Jun 09, 2025

Top 10 Best Carrier Oils for Healthy Skin and Hair

Have you ever paused to check the ingredients of the product while shopping? But all you ever find are products made from heavy chemicals, even their fragrance is full of chemicals. And has this ever made you realize that you should try formulating your products? We can relate!

Here’s a little secret: carrier oils might just be the game-changer you’ve been looking for in your skincare and haircare routines! Carrier oils are the perfect ingredient for you—to hydrate the skin, add shine to your hair, or enhance the fragrance of your perfume. It won’t be difficult to find the right carrier oil after reading this blog. They’re the unsung heroes—helping dilute essential oils to make them safe for application.

In this post, you’ll find out the top 10 carrier oils for skin and hair that can elevate your self-care game. Discover how these carrier oils will work wonders for you!

What Are Carrier Oils and Why Are They Important?

Carrier oils are a key ingredient in natural skincare and haircare routines. Essential oils are known for their potency and high concentration; carrier oils are derived from plants and they are very useful to dilute essential oils, making them safe for use on skin and hair.

Carrier oils are typically extracted using methods like cold-pressing or expeller-pressing, ensuring that they retain their beneficial properties. Known for their moisturizing properties, promoting absorption of nutrients, and serving as a safe way to use essential oils. These carrier oils for essential oils that we are going to study will work perfectly as bases for nourishing oils you can use to formulate skin or haircare products.

How to Choose the Right Carrier Oil for Your Skin and Hair Type?

Though the list of ‘choosing the right carrier oils’ is long. However, you have to pay attention to what carrier oil suits your specific needs. Carrier oils also have different properties and are used for different purposes. Some are good for skin, and some are good for hair. Choose your carrier oil, keeping your skin type in mind. Whether you have dry, oily or sensitive skin. Furthermore, if you are choosing a carrier oil for hair, see what oil will match the needs of your hair. Whether you have curly, straight, or frizzy hair. Which carrier oil works best for you will be decided by your skin or hair type.

Here are some factors that will help you decide which essential oils will work better for you.

Comedogenic Rating: You should consider checking the comedogenic rating if you have acne-prone skin. Some oils have a thick consistency that can lead to clogged pores, which might be a concern if you have oily or acne-prone skin. So, the lower the rating, the less likely it is to clog pores.
Absorption Rate: Some oils are quickly absorbed, while others may leave a greasy feeling behind. Carefully choose the one that matches your preference.
Texture & Shelf Life: Thicker oils provide more moisture, while lighter oils are ideal for quick absorption. So, always check the shelf life, as some oils spoil faster than others.
Patch Testing: It is important to do a patch test before using any carrier oil, especially if you have sensitive skin, to ensure you won’t have an adverse reaction.

Top 10 Carrier Oils for Skin and Hair

Here’s a list of carrier oils that can be used for both skincare and hair care:

