Popularly known as ‘base oils’, Carrier oils are used to dilute essential oils. As essential oils are highly concentrated and potent for direct use, Carrier oils are gifts of nature to help us dilute the concentration of essential oils and make it ideal to treat various skin and hair problems.
If you’re here to learn more about the list of carrier oils and their benefits, then stick around! This piece covers everything you need to know about carrier oil for essential oils, benefits, usage and more.
What are Carrier Oils?
First things first- What is Carrier Oil?
Carrier Oil is cold-pressed nutritious oil obtained from nuts, seeds, flowers or kernels with ultra-nourishing properties for both skin and hair. Essential oils and Carrier oils combined together, leave you with unmatched skin and hair benefits.
What is the Difference Between Carrier Oil and Essential Oil?
Both Carrier Oils and types of essential oils are extracted from different plant parts but are different when it comes to their application and use. Organic essential oils are strong and potent for direct use whereas Carrier Oils are lightly concentrated for direct application. Here are the key pointers on Essential Oil vs Carrier Oil:
| Carrier Oil | Essential Oil |
| Carrier Oils are lipid or fatty extracts obtained from the seeds of plants | Essential oil is made from the aromatic extracts of plants, herbs or medicinal plants |
| Carrier Oils can be used directly | Essential Oil is diluted in carrier oils for topical use |
| Carrier Oils offers physiological therapeutic benefits through massage | Essential Oils provide targetted solutions for various hair and skin concerns |
7 Best Carrier Oils for Skin & Hair
Wondering about which carrier oils to use for your face and hair? Worry less, we have got you covered. Given below is the list of the carrier oils and their benefits that will blow your mind:
1. Coconut Oil
Coconut Oil is made by pressing fresh coconut meat or dried meat called copra. It is extensively used for general skincare and hair care. It is a rich source of fatty acids and skin-loving vitamins that proffers necessary nutrients to skin and hair and keeps it moisturised for a long time. The antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of coconut oil for the skin help fight scalp infections and treat itchy scalp.
2. Jojoba Oil
Jojoba Oil is extracted from the seeds of the Jojoba plant, the native shrub in Southwest America. Being a natural humectant, jojoba oil benefits for skin and hair to control sebum levels and boosts collagen production. The antifungal and antibacterial properties remove severe acne and cure scalp infections. Whereas, the antioxidants present in this carrier oil for acne heal the skin from oxidative stress, and reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
3. Sweet Almond Oil
Sweet Almond Oil is made by pressing the nutty almonds rich in Vitamin E, A and omega fatty acids. The anti-inflammatory and medicinal benefits of almond oil for skin give relief from minor infections like eczema and psoriasis. The punch of nourishing fatty acids and Vitamin E revitalises dry and damaged hair and cures flaky scalp.
4. Castor Oil
Castor is thick odourless carrier oil for hair growth extracted from the seeds of the castor plant. Over the years it has been used for beauty treatments due to its countless skin and hair benefits. The fatty acids in castor oil promote skin health and relieve dryness and skin inflammation. The deep moisturising benefits of castor oil for hair condition your tresses, increase strength and prevent breakage.
5. Argan Oil
Enriched with the essential nutrients of fatty acids and vitamin E, Argan oil for skin and hair has become the buzzword among beauty geeks. Argan oil is a touted carrier oil for hair as it works excellent to promote a healthy scalp and boost hair growth. The nourishing oil is extremely lightweight and moisturising for the skin and hair. The antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties soothe dry skin and prevent damage due to sun exposure.
6. Olive Oil
Olive Oil is squeezed from the fleshy fruit of the Olive tree. It is one of the popular carrier oils that are used as a natural moisturiser for the skin. Rich in healthy fatty acids like linoleic and oleic acids increases collagen synthesis, fights oxidative stress and hence is the best carrier oil for anti-ageing benefits. It contains protein and other antimicrobial agents that reduce hair damage and split ends and treat dandruff to nurture overall hair health.
7. Rosehip Oil
Rosehip Oil is made by pressing the rosehips, the bright orange fruit of the rose bush, grown in Europe and Africa. Rosehip oil has intense hydrating abilities and boosts collagen formation. The healthy fatty acids, vitamin C, and antioxidants stimulate the cell regenerative process to treat acne, wrinkles, and uneven skin complexion. These compounds also take part in scalp healing, increasing the strength of hair follicles and encouraging hair growth.
