Carrier Oils Complete Guide: 20 Best Oils for Diluting Essential Oils

Carrier oils are the unsung heroes of aromatherapy. These plant-based oils "carry" essential oils safely onto your skin, enabling topical use while adding their own therapeutic benefits. Choosing the right carrier oil can enhance your essential oil experience, improve absorption, and complement the specific benefits you're seeking.

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about carrier oils—from basic selection to advanced blending. Whether you're making massage oils, facial serums, or healing salves, understanding carrier oils transforms your aromatherapy practice.

What Are Carrier Oils?

Carrier oils are vegetable oils derived from the fatty portions of plants—typically seeds, nuts, or kernels. Unlike essential oils (which are volatile and evaporate quickly), carrier oils are "fixed" oils that remain stable and don't evaporate.

Why Carrier Oils Are Essential

Safety: Essential oils are highly concentrated and can irritate or burn skin when applied undiluted. Carrier oils create a safe dilution.

Absorption: Carrier oils help essential oils penetrate the skin rather than evaporating on the surface.

Coverage: A few drops of essential oil can treat a large area when mixed with carrier oil.

Benefits: Quality carrier oils provide their own therapeutic benefits—vitamins, fatty acids, and skin-nourishing properties.

Economy: Diluting expensive essential oils makes them last longer while maintaining effectiveness.

The 20 Best Carrier Oils for Aromatherapy

1. Jojoba Oil (Simmondsia chinensis)

The closest thing to skin's natural sebum.

Jojoba isn't technically an oil but a liquid wax ester with a composition remarkably similar to human sebum. This makes it exceptionally compatible with all skin types.

Benefits:

• Balances oil production (good for oily AND dry skin)
• Non-greasy finish
• Excellent stability—won't go rancid quickly
• Naturally antibacterial
• Rich in vitamin E

Best uses: Facial serums, all-purpose blends, oily skin applications, products needing long shelf life.

Price range: $15-30 per 8 oz (moderate)

2. Fractionated Coconut Oil (Cocos nucifera)

The workhorse of aromatherapy.

Fractionated coconut oil has had the long-chain fatty acids removed, leaving a light, non-greasy oil that stays liquid at all temperatures.

Benefits:

• Completely odorless (won't interfere with essential oil scents)
• Lightweight and non-greasy
• Never solidifies
• Extremely stable
• Affordable

Best uses: Massage oils, roller bottles, general aromatherapy, professional use.

Price range: $12-20 per 16 oz (affordable)

3. Sweet Almond Oil (Prunus dulcis)

The classic massage oil.

Sweet almond oil has been used for massage for thousands of years. Its medium weight provides good glide for massage while delivering skin-nourishing benefits.

Benefits:

• Excellent massage glide
• Rich in vitamins A, E, and B
• Softens and conditions skin
• Mild, pleasant scent
• Good absorption without greasiness

Best uses: Massage oils, body lotions, general body care, bath oils.

Price range: $10-18 per 16 oz (affordable)

Note: Avoid if you have tree nut allergies.

4. Coconut Oil (Virgin/Unrefined) (Cocos nucifera)

Tropical nourishment for dry skin.

Virgin coconut oil retains its natural coconut scent and maximum nutrients. It's solid below 76°F but melts on contact with skin.

Benefits:

• Deeply moisturizing
• Antimicrobial (lauric acid)
• Pleasant tropical scent
• Excellent for hair care
• Creates protective barrier

Best uses: Body butters, hair treatments, very dry skin, salves (solid texture).

Price range: $10-20 per 16 oz (affordable)

Caution: May cause breakouts for acne-prone skin.

5. Argan Oil (Argania spinosa)

Liquid gold for anti-aging.

Argan oil from Morocco has exceptional anti-aging properties, making it a premium choice for facial care and mature skin.

Benefits:

• Rich in vitamin E and antioxidants
• Boosts cell production
• Non-comedogenic despite richness
• Improves skin elasticity
• Reduces fine lines

Best uses: Facial serums, anti-aging blends, dry or mature skin, hair serums.

