6 Carrier Oils to Use with Essential Oils

Discover six versatile carrier oils for diluting essential oils and creating DIY blends. From sweet almond to jojoba and grapeseed, these oils enhance your skincare and aromatherapy routines.

If you’ve been using essential oils, you’ve likely encountered the term “carrier oil.” Essential oils are typically not applied directly to the skin without being diluted in a carrier oil, as they are highly concentrated and can cause irritation or a burning sensation when used “neat” (undiluted). However, some essential oils can be safely used this way with proper care.

Carrier oils dilute essential oils to keep your skin safe. They also have many great properties on their own, such as being anti-aging and containing fatty acids.*

We recommend using four to five drops of essential oils per 1-3 teaspoons of carrier oil.

Properties of Carrier Oils

cold pressed vegetable oil from the fatty part of plants (nuts or seeds)
don’t evaporate
dilutes essential oils
can be used for massages and in DIY products such as lotions, bath oils, salves, etc.
little to no aroma
shorter shelf life than essential oils

6 Carrier Oils to Use with Essential Oils

Apricot Kernel Oil
Apricot kernel oil is semi-oily and contains essential fatty acids. It has a faint aroma and a medium viscosity, with revitalizing, nourishing, and moisturizing properties.* It will last a year.

Fractionated Coconut Oil
Softening and conditioning to the skin, fractionated coconut oil has been distilled and contains only the medium chain triglycerides of coconut oil.* It is odorless, with a thin viscosity and is quickly absorbed into the skin. It has an indefinite shelf life.

Grapeseed Oil
Grapeseed oil is all-purpose, and it contains linoleic acid, an essential fatty acid. It has a light smell, a bit nutty and sweet, with a thin viscosity. It’s non-greasy, and gentle for sensitive skin!* It will last for a year.

Jojoba Oil
Golden jojoba oil is anti-inflammatory and it nourishes and protects the skin.* It’s a popular carrier oil for DIY beauty products, like lip balm and lotions/salves. It has a light odor and medium viscosity, though it is easily absorbed into the skin. Natural vitamin E makes its shelf life indefinite.

Sunflower Oil
A wonderful, nourishing moisturizer.* It has a faint, sweet odor and a thin viscosity. It penetrates well, but can leave a bit of a residue behind. It will last a year.

Sweet Almond Oil
Sweet almond oil is an affordable, all-purpose carrier oil! Great to always have on hand, it is light, nutty, and sweet smelling, with a medium viscosity. It absorbs fairly quickly but does leave the skin feeling a bit oily. It will last a year. Avoid if allergic to nuts.