Carrier oil has been around for centuries, and you'll find that it's most useful to combine with essential oils and other skincare products. This is because carrier oils tend to be fatty oils derived from plants, and the result is an all-natural oil that can help you maintain healthy-looking skin, sometimes on its own, and other times with a little help from other products.
That said, every carrier oil is unique, so it helps to know which options work well for the skin. The good news? We have your back with this guide. Read on to learn more about the best carrier oil for skin.
What is Carrier Oil for Skin?
First and foremost, it helps to understand what carrier oil for skin is. After all, it sounds like the oil is carrying something, and it helps to know exactly what that means and what it's carrying. Well, they tend to carry what you want them to, and that varies based on your needs.
While carrier oil may sound like it's always carrying something, this isn't always the case. Sometimes, you can use it by itself to moisturize and hydrate your skin. Other times, however, you may want to mix essential oils with the carrier oil to dilute them.
Typically, carrier oils are fatty oils that come from plants. Some examples include jojoba oil, almond oil, and even coconut oil.
What's the Best Carrier Oil for Skin?
There are lots of carrier oils that are good for the skin. In fact, many of them work well, so it depends on your situation. For example, jojoba oil is great for sensitive skin because it mimics your skin’s natural oils, whereas argan oil is loaded with fatty acids and vitamins.
Therefore, the best carrier oil for your skin is the one that suits your needs, and we help you choose the right option below.
1. Castor Oil
First and foremost, we have castor oil. This is a plant-based oil that contains ricinoleic acid. The result? An oil that deeply penetrates and hydrates the skin. What's more, castor oil can strengthen the natural skin barrier to prevent moisture loss.
Castor oil is even known for having anti-inflammatory properties, but you should always speak with a doctor before you leverage castor oil to treat any skin conditions.
2. Jojoba Oil
If you’re looking for an oil that's great for your skin, jojoba is a great place to start. Sure, it may actually be a wax ester, but it mimics your skin’s natural sebum. This makes it perfect for oil production, and it even absorbs into the skin quickly, so it doesn't clog your pores.
More often than not, Jojoba oil is safe for all skin types and can help with smoothness, moisturizing, and even inflammation and acne.
3. Argan Oil
Now, this one is called “Liquid Gold,” and for good reason. It takes a ton of plant material to get this oil, but that process is worth it due to the fact that it's packed with vitamin E, fatty acids, and much more.
Due to these hydrating properties, argan oil tends to be the best choice for people who want to manage wrinkles and maintain young, healthy-looking skin.
4. Grapeseed Oil
Another one of our favorites, grapeseed oil is one of the lightest oils available. It absorbs rapidly, and you'll find that it's not greasy. When you pair this with its high linoleic acid content, you'll find that it's great for people who want to manage oily skin.
Grapeseed oil is also easy to apply and not hard to work with, so it's forgiving to beginners.
What's the Best Carrier Oil for Skin? The Verdict
So, what's the best carrier oil for skin? Overall, we've found that castor oil is the best option for your skin. While this may be the case, it's important to get your hands on the best organic castor oil for the best results. If you choose the best oils, you don't have to worry about sacrificing quality due to a mistake.
Of course, almond oil, jojoba oil, and any of the additional options we covered in this guide are viable.