Price range: $25-45 per 4 oz (expensive)

6. Grapeseed Oil (Vitis vinifera)

Light and affordable for everyday use.

Grapeseed oil is a light, affordable option with good antioxidant properties. Its neutral scent and quick absorption make it versatile.

Benefits:

• Very light texture
• High in linoleic acid (good for oily skin)
• Antioxidant properties (vitamin E, polyphenols)
• Affordable
• Odorless

Best uses: Facial care for oily skin, light massage, hair products.

Price range: $8-15 per 16 oz (affordable)

Note: Shorter shelf life—buy in smaller quantities.

7. Rosehip Seed Oil (Rosa canina)

Regenerating powerhouse for scars and aging.

Rosehip seed oil is renowned for skin regeneration, making it exceptional for scars, stretch marks, and aging skin.

Benefits:

• High in vitamins A and C
• Promotes collagen production
• Reduces scars and hyperpigmentation
• Natural retinol alternative
• Improves skin texture

Best uses: Facial serums (use at 10-50% of blend), scar treatment, anti-aging, stretch mark prevention.

Price range: $15-30 per 4 oz (moderate-expensive)

8. Avocado Oil (Persea americana)

Deep nourishment for very dry skin.

Avocado oil is thick and rich, penetrating deeply to nourish extremely dry or damaged skin.

Benefits:

• Deeply penetrating
• Rich in vitamins A, D, and E
• Contains sterolins that reduce age spots
• Excellent for eczema and psoriasis
• Nourishes from within

Best uses: Body care for very dry skin, cuticle oil, heel balms, mature skin (use at 10-25% of blend for face).

Price range: $10-20 per 16 oz (affordable)

9. Hemp Seed Oil (Cannabis sativa)

Balanced fatty acids for problem skin.

Hemp seed oil has an ideal ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids, making it excellent for inflammatory skin conditions.

Benefits:

• Perfect 3:1 omega fatty acid ratio
• Anti-inflammatory
• Regulates oil production
• Hydrating without clogging pores
• Calms irritation

Best uses: Acne treatments, eczema/psoriasis support, facial for problem skin.

Price range: $12-25 per 8 oz (moderate)

Note: Must be refrigerated; short shelf life.

10. Apricot Kernel Oil (Prunus armeniaca)

Gentle alternative to almond oil.

Apricot kernel oil has properties similar to sweet almond but is often better tolerated by sensitive skin.

Benefits:

• Very gentle and well-tolerated
• Light but nourishing
• Good vitamin A and E content
• Softens skin
• Less allergenic than almond

Best uses: Sensitive skin, baby massage oil, facial care, delicate areas.

Price range: $12-20 per 8 oz (moderate)

11. Evening Primrose Oil (Oenothera biennis)

Hormone-balancing skin support.

Evening primrose oil is rich in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), making it exceptional for hormonal skin issues and inflammatory conditions.

Benefits:

• High GLA content (7-10%)
• Supports hormonal balance
• Excellent for eczema and dermatitis
• Reduces inflammation
• Supports skin barrier function

Best uses: PMS/menopausal skin issues, eczema treatment, blend at 10-25% with other carriers.

Price range: $15-30 per 4 oz (moderate-expensive)

12. Sunflower Oil (Helianthus annuus)

Affordable everyday option.

High-oleic sunflower oil provides good skin benefits at an accessible price point, making it excellent for body care.

Benefits:

• High in vitamin E
• Non-greasy absorption
• Very affordable
• Good for all skin types
• Supports skin barrier

Best uses: Body massage, budget blends, lotion making.

Price range: $8-15 per 16 oz (very affordable)

Note: Choose "high-oleic" sunflower oil for better stability and lower comedogenic rating.

13. Olive Oil (Olea europaea)

Traditional healing for damaged skin.

Extra virgin olive oil has been used for thousands of years for skin care. It's particularly good for very dry or damaged skin.

Benefits:

• Rich in antioxidants (polyphenols)
• Deeply moisturizing
• Contains squalene (skin-compatible)
• Traditional wound healing properties
• Widely available

Best uses: Body care, healing salves, very dry skin, hair treatments.

