4 of the Best Carrier Oils for Skin You’ll Love

October 7, 2020
Skincare

Finding the Best Carrier Oils for Skin

There are a myriad of commercial products out there that will claim to have all the right properties to fix dry skin. However, many products tout promises, but don’t truly replenish and heal your skin. So we turned back to nature and searched to find the best natural ingredients to actually nourish our skin. Let’s dive into the carrier oils: what they are, how to use them, and some of the best carrier oils for skin.

What is a Carrier Oil?

You’ve probably heard of essential oils. Extracted from the bark and flowers of different plants, essential oils support aromatherapy. Essential oils offer many benefits to our physical and mental wellbeing. The distillation process makes essential oils highly concentrated. Because of this, some harm skin when applied directly. Carrier oils dilute essential oils to a safe level and carry them onto your skin.

How do you use carrier oils?

Carrier oils provide many benefits when used on their own. We all have different bodies, so all of us will react uniquely to anything applied to the skin. It’s important to make sure the oils won’t irritate you, especially if you have sensitive skin. We always recommend performing a patch test before introducing anything new to your skincare routine. Choose 100% pure, cold-pressed oils without preservatives and additives.

If you decide to use the best carrier oils for skin to dilute essential oils, check out The National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy’s recommended guide for dilution ratios.

4 Top Carrier Oils for Skin

Like all things found in nature, there are many types of carrier oils. So which are the best carrier oils for skin? We’ve put together a list of our favorite carrier oils for ultimate skin nourishment.

1 | Olive Oil

olive fruit , best carrier oils for skin

Olive | Olea Europaea

When you think of Olive Oil, you probably first think of food and cooking. It’s delicious in a salad dressing! But Olive Oil is becoming increasingly popular in skincare due to its amazingly rich properties.

Olive Oil is high in vitamin A, D, K, and vitamin E. These vitamins help support the immune system, cell function, and skin’s health. Olive oil also contains Squalene which is a highly effective antioxidant to fight free radicals and environmental stressors. There is even evidence that Olive Oil can prevent or reverse damage from UV ray damage. Use Olive Oil as a carrier for massages, facial cleansers, hair masks, or skin moisturisers. Olive Oil may not be the best choice for those with oily or acne prone skin.

2 | Evening Primrose Oil

evening primrose, best carrier oils for skin

Evening Primrose | Oenothera biennis

Extracted from the Evening Primrose flower native to North America, the oil offers many benefits. Actually, Evening Primrose treats sore throats, bruises, and more.

Evening Primrose Oil contains gamma-linolenic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid with healing properties. Because of this, Evening Primrose Oil helps clear up acne. It reduces inflammation, helps skin cells retain moisture, and reduces the number of cells that cause acne lesions. Evening Primrose Oil also improves skin’s elasticity, firmness, and moisture, making it a fantastic natural anti-aging product.

3 | Calendula Oil

Calendula | Calendula officinalis

Did you know Calendula Oil comes from Marigold flowers? The properties of calendula may help new cells grow, making it good as a supplement for treating wounds and sores. It has strong anti-inflammatory properties, so may work to improve or prevent acne.

Calendula Oil also has a high concentration of carotenoids, which moisturizes and softens the skin, and helps skin cells retain moisture. It can also help reduce the appearance of scars on the face or body. Try using Calendula Oil after your night cream to advance skin reparation, or adding a few drops to your bath for full body nourishment!

4 | Sweet Almond Oil

sweet almond, best carrier oils for skin

Sweet Almond | Prunus dulcis

Extracted from the kernels of sweet almonds, the lightweight and absorbs quickly. Thus, sweet almond oil makes a great moisturizer for dry skin. Because of this, it’s one of the most popular carrier oils out there. In fact, Sweet Almond Oil has been used for centuries to help treat skin conditions like eczema.

Sweet Almond Oil contains vitamin A which encourages the skin to produce new skin cells (reducing fine lines), as well as Vitamin E which can protect the skin against UV damage. Furthermore, Sweet Almond Oil helps reduce puffiness, inflammation, dark circles, and acne! Combine it with essential oils like lemon or rose hip as a cleanser, or use it on its own as a moisturizer. Please note, Sweet Almond Oil is not safe for anyone with a nut allergy.

Carrier Oils: Experiment and Enjoy!

Life is often full of surprises. One thing we do have control over is our skincare routine. Each of these Carrier Oils have diverse benefits and will affect your skin differently. The best way to find out which one works best for you is to start experimenting!

Taking time to try new products and see how our skin reacts to them is fun and insightful. More than that, it gives us a chance to pause everyday and focus on our wellbeing. Nourish and be kind to yourself throughout the year. Reward and replenish your mind and body. Be sure to read our ultimate guide to the best oils for skin.