Essential oils have seen quite a rise in popularity over the past few years – and while the jury may still be out on the results that influencers often tote, their power on skincare can’t be denied.
But while essential oils usually get most of the attention, carrier oils are the true workhorses that make safe, effective skincare possible.
In fact, these nutrient-rich oils are so powerful that they can immediately boost your skin on their own, no essential oils required.
Whether you want to moisturize dry patches or just balance oily skin, carrier oils can help. Let’s take a closer look at what carrier oils are – and how they can help upgrade your skincare routine!
What Are Carrier Oils?
Carrier oils are plant-based oils that are extracted from the fatty portions of plants (think seeds, nuts, or kernels).
But unlike essential oils, which evaporate quickly, carrier oils are much more stable and gentle. This makes them a great option for direct skin application.
We like to think of carrier oils as the “foundation” of natural skincare. The name "carrier" oils refers to their action – they literally carry essential oils onto your skin safely.
But don't let the name fool you. Carrier oils are skincare superstars in their own right, and often come packed with vitamins, fatty acids, and antioxidants that can help nourish and protect your skin.
What are the Benefits of Carrier Oils?
Deep, Lasting Moisture
Many water-based moisturizers can evaporate quickly, leaving your skin feeling dry faster than you’d expect.
Carrier oils create a protective barrier that works to locks in hydration. They penetrate deep into your skin, delivering nutrients where they're needed most and can prevent moisture loss throughout the day.
Skin Barrier Support
Your skin's natural barrier is made up of lipids (fats) and they work hard to protect against environmental damage and moisture loss every day. Sometimes, that barrier needs a barrier!
Carrier oils replenish these lipids, strengthening your barrier and work to boost your skin's health and barrier resilience.
Customizable Care
As you dig into carrier oils, you’ll find that each has its own profile of nutrients and properties. This means you can choose oils that specifically address your skin concerns – with options ranging from acne, aging, sensitivity, or dryness.
What is the Right Carrier Oil for Your Skin Type?
For Oily or Acne-Prone Skin
Would you believe that oils can actually help oily skin? They can! The key is choosing lightweight, non-comedogenic options that work with your skin’s natural healing processes.
Jojoba Oil
Jojoba oil is a “liquid wax” that mimics your skin's natural sebum. This means it can trick your body into producing less oil. Jojoba is lightweight and absorbs quickly, so it’s a great option for oily skin.
Grapeseed Oil
Rich in linoleic acid, grapesee oil is a lightweight oil that tightens pores and controls excess sebum. Even better, grapeseed oil comes packed with antioxidants that protect against environmental damage.
For Dry or Mature Skin
Dry skin craves hydration. So you’ll want to find nourishing oils that hydrate and support your skin’s elasticity.
Argan Oil
Known as "liquid gold," argan oil is loaded with vitamin E and essential fatty acids. Argan can help smooth out your skin without leaving a greasy feel and helps improve skin elasticity.
Avocado Oil
Not just a great snack – avocado is also a moisture-locking skincare solution! Avocado oil is high in oleic acid and vitamins A, D, and E. Plus, it penetrates deep to nourish even the driest skin, and can help sooth eczema or psoriasis symptoms.
For Sensitive Skin
Sensitive skin can be tough – so you want to find gentle oils that can help reduce inflammation without causing unnecessary irritation.
Sweet Almond Oil
Mild and hypoallergenic, this oil is rich in vitamins A and E. It softens skin, reduces irritation, and is gentle enough for use on babies!
Hemp Seed Oil
Hemp seed oil is quite soothing, and has an ideal balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids – these work together to calm inflammation and strengthen the skin barrier.
The Essential Oil Connection
Carrier oils work beautifully on their own. But they can truly shine when you pair them with essential oils.
Highly concentrated plant extracts, essential oils offer targeted benefits. But in most cases, they are too potent to apply directly to your skin. So instead, you can combine essential oils with carrier oils to create a safe concentration serum.
A typical dilution for facial use is 1-2%, meaning 6-12 drops of essential oil per ounce of carrier oil. For body applications, you can go up to 3%, or about 18 drops per ounce. Always work with your dermatologist before experimenting with a new products!
Ready To Upgrade Your Skincare Routine?
Carrier oils are a simple, natural way to help rejuvenate your skin without the complexity of multi-step routines.
The key to success? Start with one oil that matches your skin type and use it consistently for a few weeks. Watch closely and note how your skin responds, then experiment with blending different carriers or adding essential oils for targeted benefits.
Ready to experience the transformative power of natural oils? While Eva Naturals specializes in targeted serums and treatments, knowing more about carrier oils helps you make informed choices about all your skincare products.
Explore our collection of natural skincare solutions to complement your oil-based routine.
FAQ
What is the best carrier oil for skin care?
There's no one-size-fits-all answer. Jojoba oil works well for most skin types due to its similarity to skin's natural oils. For dry skin, you can try carrier oils such as argan or avocado oil.
Which oil is best for carriers?
Each person’s skin will respond in unique ways, so you’ll want to find the right solution for you. However, jojoba oil is hard to beat! This carrier oil works for all skin types and mixes well with essential oils.
Can I use carrier oils without essential oils?
Yes! Carrier oils offer plenty of great benefits on their own. Many people use them as standalone facial oils, or as cleansing oils and body moisturizers.
How do I know if an oil will clog my pores?
Make sure you look up the oil's comedogenic rating! 0 means it won't clog pores, while 5 is highly pore-clogging. Oils like argan (0), hemp seed (0), and jojoba (2) can typically be used safel on acne-prone skin – while coconut oil (4) might cause breakouts.