Price range: $10-25 per 16 oz (affordable)

14. Tamanu Oil (Calophyllum inophyllum)

Powerful wound healer.

Tamanu oil has unique wound-healing and skin-regenerating properties, making it exceptional for scars, burns, and skin damage.

Benefits:

• Promotes skin regeneration
• Antibacterial and antifungal
• Reduces scarring
• Anti-inflammatory
• Pain-relieving

Best uses: Wound healing, scar reduction, acne scars, burns (use at 10-50% of blend).

Price range: $20-40 per 4 oz (expensive)

15. Marula Oil (Sclerocarya birrea)

African luxury for anti-aging.

Marula oil from Africa has exceptional antioxidant properties and quick absorption, making it a premium anti-aging oil.

Benefits:

• Extremely high in antioxidants
• Very stable (resistant to oxidation)
• Quickly absorbed
• Improves elasticity
• Softens and hydrates

Best uses: Anti-aging facial serums, dry skin, hair treatments.

Price range: $20-40 per 4 oz (expensive)

16. Baobab Oil (Adansonia digitata)

Deep hydration for very dry conditions.

Baobab oil from the African "tree of life" provides intense hydration and is excellent for eczema, psoriasis, and severe dryness.

Benefits:

• High in omega fatty acids
• Deeply hydrating
• Improves elasticity
• Non-greasy despite richness
• Excellent for problem skin

Best uses: Eczema/psoriasis support, stretch mark prevention, very dry skin.

Price range: $15-30 per 4 oz (moderate-expensive)

17. Camellia Seed Oil (Camellia oleifera)

Asian beauty secret for hair and skin.

Camellia oil (tea seed oil) has been used in Japan for centuries for beautiful hair and skin. It's light yet deeply nourishing.

Benefits:

• Rich in oleic acid
• Quick absorption
• Excellent for hair (adds shine, reduces frizz)
• Anti-aging properties
• Lightweight

Best uses: Facial serums, hair treatments, anti-aging blends.

Price range: $15-30 per 8 oz (moderate)

18. Sea Buckthorn Oil (Hippophae rhamnoides)

Regenerating oil for damaged skin.

Sea buckthorn oil is intensely colored (orange-red) and has exceptional skin-healing properties.

Benefits:

• Extremely high in vitamins A, C, E
• Promotes wound healing
• Reduces rosacea symptoms
• Repairs sun damage
• Anti-aging

Best uses: Use at 1-5% of blend (very potent and will stain), healing blends, rosacea, sun damage repair.

Price range: $25-50 per 2 oz (expensive)

Caution: Will temporarily stain skin and fabrics orange if overused.

19. Meadowfoam Seed Oil (Limnanthes alba)

Exceptionally stable carrier for products.

Meadowfoam seed oil has unique stability, making it excellent for products that need long shelf life.

Benefits:

• Extremely stable (extends product shelf life)
• Rejuvenating
• Creates moisture barrier
• Lightweight
• Excellent for product formulations

Best uses: Product making (extends shelf life), facial serums, lip products.

Price range: $15-25 per 4 oz (moderate)

20. Castor Oil (Ricinus communis)

Thick and healing for specific uses.

Castor oil is very thick and sticky but has unique healing properties, making it valuable for specific applications.

Benefits:

• Promotes hair and lash growth
• Anti-inflammatory (ricinoleic acid)
• Deep penetration
• Excellent for lip products
• Creates protective layer

Best uses: Hair growth treatments, lash/brow serums, lip products, healing salves (use at 10-20% of blend).

