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What are carrier oils? The complete guide — 37 oils
Everything about carrier oils in one place: what the term means, how to choose one for your skin and hair, and a complete index of 37 carrier oils with INCI names, descriptions and benefits.
If you have ever mixed a few drops of an essential oil into a spoon of almond or jojoba oil, you have already used a carrier oil. Carrier oils are the gentle, fatty base oils — pressed from seeds, nuts and kernels — that carry concentrated ingredients onto skin and hair safely. On this page you will find what a carrier oil actually is, how it differs from an essential oil, how to choose one for your skin and hair, and a complete index of 37 carrier oils, each with its scientific (INCI) name, description and key benefits — the same index that guided Donna Natural readers before, restored and expanded.
What is a carrier oil?
A carrier oil is a vegetable oil pressed from the fatty part of a plant — the seed, kernel or nut. The word carrier (nāqel) is the key: these oils carry other ingredients onto the skin. On their own they are mild enough to be applied directly, which is why they serve as the base for massage blends, herbal infusions and every safe dilution of essential oils.
Carrier oils are also the base of herbal oils (the carrier oils used for herbs): flowers such as calendula or arnica, or roots such as comfrey, are steeped in a carrier oil like olive or sunflower until their oil-soluble compounds transfer into it. Several oils in the index below — calendula, carrot, arnica, St John's Wort, monoi — are exactly this kind of infusion.
Carrier oils vs essential oils
Essential oils are highly concentrated, volatile aromatics: a few drops carry a large dose, and most of them irritate skin if applied neat. Carrier oils are the opposite — heavy, non-volatile and gentle — so the classic pairing is a few drops of essential oil in a spoonful of carrier oil.
A practical difference: carrier oils come from the fatty part of the plant (seed, nut, kernel) and leave a nourishing, oily feel, while essential oils come from aromatic parts (petals, leaves, bark) and evaporate. If a bottle is expensive, tiny and strongly scented, it is almost certainly an essential oil and needs diluting.
How to choose the right carrier oil
For oily or acne-prone skin, lean toward the light, fast-absorbing oils: jojoba (structurally close to your own sebum), grapeseed, flaxseed and apricot kernel. For dry or mature skin, the richer oils pay off: avocado, sweet almond, olive, macadamia and baobab.
For hair, the standouts are coconut — one of the very few oils shown to penetrate the hair shaft itself — plus castor for shine and thickness (it is viscous, so a little goes a long way) and jojoba for a light, balanced finish on the scalp.
Two honest cautions: any new oil deserves a patch test on the inner arm first, and if a label promises a fixed SPF or a cure for a skin condition, treat it with suspicion — nourishing is what carrier oils do best. If you have a persistent skin condition, a dermatologist beats any oil bottle.
The carrier oil index — 37 oils
The complete index, kept in the original alphabetical-by-English-name order. For each carrier oil: its scientific (INCI) name, what it is, and what it does best.
1. Sweet almond oil
INCI: Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil — Sweet almond oil.
The most widely used massage and skincare carrier oil: light-weight, moisturizing and soothing for irritated, itchy skin.
Key benefits: Effective moisturizer, fast-penetrating, excellent for irritated skin.
2. Apricot kernel oil
INCI: Prunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil — Apricot kernel oil.
Chemically close to sweet almond and often tolerated by people sensitive to nut oils; a light oil that penetrates quickly.
Key benefits: Great moisturizing and softening for dry skin; nourishing and regenerating.
3. Arnica oil
INCI: Arnica Montana Flower Extract — Arnica oil.
An infused oil traditionally applied externally to soothe discomfort and swelling; anti-inflammatory in traditional use.
Key benefits: Soothes and improves the look of skin; traditionally antimicrobial-rich.
4. Argan oil
INCI: Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil — Argan oil.
An anti-aging oil rich in omega-6 fatty acids and vitamin E; slow cold-pressing explains its price.
Key benefits: Light, fast-absorbing, ideal nourishment for hair and skin.
5. Avocado oil
INCI: Persea Gratissima Oil — Avocado oil.
A richly moisturizing oil with minerals, vitamins A and D, and lecithin; the unrefined green oil suits skin, hair and nails.
Key benefits: Nourishing for skin and hair; ideal for dry, damaged hair and dry skin.
6. Borage oil
INCI: Borago Officinalis Seed Oil — Borage oil.
Cold-pressed from borage seeds; the richest known source of gamma-linolenic acid (16–23% GLA), prized for regenerating mature skin.
Key benefits: Ideal for firming, regenerating skin and softening fine lines.
7. Babassu oil
INCI: Orbignya Oleifera Seed Oil — Babassu oil.
A coconut-like oil rich in lauric acid that melts at skin temperature; soothing and fast-absorbing with no greasy residue.
Key benefits: Excellent soothing, protective, moisturizing properties; fast-absorbing.
