15 Best Carrier Oils for Skin and Hair Care That You Should Try

Anybody dabbing in natural skincare must at some point decide which are the best carrier oils for skin, body, and hair. There are so many to choose from, and sometimes it is really only a personal preference, other times availability, still others, the decision can be made based on numerous trials and testing on oneself. This is what I did and to spare you the search, I will break down the info on the most popular and widely available carrier oils. But first…

What are carrier oils?

Carrier oils are plant oils derived from seeds, nuts, plant kernels. They might have their own aroma but they are not essential oils with their distinct aromas and strong therapeutic properties. Instead, carrier oils are used to dilute essential oils and to carry them into the skin’s layers – hence the name carrier oil.

Best carrier oils for skin according to skin type

I am only mentioning a few from each category and my lists here are by no means exhaustive. There seem to be more and more new oils coming on the market and, what I find even more important, being researched for their therapeutic properties. The most important things to consider when choosing a carrier oil are:

• skin type (some oils are more “oily” and so more suitable for drier skin, and others are “drier” and hence better for normal or oilier skin types)
• absorption (some absorb really fast and leave no residue on the skin, while others might take longer to sink into the skin and might leave a residual film on the skin)
• price and availability (carrier oils’ process vary because some are easier to obtain while others are much more precious. Price is worth considering, especially if one is planning to use a lot of the oil)

---

This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one and purchase the product I will get a small commission at no additional cost to you. For more info see the Terms and Conditions Page.Thank you for supporting Oko-Logic.

Best Carrier Oils for the Face 

Dry and Mature Skin

Rose Hip Seed Oil

Rosehip seed oil is the king of carrier oils for mature skin. It can be very expensive and it is usually mixed with other oils in facial treatments. The benefits for mature skin are numerous:

• rich in essential fatty acids, including alpha-linolenic acid, which nourishes and rejuvenates the skin
• proven anti-inflammatory effects that can help with many skin conditions
• fights free radicals with its very high levels of vitamin C and E and can even help reverse the effects of sun exposure on the skin.

Absorption: Very fast, this oil is actually considered a drying oil (but it is still an excellent choice for drier skin types)

Price: High

Argan Oil

Coming from Morocco, this precious oil is very versatile and useful both in skin and hair care. Rich in monounsaturated fatty acids and vitamins A and E, this oil has a light nutty aroma, and it a perfect choice for those wanting to treat wrinkles and the general signs of aging.

Absorption: Moderate (leaves a slight satiny oily residue)

Price: Moderate

---

Pomegranate Seed Oil

According to science that pomegranate fruit, including its seeds, has amazing anti-aging properties. In fact, “Scientists have discovered that a molecule in pomegranates, transformed by microbes in the gut, enables muscle cells to protect themselves against one of the major causes of aging.” 

Aside from the anti-aging properties, this oil is also an anti-inflammatory powerhouse, and it might even be inhibiting tumors, protecting thus all skin types.

Absorption: Moderate (leaves a slight satiny oily residue)

Price: Moderate

Sea Buckthorn Oil

This deep-orange-colored oil is an antioxidant-rich workhorse. It is also choke-full skin-friendly ingredients such as fatty acids, tocopherols, and carotenes. It is a perfect choice for those wanting to combat signs of aging such as wrinkles and discolorations.

Absorption: Moderate (leaves a satiny oily residue)

Price: Moderate to High

Normal to Oily Skin

Jojoba Oil

This is actually not an oil at all but rather a wax. The most amazing thing about Jojoba is that it is can actually mimic the sebum and so it is completely non-comedogenic, i.e. it won’t clog pores. This is why it is very versatile and can be used by people with any skin type, including very oily or even blemish-prone skin. Jojoba has also great anti-inflammatory properties which can be very helpful for acne-prone skin.  

Absorption: Fast

Price: Low to moderate

Tamanu Oil

Tamanu oil comes from tamanu nuts and is full of anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties. Since it fights bacteria and heals wounds [source], tamanu oil is a great treatment for acne-prone skin—and, as we know, acne can happen to adults, too. Its anti-inflammatory effects make it perfect for treating eczema and other skin conditions.

Those same properties are also thought to help stretch marks and scars. We even have just the right blackhead cleanser for you made with tamanu oil.

