Basic Carrier Oil Selection Guide
Different carrier oils are better for different things. Some carrier oils are heavier, other lighter, others absorb fast while others are a lot slower at absorption. Some last longer than others, and a long list of etceteras.
Let’s have a look at some basic uses of carrier oils which will help you on your selection when creating a facial serum or simply to know what the different oils are good for.
This is not a comprehensive list and we will not go in-depth, but it’ll serve as a basic carrier oil selection guide.
Carrier Oils Good for Dry Skin
You want to look for oils high in monounsaturated fatty acids. These oils can be use in high percentages in your formulations.
- Avocado oil
- Olive oil
- Almond oil
- Apricot oil
- Hazelnut oil
- Camellia seed oil
- Macadamia nut oil
Carrier Oils Good for Repairing and Healing
You’re looking for oils that are high in anti-oxidants. These oils can make wonderful facial serums. You can add smaller percentages of these oils as they can be quite potent and boost your formulations!
- Flax seed oil
- Sea Buckthorn oil
- Rosehip seed oil
- Pomegranate seed oil
- Hemp seed oil
- Pumpkin seed oil
- Tamanu oil
- Black seed oil
Carrier Oils that are Fast Absorbing
I loWe’re looking for polyunsaturated fatty acids here, careful as they can go rancid a lot faster.
- Grapeseed oil
- Raspberry seed oil
- Passionfruit seed oil
- Kukui nut oil
Butters (Saturated Fatty Acids)
I love butters and add them to most of my natural skincare formulations, particularly shea butter and cocoa butter. These will solidify at normal temperature so they work better when as part of a formula or as a cold blended cream.
- Shea butter
- Cocoa butter
- Mango butter
- Coconut oil (solid at room temperature)
- Kpagnan butter
- Cupuacu butter
Carrier Oils Good for Sun Protection
Don’t use carrier oils as sunscreens! But some oils can help with protection.
- Raspberry seed oil
- Sea Buckthorn berry oil
- Buriti oil
- Red Rosehip seed oil
- Guava seed oil
- Ojon oil
Carrier Oils that Help Extend the Shelf Life of Your Formulations
You’re looking for very long chain fatty acid oils.
- Moringa oil
- Abyssinian oil
- Jojoba oil (a wax)
- Meadowfoam seed oil (very similar in structure to jojoba oil)
There’s So Much to Learn About Oils!
Each oil is its own universe and there’s so much to learn about each! I’ll be bringing more posts related to carrier oil and their wonderful benefits. Stay tuned!
