Hi there!
It’s no secret that I’m all about making my own beauty products. It’s simple, I know what’s going into my products, and I usually have everything I need on hand. A lot of my homemade beauty products consist of carrier oils and essential oils. I knew I had to research what essential oils to add to my products, but I had no idea that I needed to research the carrier oils as well. I always thought that plain old coconut oil would suffice for everything, and for some people, it might! But each carrier oil varies in it’s ability to hydrate, it’s mineral content, whether or not it clogs pores, and so much more. Everyone has different skin, so it’s important to pick the right carrier oil to compliment your skin type.
For those of you who are unsure what a carrier oil is, it’s an oil that helps dilute essential oils. Often these oils also provide some of their own benefits. Some common carrier oils that you may recognize are coconut oil, almond oil, olive oil, and jojoba oil.
Note: This list is not a complete list. There are many other carrier oils out there, so please be sure to conduct your research before adding an oil to your skincare routine. Make sure you consult your dermatologist to ensure you’re finding the right fit for your skin.
Apricot kernel oil can be very rejuvenating. It has very moisturizing properties and can improve the elasticity of the skin. It absorbs well into the skin and as anti-inflammatory properties. Apricot kernel oil does not clog pores for most individuals. It may cause breakouts in some individuals but it’s not common.
Recommended for: Normal, dry, acne-prone, sensitive and mature skin.
Argan oil is very similar to the natural sebum produced by our skin. It’s packed with Vitamin E, fatty acids, and antioxidants, and can even help treat acne and fade acne scars. It’s a very reparative oil. Argan oil is not known to clog pores. For those who have acne prone skin, argan oil is a great choice!
Recommended for: Normal, dry, oily, acne-prone, sensitive skin, and mature skin.
Avocado oil is rejuvenating, softening and hydrating. It’s packed with antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids, and it is suggested that it boosts collagen production. Avocado oil does not clog pores for most individuals. It may cause breakouts for individuals with acne-prone skin. It’s recommended that avocado oil is mixed with other carrier oils.
Recommended for: Dry, sensitive, acne-prone, and mature skin.
Camellia seed oil is great for sun damage and scarred skin. It has strong antibacterial properties, and is great at tightening and toning the skin. It’s great for acne, wrinkles, and signs of aging. It’s hydrating, soothing, and regenerative.
Recommended for: Normal, dry, sensitive, acne-prone, and mature skin.
Castor oil is known to be a soothing oil, and it holds antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-fungal properties. It is thick, so it may need diluted with another oil. It may not absorb quickly into the skin due to its thickness. Castor oil is great for acne, but may cause purging and detox of the skin. It can also dry the skin, so avoid the use of castor oil if you already have dry skin. Castor oil does not clog pores for most individuals. It may cause breakouts in some individuals but it’s not common.
Recommended for: Oily, and acne-prone skin.
Coconut oil has protective properties, and is both soothing and hydrating. It’s packed with proteins, Vitamin E, and fatty acids. It absorbs easily into the skin and is suspected to have antibacterial properties. Coconut oil is suspected to cause breakouts for a lot of individuals. Proceed with caution, especially if you have acne-prone skin.
Recommended for: Normal, dry, sensitive, and mature skin.
Evening primrose oil has been shown to improve the skin through reducing inflammation, clearing acne, and promoting elasticity. Evening primrose oil does not clog pores for most individuals. It may cause breakouts in some individuals but it’s not common.
Recommended for: Oily, acne-prone, sensitive skin, and mature skin.
Grape seed oil is very hydrating and soothing. It has astringent properties, making it great for acne-prone skin. It also has healing and anti-inflammatory properties. It is rich in Vitamin E so it will also help improve the overall quality of the skin. Grape seed oil does not clog pores for most individuals. It may cause breakouts in some individuals but it’s not common.
Recommended for: Normal, dry, oily, acne-prone, and sensitive skin.
Hemp seed oil is hydrating, soothing and anti-inflammatory. It’s great to balance and and even out the skin. It’s great for healing acne, inflammation, and conditions related to dryness. Hemp seed oil is not known to clog pores. It can be a great oil for those with acne prone skin.
Recommended for: Normal, dry, oily, and mature skin.
Jojoba oil is a safe bet for most skin types. It’s soothing, hydrating, and balancing. It is soothing to acne-prone skin, but it is not uncommon to experience a purging effect when using this oil. This oil helps to balance oil production within the skin. Jojoba oil does not clog pores for most individuals. It may cause breakouts in some individuals but it’s not common.
Recommended for: Normal, oily, dry, acne-prone, sensitive, and mature skin.
Neem oil is very thick and is rich in omega fatty acids. Because it is very thick, it may not absorb into the skin quickly. It does have anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, making it helpful for those with acne. Neem oil does not clog pores for most individuals. It may cause breakouts in some individuals but it’s not common.
Recommended for: Normal, dry, oily, acne-prone and mature skin.
Olive oil is full of antioxidants, Vitamin E, and Vitamin A. It’s very revitalizing and moisturizing, and improves overall skin texture. Olive oil is a thicker oil and may not absorb into the skin as quickly as other oils. Olive oil does not clog pores for most individuals. It may cause breakouts in some individuals but it’s not common.
Recommended for: Dry, acne-prone, and mature skin.
Rose hip seed oil is packed with antioxidants, Vitamin C, and lycopene. It has rejuvenating and anti-aging properties, and can improve elasticity. It’s cleansing, hydrating, regenerating, and balancing. Rose hip seed oil does not clog pores for most individuals. It may cause breakouts in some individuals but it’s not common.
Recommended for: Dry, normal, sensitive, acne-prone, and mature skin.
Soybean oil is beneficial for sun protection, and it houses many antioxidants. It can improve skin texture in those who can tolerate soybean oil. Soybean oil is suspected to cause breakouts for a lot of individuals. Proceed with caution, especially if you have acne-prone skin.
Recommended for: Normal, and mature skin.
Sunflower seed oil is very balancing and moisturizing. It’s great for acne because of it’s antibacterial properties. Sunflower seed oil is not known to clog pores for most individuals. Some people may experience breakouts, but it’s not common.
Recommended for: Normal, dry, sensitive, acne-prone, and mature skin.
Sweet almond oil is hydrating and nourishing. It’s great for sensitive skin, and can even skin tone. It absorbs very quickly into the skin. Sweet almond oil does not clog pores for most individuals. It may cause breakouts in some individuals but it’s not common. Do not use this oil of you have a nut allergy.
Recommended for: Dry, normal, sensitive, acne-prone and mature skin.
I hope this list is able to help you find what carrier oils are most suitable for your skin! There are so many oils out there so be sure to read up on what oils will work best for you! I can’t wait to see what you’ve added them to! Let me know what your favorite use for carrier oil is down in the comments!
Naturally,
Ari
** This blog post may contain affiliate links that I could financially benefit from. Images are my own. All content in this post has been carefully researched by me. **
Resources: One Essential Community, Pop Sugar, Simple Pure Beauty, Pronounce Skincare, Holistic Health Herbalist
