What Is A Carrier Oil?

A carrier oil is a natural oil that is mixed with essential oils to dilute them and make them safer and easier to use on the skin. Because essential oils are highly concentrated, carrier oils help reduce the chance of irritation, especially on sensitive skin, when using oils on children, or when applying them over a larger area of the body. They also help the oils spread more evenly and can affect how quickly they are absorbed.

Common carrier oils include coconut oil, sweet almond oil, jojoba oil, olive oil, avocado oil, and evening primrose oil. Each has its own added skincare benefits. For example, coconut oil is often used for moisturising and supporting irritated skin, sweet almond oil is light and softening, jojoba oil is soothing and good for skin and hair, olive oil is rich in antioxidants and healthy fats, avocado oil is deeply moisturising, and evening primrose oil is often used for skin support and elasticity.