Absorption: Moderate (leaves a slight satiny oily residue)

Price: Moderate

Hemp Seed Oil

This oil comes from the cannabis plant and it is brimming with Gamma Linoleic Acid and Omega 3 and 6- acids. This oil has a deep green color and a nutty flavor, and also a relatively short shelf life so it is important to keep it in a cold and dark place to preserve its properties. 

• can balance oily skin by reducing oil production
• hydrating and nourishing
• treats atopic dermatitis

Absorption: Moderate (leaves a slight satiny oily residue)

Price: Low to Moderate

---

Sensitive or compromised skin (eczema, psoriasis) 

Apricot Kernel Oil

This is a very emollient oil that is high in fatty acids (especially oleic acid) and vitamin E with a sweet, slightly nutty aroma. It has a host of benefits for compromised skin:

• it can soften and calm irritated, itchy skin. 
• the high content of vitamin E is very healing for skin
• because of a high concentration of a fatty acid called GLA (gamma-linolenic acid.), apricot kernel oil can aid in reducing clogged pores and so it is also useful for blemish-prone and congested skin. 

Absorption: Fast

Price: Moderate

Sunflower Seed Oil

This oil is used both for culinary and cosmetic purposes. Because it can act as a skin barrier against toxins and germs, it can be a real help for irritated, chapped skin. 

Absorption: Moderate

Price: Low

---

Best Carrier Oils for the Body

Grapeseed Oil

Grapeseed oil is very versatile. Known to carry regenerative attributes, it is used commonly in skin and hair healing formulations. I love it for my body care because it is very light and fast absorbing but it still leaves a nice silky film on the skin.

Absorption: Fast

Price: Low

Sweet Almond Seed Oil

This oil is very lightweight but also very emollient, and has a pretty strong but pleasant nutty aroma. Rich in vitamins A, B1, B2, B6 and E, his oil is a great moisturizer for the skin, so it is best used during the drier months. It also has a great “slip” so it is a perfect oil for body massage.

Absorption: Moderate

Price: Low

Avocado Oil

This edible oil is pressed from the seeds of avocados. It is rich in vitamins A, B1, B2, and D,  and Omega 3 fatty acids, avocado oil is an ally in combatting the sign of aging such as wrinkles and sagging skin. because it can improve the skin’s elasticity, it is often used as a preventative oil for stretch marks.

Absorption: Low (leave slightly oily residue on the skin)

Price: Low

Related: Body Oil DIY

Best Carrier Oils for Hair

When it comes to hair and oil, less is more. No one wants to weigh their tresses down, but so many of us are in need of hydration and nourishment for dry, stressed, or over-processed hair. There are many oils to choose from, let me mention four of them, in my view the best choices to benefit the health and appearance of the hair.

Related: Hair Issues During and After Chemo

Argan Oil

Already mentioned above as a great option for drier skin types, argan oil is also very helpful for taming frizzy hair. Rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids and vitamin E, it can also protect the hair from free radical damage, such as excessive sun exposure. Perfect for use in anti-frizz hair serums in particular. 

Baobab Oil

This oil from Africa is a relatively new kid on the block. The oil comes from the famed baobab tree and is high in vitamins E, C, and B and several fatty acids (linoleic acid, oleic acid, and palmitic acid among others). All these ingredients carry great benefits for hair health: 

• hydration and conditioning 
• balancing the scalp’s sebum production
• stimulating blood circulation in the scalp and hence potentially aiding hair growth

Castor Oil

This heavy oil is actually not comedogenic and can be used both in skin and hair care. It is widely used by those who want to thicken their eyelashes and brows, as well as hair on the head. Aside from helping with hair growth, castor oil can give your hair a real shine.

Castor Oil is also a great choice for a solid oil cleanser. Not by itself, but adding a bit of this luxurious oil will ensure more cleansing power (castor oil can pull the dirt out of the pores!)

Related: Oil Cleansing Method

These are only a few of the super-performing carrier oils that can be useful in skin and hair care. It seems like every day there is a new “it” oil touted for its amazing qualities. They are all worth exploring, I’m sure, but you can treat the list above as a starter to your exploration of the wonderful world of carrier oils. 

What’s your favorite oil to use? Drop me a line.