Natural Carrier Oils

A carrier oil is a plant oil pressed from nuts, seeds, or kernels that dilutes essential oils and carries them onto the skin. It also works on its own as a moisturizer, massage oil, or the oil phase in serums, lotions, and balms.

For oily or acne-prone skin, lightweight grapeseed and jojoba absorb fast and are non-comedogenic. For dry or mature skin, sweet almond, argan, and rosehip are richer. Combination skin does well with jojoba, which mimics the skin's own sebum.

For adult skin, use a 2.5% to 10% dilution: roughly 15 drops of essential oil per ounce (30ml) of carrier at 2.5%. For children, stay between 0.5% and 1%. Start low and patch test.

Yes. Unlike essential oils, carrier oils are gentle enough to use undiluted as a facial oil, body moisturizer, or massage oil. Patch test first if your skin is sensitive.

Jojoba, grapeseed, and hemp seed oil rank low on the comedogenic scale and suit acne-prone skin. Coconut oil is more likely to clog pores on the face for some people.

Yes. Most last 12 to 24 months stored cool and dark. An oil that smells sharp, bitter, or metallic has gone rancid and should be replaced. A little vitamin E extends shelf life.

A carrier oil is a mild fatty oil used in large amounts; an essential oil is a concentrated aromatic extract used in drops. You dilute essential oils into carrier oils, never the other way around.