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What are the best carrier oils for essential oils, and when should you use them? Since essential oils are so concentrated, it’s important to dilute them in a carrier oil before applying them topically.
In this post, I’ll share my favorite carrier oils, where to find them, and how to use them with essential oils in a simple and sustainable way that fits seamlessly into your lifestyle.
Before we dive into carrier oils, it’s important to understand what they “carry” — essential oils.
Essential oils are natural aromatic compounds found in various parts of plants, like leaves, flowers, stems, roots, bark, resin, seeds, or even fruit peels.
These oils are often used in DIYs for skincare, cleaning, and natural air fresheners. They’re typically steam-distilled or cold-pressed from their plant source, preserving the essence of the plant.
When properly extracted, essential oils are incredibly concentrated. A little really does go a long way, so using them wisely is key.
To put it into perspective, one drop of pure peppermint essential oil can be the equivalent of 28 cups of peppermint tea. Pretty wild, right?
That’s why it’s important to be mindful when using essential oils, especially in DIY recipes. The good news is that carrier oils can help dilute essential oils, making them safe, effective, and budget-friendly for your homemade creations.
Now that we understand the basics, let’s explore how to use carrier oils in your DIYs!
What is a carrier oil?
A carrier oil is generally a vegetable-based oil used in beauty, skincare, and hair care products, as well as to dilute essential oils.
While diluting essential oils in carrier oils may make them less potent, it doesn’t make them any less effective. The primary purpose of carrier oils is to “carry” the essential oils onto the skin and help drive them deeper for better absorption.
Many of these oils, like those found in my post on the best natural oils for skin, also offer their own unique benefits for hydration and nourishment.
Carrier oil vs essential oil
By now, you probably know that a carrier oil is different than an essential oil but that they work together to become more effective.
Carrier Oils have little to no scent depending on the specific oil; they are easily dissolvable, gently absorb into the skin, and unlike essential oils, they do have a shelf life, though generally, it’s a pretty long shelf life.
Essential Oils, on the other hand, are quite volatile. Easily affected by heat, sunlight, and oxygen, all of which can affect the potency of the oils. Learn how long essential oils last here.
Carrier oil shelf life
The shelf life of a carrier oil largely depends on the type. Some oils, like sweet almond oil, last around 12 months, while others, such as fractionated coconut oil, have an indefinite shelf life.
Always check the expiration date on the back of the carrier oil bottle for the most accurate information.
What is the best carrier oil to mix with essential oils
Mixing essential oils with carrier oils is a must in nearly every situation, with the exception of diffusers. There are a number of exceptional carrier oils that blend well with essential oils.
The one that stands out to me is fractionated coconut oil. FCO is odorless, absorbs very well, can be purchased just about anywhere, and has plenty of hydrating benefits for the skin.
10 Best Carrier Oils for Essential Oils
1. Fractionated Coconut Oil
First up is Fractionated Coconut Oil (FCO), which is hands down one of my favorite carrier oils. It’s light, versatile, and packed with benefits! While it’s a bit different from regular coconut oil, FCO can easily be swapped in for other carrier oils in your DIY recipes.
So, what makes FCO different from regular coconut oil? For one, it stays in liquid form, even at cooler temperatures. Plus, it helps prevent oxidation, which means it’s great for extending the shelf life of other oils when mixed in.
Another thing I love about FCO is that it’s totally odorless and tasteless, unlike regular coconut oil, which has a distinctive scent. This makes it perfect for blending with other essential oils without affecting the fragrance.
It’s super moisturizing, making it ideal for keeping your skin soft and hydrated. FCO also absorbs quickly, leaving your skin smooth without any greasy residue. It’s great as a DIY massage oil, too, providing a natural, healthy glow.
And it’s not just for skin! FCO works wonders on your hair, and I’ll even use it in place of olive oil in my husband’s DIY beard conditioner. It helps protect against split ends and tames unruly strands, leaving your hair looking shiny and nourished.
2. Jojoba Oil
Jojoba oil has a mild scent that blends well with essential oils, so it’s a great option when you’re looking for a light carrier oil.
One of my favorite things about jojoba oil is that it doesn’t stain clothes like other oils, making it perfect for use with kids or when you want to avoid any mess.
This oil absorbs easily into the skin and doesn’t clog pores, so it’s a great choice if you have sensitive skin.