Organic Harvest Recommends Best Carrier Oils
Organic Harvest brings an extensive range of carrier oils for hair and skin that is 100% pure and organic, made of plant-derived ingredients. Here’s the list of best carrier oils for face and hair that you can add to your beauty vanity:
1. Extra Virgin Organic Coconut Oil: 100% Pure
Organic Harvest brings to you 100% organic, cold-pressed & extra virgin Coconut Oil for skin and hair. It is also unrefined and unbleached. Coconut oil is the best carrier oil for essential oil with antibacterial and antifungal properties to prevent acne and skin inflammation, diminish dark spots, prevent premature ageing and protect against sun damage. It also has numerous hair benefits including enhanced hair growth and smoothening out tresses.
Price: 395 INR
Buy Link: Click Here
2. Organic Castor Oil
Organic Castor Oil is a non-volatile fatty oil obtained from the seeds of castor beans. It is one of the best carrier oils for hair rich in sources of essential fatty acids including ricinoleic acid which helps in restoring hair strength and promoting growth. The anti-inflammatory properties help reduce skin inflammation, dark spots, puffiness, and calm redness. Its antimicrobial properties help combat acne-causing bacteria and blackheads.
Price: 311 INR
Buy Link: Click Here
3. Organic Argan Oil
Organic Argan oil is extracted from cold pressed nuts of the Argan tree. It is very effective in combating acne and skin infections, as well as reducing wrinkles. With the goodness of fatty acids and Vitamin E, Argan Oil is one of the best oils for hair growth and maintaining scalp health. These incredible benefits of argan oil for hair and skin make it one of the top beauty oils.
Price: 699 INR
Buy Link: Click Here
4. Organic Kumkumadi Oil
Organic Kumkumadi Oil is made with a unique formulation combining Saffron powder and 9 oils, this carrier oil benefits in treating a myriad of skin conditions. Kumkumadi oil benefits skin to cure blemishes, remove dark spots and fight early signs of ageing and acne. It also helps in lightening the skin tone and improving your overall skin texture.
Price: 795 INR
Buy Link: Click Here
5. Organic Evening Primrose Oil
Organic Evening Primrose oil is extracted from the seeds of the evening primrose flower. It is one of the best carrier oils for tea tree oil to treat skin infections including acne, and eczema (scaly and inflamed skin), psoriasis (itchy and patchy skin). Its nourishing and moisturising properties benefit dry skin, while its anti-inflammatory and astringent properties benefit acne-prone skin.
Price: 446 INR
Buy Link: Click Here
How to Mix Carrier Oils With Essential Oils?
Before you indulge in mixing essential oils with carrier oils, a cosmetologist always advises doing a patch test on a small portion of your hands and behind the ear.
Here are the quick steps to do a patch test:
- Apply a small amount of carrier oil to your wrist.
- Cover the oil with a bandage and leave it for 24 hours.
- Notice if you see any irritation or itchiness on your skin.
- If not, you’re safe for further use.
Here’s how you can dilute essential oils with carrier oils:
- 2% dilution: Add 10 drops of essential oil per 5 tbsp of carrier oil
- 3% dilution: Add 15 drops of essential oil per 5 tbsp of carrier oil
- 5% dilution: Add 25 drops of essential oil per 5 tbsp of carrier oil
FAQs
Can baby oil be used as a carrier oil?
No, baby oils cannot be used as carrier oils. Baby Oils have specific formulation, consistency and concentration designed for a baby’s skin only.
What is the lightest carrier oil?
Grapeseed Oil is one of the lightest carrier oils with the benefit of being odourless.
What is a carrier oil example?
Carrier Oils are base oils available by cold-pressing seeds, nuts, flowers or fruits of different plants. Some examples of lipids of fatty extracts of different carrier oils include Jojoba base oil, Olive oil, Sweet Almond Oil, Coconut oil, Castor oil, Blackseed Oil, and so on.
Can you mix carrier oils together?
Yes, you can mix different carrier oils together in equal parts for enhanced skin and hair benefits.
Which carrier oil has healing properties?
Argan Oil is popular as a massage oil as it is rich in Vitamin A, E and protein compounds that simulate the process of healing.
Which carrier oil absorbs best?
Jojoba Base Oil is a lightweight carrier oil that absorbs fast and does not clog pores which makes it the best carrier oil for oily skin.
Do carrier oils expire?
Carrier Oils are unsaturated fatty acids that have a shorter shelf life of up to 6 months or a longer shelf life between 1-2 years.
What is the most moisturising carrier oil?
Packed with the goodness of fatty acids, vitamin E and antioxidants, Jojoba Oil is one of the best moisturising carrier oils for dry skin.
Conclusion
Carrier Oil comes in handy to get rid of various skin and hair concerns. It is basically a one-stop solution for all your beauty aspirations.
This was the ultimate list of best carrier oils for skin and hair. We hope you enjoyed reading it as much as I loved writing it. Try and inculcate these carrier oils in your routine and squeeze out the ultimate haircare and skincare benefits. Also, do not miss to read more about the benefits of essential oils for skin.
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