Price range: $8-15 per 16 oz (affordable)

Choosing the Right Carrier Oil

By Skin Type

Oily/Acne-Prone Skin:

• Jojoba (balances oil)
• Grapeseed (light, high linoleic)
• Hemp seed (regulates sebum)
• Avoid: Coconut, olive, avocado

Dry Skin:

• Avocado (deeply nourishing)
• Virgin coconut (protective)
• Argan (regenerating)
• Olive (traditional moisturizer)

Sensitive Skin:

• Apricot kernel (gentle)
• Jojoba (most skin-compatible)
• Camellia (lightweight, soothing)
• Avoid: Fragranced or heavily processed oils

Mature/Aging Skin:

• Rosehip seed (regenerating)
• Argan (antioxidant-rich)
• Marula (elasticity)
• Sea buckthorn (at low percentage)

Normal Skin:

• Sweet almond (all-purpose)
• Jojoba (balanced)
• Grapeseed (light)
• Fractionated coconut (versatile)

By Use

Massage:

• Sweet almond (classic glide)
• Fractionated coconut (clean, light)
• Grapeseed (affordable, light)

Facial Serums:

• Jojoba (all skin types)
• Argan (anti-aging)
• Rosehip (regenerating)
• Squalane (lightweight, stable)

Body Care:

• Fractionated coconut (versatile)
• Sweet almond (nourishing)
• Sunflower (affordable)

Hair Treatments:

• Coconut (penetrating)
• Argan (shine, frizz control)
• Camellia (Japanese tradition)
• Castor (growth, at low percentage)

Healing Salves:

• Tamanu (wound healing)
• Coconut (antimicrobial)
• Olive (traditional)

Dilution Guidelines

Standard Dilution Rates

Quick Dilution Reference

DIY Carrier Oil Blends

All-Purpose Aromatherapy Base

• 2 oz fractionated coconut oil
• 1 oz jojoba oil
• 1 oz sweet almond oil

Versatile blend suitable for most applications.

Anti-Aging Facial Blend

• 1 oz jojoba oil
• 0.5 oz rosehip seed oil
• 0.5 oz argan oil

Rich, regenerating base for facial serums.

Problem Skin Base

• 1 oz jojoba oil
• 0.5 oz hemp seed oil
• 0.5 oz grapeseed oil

Light, non-comedogenic base for oily/acne-prone skin.

Deep Moisture Body Blend

• 2 oz sweet almond oil
• 1 oz avocado oil
• 1 oz virgin coconut oil

Rich, nourishing blend for very dry skin.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best all-around carrier oil?

Jojoba oil is the most versatile choice—it works for all skin types, has exceptional stability, and most closely mimics skin's natural sebum. Fractionated coconut oil is the second-best all-arounder, particularly for massage and roller bottles, with the advantage of being completely odorless.

Do I have to use a carrier oil with essential oils?

For topical application, yes—essential oils should always be diluted in a carrier oil (with rare exceptions like lavender for minor burns). This prevents skin irritation, helps absorption, and makes your expensive essential oils last longer while maintaining effectiveness.

Why did my carrier oil go rancid?

Carrier oils oxidize when exposed to air, heat, and light. Oils high in polyunsaturated fatty acids (grapeseed, hemp, rosehip) go rancid faster. Store oils in dark glass containers in cool, dark places. Refrigerate quick-oxidizing oils. Buy smaller quantities of oils with shorter shelf lives.

Can I use cooking oils as carrier oils?

In a pinch, food-grade olive oil or sunflower oil from your kitchen can work. However, cooking oils may be refined (reducing therapeutic value) and aren't ideal for facial use. For aromatherapy, choose cold-pressed, cosmetic-grade oils specifically labeled for skin use.

Which carrier oil is best for facial use?

For facial use, choose oils with low comedogenic ratings and appropriate absorption rates for your skin type. Jojoba works for most skin types, argan is excellent for dry/mature skin, and grapeseed or hemp seed work well for oily/acne-prone skin. Avoid coconut oil on the face if you're prone to breakouts.

How long do carrier oils last?

Shelf life varies significantly by oil. Very stable oils (jojoba, fractionated coconut) last 5+ years. Medium-stability oils (sweet almond, argan) last 1-2 years. Quick-oxidizing oils (grapeseed, hemp seed, rosehip) last 6-12 months. Adding vitamin E can extend shelf life slightly.

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Last updated: December 30, 2025. This article is for informational purposes only. Always patch test new oils and consult a healthcare professional if you have skin conditions or allergies.