7 Types of Carrier Oils + When and Why to Use Them
If you’ve spent any amount of time using essential oils, you’ve probably heard the advice: “Always dilute with a carrier oil.” But why does dilution matter? And which carrier oil should you actually choose?
Let’s break down the what, why, and how—so you can feel confident (and totally empowered) in every roll-on, serum, and DIY blend you make.
What Is a Carrier Oil? (And How They Interact With Essential Oils)
A carrier oil is a fatty, plant-based oil extracted from nuts, seeds, fruits, or kernels—think coconut, sweet almond, jojoba, grapeseed, olive, etc. These oils are usually produced through cold-pressing or maceration, keeping the nutrients and fatty acids intact.
Compare this to essential oils, which are typically created through steam distillation (flowers, leaves, stems) or cold-pressing (citrus peels). Essential oils are incredibly concentrated. Carrier oils help deliver those potent botanical compounds into your skin safely and effectively.
Because carrier oils have much larger molecules than essential oils, they absorb more slowly. When you pair them together, the essential oil molecules have to travel between those large, fatty molecules—slowing absorption and reducing irritation.
Slower absorption = happier skin. ✨
Why Use a Carrier Oil? Top 5 Reasons to Dilute Essential Oils
Diluting doesn’t weaken your essential oils; it actually helps them work better. Here are the times when a carrier oil is essential:
1. When Using Oils on Kids
Children’s skin is more permeable and sensitive. Always check recommended dilutions for each specific oil.
2. When Applying “Hot” or Cooling Oils
Cinnamon, Clove, Oregano, Peppermint, and Spearmint can feel intense on the skin when used neat. Carrier oils help buffer that sensation.
3. When Covering a Large Area
A carrier oil helps your essential oil spread farther—perfect for muscle soothing, massage, or back-of-the-neck applications.
4. When You Want Effects to Last Longer
Neat oils absorb fast and fade fast. Carrier oils slow the absorption so benefits linger—ideal for relaxation, muscle support, or grounding blends.
5. When Making a Facial Serum
Carrier oils nourish the skin, lock in moisture, help your EO molecules absorb more gently, and keep your complexion balanced, soothed, and glowing.
⭐ Safety Note: What to Do If an Essential Oil Irritates Your Skin
If you ever get essential oil in your eyes or on a sensitive area, do NOT use water.
Apply a carrier oil generously to dilute and soothe.
How to Dilute Essential Oils with Carrier Oils
If you’re making a quick application in your palm:
👉 Start with 1 drop essential oil per quarter-sized amount of carrier oil.
From there, you can adjust up or down depending on your skin and the oil you’re using.
General Dilution Ratios by Age
Ages 0–1: 1 drop EO to 8–10 drops carrier (or more)
Ages 2–6: 1 drop EO to 2–4 drops carrier
Ages 7–11: 1 drop EO to 1 drop carrier
Ages 12+: Follow label instructions or your comfort level
Always listen to your body—and never hesitate to add more carrier oil if you feel any tingle or discomfort.
Check out my favorite DIYs in the Learning Center!
How to Choose the Right Carrier Oil
When choosing a carrier oil, look for ones that are pure, raw, organic, cold pressed, and unrefined.
Most raw carrier oils last 3–6 months unrefrigerated or 12–24 months refrigerated. Fractionated oils (like MCT or V-6™) last significantly longer.
7 Best Carrier Oils (and Exactly What Each One Is Good For)
1. V-6™ Vegetable Oil Complex
Best for: Beginner-friendly, all-purpose dilution, long shelf life, roller blends
Why choose it:
Always liquid (thanks to fractionated coconut oil)
Neutral scent
Doesn’t oxidize quickly → low risk of going rancid
Smooth, light texture; works for almost everyone
What sets it apart:
👉 It’s the most shelf-stable “no-drama” carrier oil — perfect when you want something reliable with zero guesswork.
