherapy.
Why You Should Always Use a Carrier Oil
Here’s the thing—essential oils are potent. A single drop of peppermint oil is equal in strength to drinking 25 cups of peppermint tea. If there is no dilution, putting essential oils directly on the skin may lead to:
- Redness or irritation
- Sensitivity over time (which may become permanent)
- Burns or allergic reactions
Carrier oils help prevent these problems. They help improve how the oils get into your skin, do not cause as much evaporation and add moisture to your skin while offering the advantages of the oils.
A good rule of thumb:
- A dilution of 2-3% should be used for adults—around 12-18 drops of essential oil to each ounce (30ml) of carrier oil.
- If you have children, elderlies or sensitive skin, choose low concentrations such as 0.5-1%.
1. Jojoba Oil – The Skin-Lover
The material known as jojoba oil is actually derived from the seeds of the jojoba plant. It is a very common carrier oil used in aromatherapy.
Why it’s great:
- Closely mimics skin’s natural sebum
- Non-greasy, lightweight, and fast-absorbing
- Excellent for oily or acne-prone skin
- Long shelf life (won’t go rancid quickly)
Best uses: Facial serums, acne treatments, scalp massage blends.
Pairs well with: Tea tree, lavender, frankincense.
2. Coconut Oil (Fractionated) – The Lightweight Hydrator
Fractionated coconut oil has the same fatty acids as coconut oil, but the long-chain type is removed which causes it to be liquid. It does not change to a solid at normal room temperature, so pores are not blocked.
Why it’s great:
- Lightweight, silky texture
- Odorless and colorless
- Non-comedogenic (won’t block pores)
- Great for all skin types
Best uses: Massage oils, hair masks, rollerball blends.
Pairs well with: Peppermint, eucalyptus, rosemary.
3. Sweet Almond Oil – The Soothing All-Rounder
Because it’s made from almonds, the oil can feed dry or sensitive skin.
Why it’s great:
- High in vitamin E and antioxidants
- Softens and conditions skin
- Mild, nutty scent
- Medium absorption rate
The best way to use this oil is as a massage oil, for treating stretch marks or to blend and use on babies (diluted).
Pairs well with: Lavender, geranium, chamomile.
Note: Avoid if you have a nut allergy.
4. Grapeseed Oil – The Lightweight Glow-Getter
From the leftovers of winemaking (grape seed), grapeseed oil has become popular for skincare.
Why it’s great:
- Very light and non-greasy
- Rich in linoleic acid and antioxidants
- Helps tighten and tone skin
- Easily absorbed
Best uses: Facial serums, oily skin blends, anti-aging products.
Pairs well with: Lemon, tea tree, rosemary.
5. Argan Oil – The Liquid Gold
Argan oil is made from the nuts of argan trees in Morocco and is famous for its anti-ageing effects.
Why it’s great:
- High in vitamin E and essential fatty acids
- Great for dry, mature, or sun-damaged skin
- Adds shine and moisture to hair
- Slight nutty aroma
Best uses: Hair oils, facial serums, nighttime skincare.
Pairs well with: Rose, sandalwood, frankincense.
6. Rosehip Seed Oil – The Regenerator
Taken from the seeds of wild rose bushes, rosehip oil is famous for helping renew the skin.
Why it’s great:
- Rich in vitamins A and C (natural retinol alternative)
- Encourages collagen production
- Fades scars and brightens complexion
- Light, dry oil feel
Best uses: Anti-aging blends, scar healing serums, facial oils.
Pairs well with: Helichrysum, frankincense, carrot seed.
7. Avocado Oil – The Deep Moisturizer
Because avocado oil is thick and rich, it is great for moisturizing skin that feels dry or inflamed.
Why it’s great:
- Packed with vitamins A, D, and E
- Great for eczema, psoriasis, or rough patches
- Slower absorption—perfect for overnight treatments
Best uses: Body butters, foot creams, winter skin blends.
Pairs well with: Myrrh, lavender, patchouli.
8. Olive Oil – The Pantry Staple
An oil that might already be found in your kitchen; olive oil works as a carrier for essential oils, but since it’s thicker and has a stronger smell, it’s best to use something milder for the rest.
Why it’s great:
- Contains oleic acid, antioxidants, and vitamins
- Excellent for very dry or damaged skin
- Strong moisturizing properties
Best uses: Hair oils, foot soaks, salves.
Pairs well with: Rosemary, lemon, oregano.
Due to a strong scent and thick texture, consider using it for styling hair or stating your body.
9. Hemp Seed Oil – The Balancer
Hemp seed oil, extracted in a cold-pressed process, retains its green color, is not psychoactive and filled with nourishing substances for your skin.
Why it’s great:
- Balances oily skin
- Non-comedogenic and calming
- Rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids
Use best: facial products for spots and breakouts, oils for beards, serums that help balance skin.
Pairs well with: Clary sage, cypress, tea tree.
10. Evening Primrose Oil – The Hormone Helper
Expressed from the seeds of the evening primrose plant, the oil is known to promote balance of hormones and healthy skin.
Why it’s great:
- High in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA)
- Supports eczema and hormonal acne
- Easily absorbed into the skin
Recommendations include: using PMS blends, facial serums for hormonal skin, scalp oils.
Pairs well with: Geranium, ylang ylang, lavender.
How to Choose the Right Carrier Oil for You
What kind of oil you pick should depend on your skin type, how much you will use it and your purpose for using essential oils.
Here’s a quick cheat sheet:
- Oily/Acne-Prone – Jojoba, Grapeseed, Hemp Seed
- Dry – Avocado, Sweet Almond, Argan
- Mature/Aging – Rosehip, Argan, Evening Primrose
- Sensitive – Sweet Almond, Jojoba, Coconut (Fractionated)
- Combination – Jojoba, Grapeseed, Rosehip
Mixing different carrier oils gives you access to more benefits. Jojoba and rosehip oil go well together for a hydrating and gentle face oil.
Pro Tips for Working with Carrier Oils
- Avoid storing oil near sunlight or heat. Use dark glass bottles.
- Always perform a patch test before using any new oil to look for possible allergies.
- Some oils (for example, rosehip) need to be used within 6 to 12 months because they oxidize easily. Others (like jojoba or coconut) last much longer.
- Customize your blends: Tailor each blend based on purpose. Calming oils? Go for lightweight, skin-friendly carriers. Deep hydration? Choose something rich and emollient.
Final Thoughts: Let Carrier Oils Elevate Your Aromatherapy Practice
Carrier oils go further than providing a base—they are nutrient-packed and help your essential oils and your skin. Knowing how unique ingredients feel and how they work makes it possible to create blends that are both safe and very effective.
Making any type of oil-based product requires paying just as much attention to the carrier oil as you give to the essential oil.
Ready to Create Your Own Blends?
Buy safe and reliable essential oils from Lassscent – Pure Essential Oil Online Store. All products are carefully chosen, tested and made with your health in mind. You can mix lavender with jojoba or eucalyptus with coconut and Lassscent delivers everything you need to be confident in your blends. Let nature guide your senses—shop Lassscent today.