8. Baobab oil
INCI: Adansonia Digitata Seed Oil — Baobab oil.
Cold-pressed from the fruit seeds of the baobab tree; vitamins A, D, E and essential fatty acids support elasticity without clogging pores.
Key benefits: Ideal moisturizing and calming for dry, itchy skin; suits all skin types.
9. Blackcurrant seed oil
INCI: Ribes Nigrum Seed Oil — Blackcurrant seed oil.
Cold-pressed with 6–9% GLA; often blended with vitamin E. Its fatty acids support skin elasticity and renewal.
Key benefits: Excellent emollient and antioxidant; fatty acids support skin elasticity.
10. Cherry kernel oil
INCI: Prunus Avium Seed Oil — Cherry kernel oil.
Pressed from cherry kernels; natural tocopherols plus vitamins A and E make it a light emollient for skin and hair formulas.
Key benefits: Light, beneficial emollient for skin and hair; vitamins A and E.
11. Calendula oil
INCI: Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract — Calendula oil.
An infused oil where calendula petals steep in a base carrier oil; traditionally used to calm irritated skin.
Key benefits: Anti-inflammatory and soothing for irritated skin in traditional use.
12. Camellia oil
INCI: Camellia Sinensis Seed Oil — Camellia oil.
From the tea plant; rich in oleic acid and vitamin E, it absorbs quickly and is popular for hair and nail care.
Key benefits: Ideal moisturizing; antioxidants and oleic acid; nourishes hair and nails.
13. Carrot oil
INCI: Daucus Carota Sativa Seed Oil — Carrot oil.
An infusion of carrot in a carrier oil, high in beta-carotene; common in regenerating skincare formulas.
Key benefits: Antioxidant-rich nourishment for skin and hair.
14. Castor oil
INCI: Ricinus Communis Seed Oil — Castor oil.
Pressed from castor seeds; very thick and glossy, so a little goes a long way in hair and lip formulas.
Key benefits: Softens and soothes skin; adds shine and moisture to hair.
15. Coconut oil
INCI: Cocos Nucifera Oil — Coconut oil.
Solid below ~25°C; one of the few oils proven to penetrate the hair shaft, making it excellent for hair conditioning.
Key benefits: Great moisturizer leaving skin and hair soft; ideal massage oil.
16. Comfrey oil
INCI: Symphytum Officinale Root Extract — Comfrey oil.
An infused oil rich in allantoin, traditionally used for dry, irritated skin and skin renewal.
Key benefits: Traditionally used for dry, irritated skin; renewing allantoin content.
17. Evening primrose oil
INCI: Oenothera Biennis Oil — Evening primrose oil.
A high-quality natural GLA source, frequently used for dry, irritated skin and in anti-aging blends.
Key benefits: Ideal anti-aging properties thanks to high GLA; helps dry, irritated skin.
18. Flaxseed oil
INCI: Linum Usitatissimum Seed Oil — Flaxseed oil.
A very light, fast-penetrating oil known as a 'dry oil'; rich in vitamin E.
Key benefits: Fast-absorbing with no greasy feel; moisturizing and vitamin E-rich.
19. Grapeseed oil
INCI: Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil — Grapeseed oil.
A light, popular massage carrier oil, rich in vitamin E and beta-carotene.
Key benefits: Superior moisturizing; rich in vitamins A and E and beta-carotene.
20. Hemp seed oil
INCI: Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil — Hemp seed oil.
A dark-green, deeply nutritious oil with anti-inflammatory compounds; gives skin a luxurious feel.
Key benefits: Emollient, nourishing, luxurious on skin; calms inflamed, dry areas.
21. Jojoba oil
INCI: Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil — Jojoba oil.
Technically a liquid wax whose structure resembles human sebum; very stable and suits all skin types.
Key benefits: Ideal moisturizer that supports skin hydration and softens fine lines.
22. Kukui nut oil
INCI: Aleurites Moluccana Seed Oil — Kukui nut oil.
Hawaii's state tree yields a light polyunsaturated oil that soothes sun-exposed, irritated skin.
Key benefits: Softens and soothes sun-exposed, irritated skin; lovely mature-skin massage oil.
23. Macadamia nut oil
INCI: Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil — Macadamia nut oil.
Cold-pressed from macadamia nuts; high in palmitoleic acid, also found in human sebum, making it a fine anti-aging oil.
Key benefits: Excellent anti-aging, fast-absorbing oil with a calming feel.
24. Meadowfoam oil
INCI: Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil — Meadowfoam oil.
One of the most stable plant oils thanks to vitamin E and long-chain fatty acids; excellent moisturizer.
Key benefits: Antioxidant, superbly moisturizing, fast-absorbing.
25. Marula oil
INCI: Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil — Marula oil.