I love using jojoba oil in my hair care products, like my homemade dandruff shampoo for beards and my homemade hair conditioner. It’s gentle and works well to keep hair feeling soft and manageable; plus, it can help with keeping things under control when your hair is feeling a little unruly.
Find jojoba oil here.
3. Sweet Almond Oil
Sweet almond oil has a slightly sweet, nutty scent and a smooth, lightweight feel that absorbs well into the skin. It’s a great choice for homemade skincare and hair care. This oil should be avoided if you have a nut allergy.
I love using sweet almond oil in DIY anti-aging face cream as it leaves my skin soft and smooth.
It’s also a solid pick for homemade beard oil. It helps keep beards looking well-groomed while moisturizing the skin underneath—no more dry, itchy beards!
Plus, since sweet almond oil is plant-based and biodegradable, it’s a more sustainable choice compared to some of the synthetic stuff in store-bought products.
Find sweet almond oil here.
4. Olive oil
Olive oil is my least favorite out of all the carrier oils for two main reasons, smell and texture.
With its very distinct smell that tastes fabulous on chicken and in salad dressing, the scent does not transfer well to my skin.
It is also a very thick oil that, personally, I don’t feel as if it absorbs well through the skin. Because it is such a thick oil, it does not work well with roller bottles and will leave behind an oily film.
Why is olive oil even on this list? Well, olive oil is high in antioxidants and is exceptionally healing to dry, patchy skin.
It may not be a popular carrier oil because of its thick properties and scent, but it is a great oil to have on had to use in making homemade salves and ointments.
Find olive oil here.
5. Coconut oil
Coconut oil solidifies at 75 degrees, so just like olive oil, it’s not the best option for roller bottles. However, it’s an excellent choice for homemade salves and lotions.
It also works well as a carrier oil when covering a large surface area. For example, if you’re making a DIY massage blend, you can mix a couple of drops of essential oil, like peppermint EO, with 1/4 cup of coconut oil for easy application.
Coconut oil is popular in skincare recipes because it’s easy to find, pretty cheap, and is very moisturizing for the skin. It’s commonly used in DIY beauty products, from moisturizers to DIY lip balms, and can be a great base for natural skincare routines.
Because it’s rich in naturally occurring compounds, coconut oil is a go-to ingredient in many homemade formulations. If you’re looking for a versatile and shelf-stable option for your DIYs, this is one to keep on hand.
Find coconut oil here.
6. Avocado Oil
Avocado oil is something many people already have in their kitchens, making it an easy and accessible option for DIY recipes.
It’s a thick, rich oil that absorbs slowly, so it’s great for extra-dry skin but does leave behind more of an oily feel. I find it best to use in body butters, like my tallow body butter recipe or my whipped body butter recipe.
As a carrier oil, it helps dilute essential oils while still allowing them to work effectively. Since avocado oil is derived from a fruit that’s widely grown for food, using it as a multi-purpose ingredient can help reduce waste.
Choosing cold-pressed, unrefined avocado oil is a more eco-friendly option, as it undergoes less processing and retains more of its natural properties.
Find avocado oil here.
7. Grapeseed oil
Grapeseed oil is another kitchen staple that doubles as a great carrier oil. It’s lightweight, absorbs quickly, and doesn’t leave behind much residue, making it a go-to for DIY body oil or a great substitute for my homemade anti-aging face mask.
I love using grapeseed oil in my anti-aging roller bottle because it glides on smoothly without feeling greasy.
Since it’s a byproduct of winemaking, using grapeseed oil is a great way to support sustainability by making use of something that would otherwise go to waste.
Choosing cold-pressed or unrefined options ensures you’re getting a more natural oil with minimal processing.
Find grapeseed oil here.
8. Rosehip oil
Rosehip oil has quickly become one of my newest favorite oils for skincare DIYs. I even make my own homemade rosehip oil!
It’s lightweight, absorbs quickly, and feels silky on the skin. It can be used in DIY eye serums, facial soap recipes, and even DIY facial oil!
What makes rosehip oil stand out is that it’s pressed from the seeds of rose bushes, making it a great way to use every part of the plant.
Choosing cold-pressed and unrefined versions ensures you get a minimally processed oil that works well as a carrier oil. Try adding it to your DIY face mist or homemade night cream for a smooth, nourishing feel.
Find rosehip oil here.