Argan Oil: Argan oil has a lightweight texture and is non-comedogenic, best-suited for people with oily skin or an oily scalp. However, it is similarly good for dry hair as well.
Jojoba Oil: A fascinating thing about jojoba oil is that this oil is similar to the natural sebum produced by your skin. This is why it is suitable for all skin types, including oily and sensitive skin. Now talking about its fragrance, it has a mild, almost odourless fragrance. Its ability to absorb quickly makes it perfect for carrier oils for skin care.
Sweet Almond Oil: With its subtle scent and smooth texture, sweet almond oil is filled with vitamins and is a great all-purpose oil for both skin and hair. It's wonderful for dry skin and brittle hair.
Coconut Oil: The staple coconut oil is known for its rich and creamy texture. Coconut oil provides deep conditioning for dry hair. It also works as a great carrier oil for essential oils for the skin, especially when the skin is extremely dry.
Grapeseed Oil: This lightweight and fast-absorbing oil is perfect for oily and acne-prone skin. It also makes a great carrier oil for perfume because of its mild scent. Grapeseed oil’s ability to carry other fragrances well makes it the perfect option for Diy perfume with natural scents.
Avocado Oil: Rich in fatty acids, avocado oil is good for nourishing dry, coarse hair and provides deep hydration for the skin. It will be a great addition to anti-ageing skincare routines.
Rosehip Oil: Rosehip oil’s rejuvenating properties are truly a blessing, rosehip oil is a favourite for skin care routines due to its ability to hydrate. It’s also suitable for those with sensitive skin.
Olive Oil: Olive oil is everyone’s favourite—packed with antioxidants, olive oil is perfect for dry skin and frizzy hair. Its rich texture can help add moisture and shine, but you have to be careful while using olive oil if you have oily skin.
Hemp Seed Oil: Hemp seed oil is Ideal for oily and acne-prone skin. Hemp seed oil balances oil production without clogging pores. It’s an appropriate ingredient to use for nourishing your scalp and promoting healthy hair growth.
Marula Oil: With a luxurious feel and fast absorption, Marula oil is rich in antioxidants and is perfect for both skin and hair care. It’s especially good for dry or ageing skin, providing a smooth, radiant finish.

Ways to Use Carrier Oils in Skincare and Haircare Routines

So now you are fully aware of the best carrier oils for hair and skin, we should discuss how you add them to your routine.

Facial Oil Blends: Mix your favourite carrier oil with a few drops of essential oil of your choice from the above list for a customised facial treatment at home. Just make sure that you don't have any skin allergies or sensitive skin. And remember that dilution is extremely important.
Scalp Massages: Massage any carrier oil into your scalp for nourishment, improving circulation, and moisturising dry hair roots. You can also create a massage oil blend by mixing essential oils with a carrier oil. You can experiment with the fragrances and benefits.
Leave-in Conditioners or Hair Masks: The carrier oils can be used for dry ends. You can apply a thick, moisturizing carrier oil like argan oil as a leave-in conditioner or hair mask.
Makeup Remover and Cleansing Oils: Carrier oils like coconut oil can work incredibly well as a makeup remover and leave your skin moisturized.
Cuticle or Body Oils: Carrier oils are also suitable to apply to your dry cuticles; they can work as an alternative to the cuticle oil. You can also use it as an overall body moisturizer for soft, hydrated skin.

Tip: Always store oils in a cool, dark place (preferably in dark glass bottles) to preserve their quality.

DIY Recipes with Carrier Oils:

For your love of DIYs, here are some recipes you can try:

Nighttime Facial Oil Blend: For night care, the facial oil blend combines jojoba oil with a few drops of lavender essential oil for a soothing overnight treatment.
Nourishing Hair Mask for Dry Ends: Mix argan oil with coconut oil and leave on for 20-30 minutes before rinsing for deeply moisturized hair. It will act as a natural conditioner.
Beard Oil: To use it for beard oil, use sweet almond oil as a base and add a few drops of cedarwood essential oil for a masculine fragrance.
Lip Balm or Body Butter: Make your own lip balm and body butter by combining coconut oil, shea butter, and beeswax for a hydrating lip care and body care product.

Where to Buy High-Quality Carrier Oils?

When shopping for carrier oils for skin care or hair care, always look for oils that are cold-pressed, unrefined, and natural. These factors will allow you to shop for an oil with all its beneficial properties intact. Besides, you should look for packaging in dark glass bottles to preserve the integrity of the oils.

Takeaway

Now that you have read this guide's ‘carrier oils for skin and hair’. We have simplified the process of including carrier oils for healthy skin and hair for you. You can follow this guide for an effective way to boost your natural care regimen. From moisturizing dry skin to promoting healthy hair, the right carrier oil can make all the difference.

So why not try creating a Diy blend or explore a new oil today? You might just discover your new favourite skincare or haircare secret. Don’t forget to share your experiences and let us know which carrier oil for hair or skin has worked best for you!

Feel free to share your thoughts, or let us know which carrier oils you’ve used and loved!