Avoid if: You want a rich, nourishing facial oil (this one is more functional than therapeutic).
Boost the power of your DIYs by understanding the difference between essential oil synergies and blends.
2. Grapeseed Oil
Best for: Oily, acne-prone, or combination skin; lightweight face serums
Why choose it:
Fast-absorbing
Non-greasy
Naturally astringent → helps tone and tighten skin
Supports clearer pores
What sets it apart:
👉 It’s the lightest, most pore-friendly carrier oil on the list.
Avoid if: You have a grape allergy (rare, but possible).
3. Rosehip Seed Oil
Best for: Mature skin, fine lines, uneven texture, discoloration
Why choose it:
Packed with vitamins A + C
Encourages cell turnover
Supports scar fading and smoother texture
Deeply nourishing
What sets it apart:
👉 It’s the anti-aging superstar — your “glow” and “skin renewal” carrier.
Avoid if: You have extremely acne-prone skin; rosehip can sometimes clog pores.
4. Sweet Almond Oil
Best for: Dry/normal skin, massage blends, soothing irritated skin
Why choose it:
Rich, comforting texture
Great slip for massage oils
Naturally high in vitamin E for skin repair
Mild, pleasant scent
What sets it apart:
👉 It’s the best “soothing, replenishing, comforting” carrier for body care and relaxation blends.
Avoid if: You have a nut allergy.
5. Jojoba Oil
Best for: Very dry skin, compromised skin barriers, eczema-prone skin
Why choose it:
Mimics your skin’s natural sebum → true barrier support
Excellent for dry patches or winter skin
Deeply hydrating without feeling waxy
What sets it apart:
👉 It’s the closest thing to your skin’s natural oils — the best for barrier repair.
Avoid if: You’re acne-prone; for some people, it can feel heavy or occlusive.
6. Virgin Coconut Oil (solid-at-room-temp variety)
Best for: Makeup removal, oil cleansing, deep moisture masks
Why choose it:
Thick, rich, protective
Breaks down makeup + sunscreen beautifully
Good for dry or flaky skin
Slight antibacterial qualities
What sets it apart:
👉 It’s the best heavy-duty, moisture-locking carrier — almost balm-like.
Avoid if: You’re prone to breakouts; coconut oil is one of the most comedogenic oils.
7. Fractionated Coconut Oil (MCT Oil)
Best for: Rollerballs, perfume rollers, travel-friendly blends, quick absorption
Why choose it:
Completely liquid
Very long shelf life
Lightest coconut-based oil
Never clogs pores
What sets it apart:
👉 It’s the most stable, no-clog, always-liquid carrier — ideal for clean, portable DIYs.
Avoid if: You need a deeply nourishing or richer oil (it’s lighter and less nutrient-dense than whole-oil varieties).
Comparison Chart: Carrier Oil Benefits at a Glance
| Carrier Oil | Texture | Best Skin Type | Best DIY Use | Avoid If | Personality |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| V-6 | Light | All | Roller blends, general dilution | Want rich skin nourishment | The dependable friend |
| Grapeseed | Very light | Oily / combo | Face serums | Grape allergy | The clarifier |
| Rosehip | Medium | Mature / textured | Anti-aging serums | Acne-prone skin | The skin-renewer |
| Sweet Almond | Medium | Dry / normal | Massage + soothing blends | Nut allergy | The comforter |
| Jojoba | Rich | Very dry | Deep hydration | Acne-prone | The barrier healer |
| Virgin Coconut | Thick | Dry | Cleansing + moisture masks | Acne-prone | The moisture blanket |
| Fractionated Coconut | Light | All | Perfume rollers, long-lasting blends | Want richer nutrients | The minimalist traveler |
Want to Go Deeper?
Explore how to pair crystals and essential oils safely and powerfully inside the Crystals + Essential Oils Blueprint—my full, self-paced course on energy alignment, natural wellness, and DIY healing rituals.