Hand-harvested and cold-pressed; antioxidant-rich and stable, absorbing fast while reducing water loss.
Key benefits: Natural liquid-silicone alternative; superb for sensitive skin.
26. Monoi de Tahiti oil
INCI: Gardenia Tahitensis Flower Extract — Monoi de Tahiti oil.
Tahitian gardenia buds steeped in coconut oil for ~15 days; coconut-grade moisture with a striking floral scent.
Key benefits: Adds a beautiful natural scent to skin and hair; superb moisturizer.
27. Neem oil
INCI: Azadirachta Indica Seed Oil — Neem oil.
Cold-pressed from neem tree seeds; strongly scented and traditionally used for irritated scalps and skin.
Key benefits: Traditionally used for irritated scalps and skin; antibacterial-rich.
28. Olive oil
INCI: Olea Europaea Fruit Oil — Olive oil.
A cosmetic staple since antiquity; extra-virgin olive oil carries strong antioxidants for skin and hair.
Key benefits: Ideal for moisturizing skin and hair; strong natural antioxidants.
29. Pomegranate seed oil
INCI: Punica Granatum Seed Oil — Pomegranate seed oil.
Cold-pressed from pomegranate seeds; used in small amounts to boost regenerating skincare formulas.
Key benefits: High in anti-aging compounds; supports elasticity and renewal.
30. Rice bran oil
INCI: Oryza Sativa Bran Oil — Rice bran oil.
Rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids; an excellent moisturizer for mature, dry skin.
Key benefits: Excellent moisturizer, especially for mature, dry skin.
31. Rosehip oil
INCI: Rosa Canina Fruit Oil — Rosehip oil.
Cold-pressed from rosehip seeds; essential fatty acids plus natural vitamin A make it famous for smoothing scars and fine lines.
Key benefits: Among the best oils for softening scars and fine lines; sensitive-skin friendly.
32. Red raspberry seed oil
INCI: Rubus Idaeus Seed Oil — Red raspberry seed oil.
High in tocopherols, vitamin A and omega 3/6; some references note UV absorption, but it is not a sunscreen substitute.
Key benefits: Superb emollient that nourishes skin and supports moisture retention.
33. Safflower oil
INCI: Carthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil — Safflower oil.
Rich in essential fatty acids and suitable for all skin types.
Key benefits: Suits all skin types; helps dry, irritated skin; soothing.
34. Sea buckthorn oil
INCI: Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Oil — Sea buckthorn oil.
A deep-orange infusion rich in rare fatty acids and antioxidants; prized in regenerating formulas.
Key benefits: Great anti-aging choice with a notable regenerating effect.
35. Sesame oil
INCI: Sesamum Indicum Seed Oil — Sesame oil.
A very stable oil, similar to olive, with minerals and vitamins E and K; classic in massage blends.
Key benefits: Great softener and moisturizer for skin and hair; helps dryness.
36. Soybean oil
INCI: Glycine Soja Oil — Soybean oil.
Contains amino acids and abundant vitamin E; an economical, common carrier in cosmetic formulas.
Key benefits: Effective moisturizer that leaves skin soft; good for irritated skin.
37. St John's Wort oil
INCI: Hypericum Perforatum Extract — St John's Wort oil.
A red infused oil traditionally soothing for dry skin; note it can increase sun sensitivity.
Key benefits: Traditionally soothing for dry, irritated skin.
Frequently asked questions
What are carrier oils and what does the term mean?
A carrier oil is a vegetable oil pressed from the fatty part of a plant — seed, nut or kernel. It is called a carrier because it carries concentrated essential oils and other actives safely onto the skin. It can be used on its own or as the base for massage blends and herbal infusions.
Is sesame oil a carrier oil?
Yes. Sesame oil (INCI: Sesamum Indicum Seed Oil) is a classic, very stable carrier oil with minerals and vitamins E and K, widely used in massage blends.
Is olive oil a carrier oil?
Yes — one of the oldest. Extra-virgin olive oil (INCI: Olea Europaea Fruit Oil) is antioxidant-rich and works straight on skin and hair or as an infusion base.
Is castor oil a carrier oil?
Yes. Castor oil (INCI: Ricinus Communis Seed Oil) is a thick, viscous carrier pressed from castor seeds; it adds shine and moisture to hair.
Which carrier oil is best for hair?
No single winner, but the standouts are coconut (one of the few oils that penetrates the hair shaft), castor for shine and thickness, and jojoba for a balanced scalp without greasiness.
What is the difference between carrier and essential oils?
Essential oils are concentrated, volatile and need dilution; carrier oils are gentle, fatty and applied directly or used as the diluting base.
Can I apply a carrier oil directly on skin?
Mostly yes — that is the point of them. Patch-test anything new, watch sun-sensitizing oils like St John's Wort, and see a dermatologist for persistent conditions.
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