Best Carrier Oil for Essential Oils

By Lakita Dunkers, Clinical Aromatherapist

QUESTION: What is the best carrier oil for essential oils?

We often hear this question from our clients who are looking for the best carrier oil to dilute their essential oils. Below you’ll find three factors to consider when making your choice. We also provide you with a list of descriptions of some of the most popular carrier oils for easy reference.

1. If the carrier is being used to promote transdermal (skin) absorption of the essential oils and there are NO skin issues to take into consideration, you can you can use any carrier oil that you have available. (Or as an alternative you can also use your regular body lotion or cream.) Transdermal is a route of administration wherein active ingredients are delivered across the skin for systemic distribution, please review application methods we list for each essential oil and blend for safety precautions.

2. Make sure your carrier does not contain mineral oil in the ingredients. Mineral oil molecules are larger than our skin pores; the molecules will sit on the top of the skin and prevent transdermal absorption of your essential oils. Mineral oil is also a by-product of petroleum distillation, it may contain toxins, it can clog pores and it does not contain any skin-nourishing nutrients.

3. The best carrier oil for essential oils often will depend on your skin type, health, age, biochemistry, and intended therapeutic use. Some common carriers we recommend include Coconut or Fractionated Coconut, Sweet Almond Oil, Argan Oil, Jojoba, Castor Oil, Rosehip Oil, and Tamanu.

However, we want to include more specific recommendations for people who have sensitive skin due to age or health concerns. For children, Calendula, Jojoba, or Fractionated Coconut are excellent choices. For those with thin skin (common with the elderly population) or skin that is easily irritated, consider using a blend of carrier oils i.e. Rosehip, Calendula, or Tamanu in a base of Jojoba or Fractionated Coconut.

As with essential oils, carrier oils have unique chemical constituents and properties. Below is a list of e3’s favorite carrier oils, along with descriptions, to help you choose your personal best carrier oil when blending with essential oils.

The shelf life recommendations mentioned below are general guidelines. Oils will last longer or shorter time frame depending on conditions which they are stored i.e. temperature and volume per container (extra air space in a container increases oxidation rate).

Sweet Almond Oil Prunis dulcis – This is a good choice for all skin types to soothe, soften, and protect and is helpful for dryness, itching, eczema, and dermatitis.

Shelf Life: Best used within 1 year.

Apricot Seed Oil Prunus Armeniaca – This oil is rich in vitamins and minerals. It’s a good oil for face and beauty treatments such as body oils and lotions. It can be used as a light massage oil as it is easily absorbed. Good for all skin types, especially sensitive or dry, dehydrating, maturing skin.

Shelf Life: 6 months to a 1 year. Refrigerate after opening

Argan Oil Argania spinosa – This carrier is particularly nourishing for dry, damaged, or aging skin. You can use it to restore elasticity, reduce the appearance of fine lines, and promote a healthy glow.

Shelf Life: Best used within 1 year.

Calendula Calendula officinalis – Calendula oil is gentle and soothing for dry, inflamed or irritated skin, use for small wounds, acne, bedsores, varicose veins, rashes, diaper rash, eczema, psoriasis or for all-over skincare. (If you have garden marigolds you can make Calendula oil in your own kitchen. Read here to get DIY instructions.)

Shelf Life: Best used within 1 year.

Castor Oil Ricinus communis  – With its rich moisturizing and conditioning properties, this an excellent choice if you want to enhance the thickness and luster of your hair or are looking for a natural remedy for dry, irritated skin. 

Shelf Life: Best used within 1 year.

Fractionated Coconut Oil Cocos nucifera – It’s odorless, clear, lightweight, non-greasy, easily absorbed, and highly stable (resists rancidity). It makes a good base when combining carrier oils or when diluting if you are mixing in bulk and the product will not be used quickly.

Shelf Life: Highly stable, long shelf life

Jojoba Simmondsia chinensis – This carrier has anti-inflammatory properties; it is especially compatible with skin because it closely resembles skin’s natural oil, sebum, and does not clog pores.

Shelf Life: Highly stable, long shelf life

Pomegranate Seed Oil Punica granatum – With potent antioxidants, this is an excellent choice for creating nourishing facial serums, body oils, and balms to protect the skin from environmental stressors. 

Shelf Life: Best used within 1 year.

Rice Bran Oil Oryza sativa – This oil is rich in vitamins, minerals, proteins, and essential oils with minimal scent characteristic of most carrier oils. A mild oil, perfect for dry/flaky, sensitive, mature, and/or delicate skin where additional moisturization is required, and is effective for keeping skin smooth. Rice bran oil is unique in that it contains a compound called gamma-oryzanol, a component that can impede the progress of melanin pigmentation, hindering UV ray transmission. (Rice bran oil is a main ingredient in our Scents of Comfort all-natural lotion.)

Shelf Life: 1 – 2 years.

Rosehip Rosa mosqueta –  This carrier is used to soften fine lines and wrinkles, help repair sun-damaged skin, reduce scarring, improve elasticity, and protect the skin from environmental damage.

Shelf Life: Best used within 6 months.

Tamanu Calophyllum inophyllum –  A good choice for insect bites, minor burns, small cuts, blisters, and scrapes; it is helpful for nerve pain conditions such as neuralgia, shingles, and sciatica.

Shelf Life: Best used within 1 year.

e3’s Super Carrier blend is a unique and delicate blend of Argan, Calendula, Jojoba, Rose Hip Seed and Sweet Almond carrier oils. We find that many times the most effective carrier will be a blend, as it can provide a broader spectrum of skin-soothing skin soothing and nourishing benefits. Each of these carrier oils contains properties that nourish and soothe the skin, making Super Carrier Oil beneficial for all skin types.

There are even more carrier oil options available. If you have a question on another carrier oil, we’re happy to help you discover the best carrier for the essential oils you’re using. If you would like to learn more about essential oils – like where they come from, how they’re made and how to make your own special blends – please feel free to download our free ebook, Listen to Your Nose – An Introduction to Aromatherapy.