9. Hemp seed oil
Hempseed oil is extracted by cold-pressing hemp seeds. It has a subtle green tint and mild, nutty scent.
I personally do not use this oil very often. However, I have used it in my homemade face moisturizer on occasion.
While it’s typically used topically, this oil is very moisturizing and may offer benefits for aging skin.
Find hemp seed oil here.
10. Flaxseed oil
Flaxseed oil is another oil you may be more familiar with in the kitchen. However, this oil is great for body oils, lotions, and other skincare products.
It has a number of benefits, making it an excellent option for those prone to skin imperfections.
To maintain its freshness and avoid spoilage, flaxseed oil should be refrigerated after opening.
Find flax seed oil here.
How to use Carrier Oils with Essential Oils
Carrier oils are used with essential oils to allow for easier and more effective application to the body. Most often used in the way of roller bottles, lotions, creams, body oils, or in the hair by adding them to homemade shampoos and homemade deep conditioner treatments.
Some essential oils are labeled ‘hot’ (which you can learn more about in my essential oil dilution chart), meaning they should never be applied directly to the skin.
Oils known as “neat” oils are considered OK to apply directly on the skin; however, I always suggest diluting, especially if you are unsure or have not used essential oils before.
Diluting essential oils in a carrier oil does not make the oil less effective. On the contrary, the carrier oil will, in fact, help it to penetrate the skin even quicker and more effectively.
Using carrier oils
Use carrier oils for the skin by making a roller bottle or lotion. Dilute 15-30 drops of oil in a 10 mL roller bottle, topping off with a carrier oil of choice.
To make a lotion for the skin, dilute up to 15 drops of essential oils in 1 container of lotion (approximately 1 cup of lotion).
These amounts are for adults only. Refer to my roller bottles for kids post on proper dilution for kids.
Carrier oils for hair include fractionated coconut oil, sweet almond oil, and jojoba oil. Use any of these oils when making DIYs, like my coconut rosemary hair shampoo, DIY beard shampoo, or DIY hair masks.
Best carrier oils for the face include fractionated coconut oil and jojoba oil. Both of these oils will not clog pores, are gentle on sensitive skin, and do not leave any residue.
Get my free E-book, on how to get started with the top 10 essential oils.
Carrier Oil FAQs
The best carrier oil for mixing with essential oils depends on your skin type and preference. Some popular options include fractionated coconut oil for its versatility, jojoba oil for its similarity to skin’s natural oils, and sweet almond oil for its lightweight feel.
Fractionated coconut oil is often the best choice for roller balls because it stays liquid at room temperature and has a long shelf life, making it easy to apply and store.
To mix essential oils with carrier oils, follow the instructions provided in the specific DIY recipe you’re making. The correct ratio will vary depending on the recipe and the desired application.
Jojoba oil is a great carrier oil for the face as it closely resembles the skin’s natural oils, making it easily absorbed and non-comedogenic
If you have oily skin, grapeseed oil is a great option. For dry skin, rosehip oil is more moisturizing. If you have sensitive skin, jojoba oil is a gentle, non-irritating choice.
Hi. Is Fractionated coconut oil the same as MCT oil?
“Fractionated coconut oil is also marketed as MCT oil and liquid coconut oil, but fundamentally, these are all the same product. Its uses include skin care and cooking.”
moisturizing tallow body butter Have you tried using coco butter In place of the shea butter ?
Yes, you can do that.
Thank you for sharing your knowledge with me.
Of course! Thanks for reading!
Hello Laura ! I love your website, it’s inspired me to really get into natural skin care. I wanted to ask about some of the products that you suggested to buy. I’ve checked the reviews and consumer says it not real oils. I’m hoping if you could direct me to better online site of where I could find USDA OIL unrefined cold press.
I would love to make these balms for my grandchildren but one is extremely allergic to coconut, you state that the fractionated coconut oil is tasteless and odorless, so would this be safe for her to use or should I be safe and choose one of the other carrier oils.
I would use a different carrier oil if she is allergic to coconut.
I’d like to make an oil for the relief of endometriosis and have heard using certain essential oils can help. Do you have a recipe for this?
Thank you
Alexis
I would try a blend of lavender, clary sage, and marjoram. Email me if you want to talk further!
What are your thoughts on hazelnut oil and macadamia nut oil as carrier oils?
I have not tried those yet!