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What is a Carrier Oil and Which Ones Should You Use? [Infographic]

Carrier oils are the base to all of the wonderful creams and blends you can create with your essential oils.

They can’t be ignored.

But I get it…

When you’re just starting out with essential oils, you’ll inevitably come across a ton of industry jargon like dilution ratios, methods of application, neat, hot, and the list goes on.

It’s overwhelming. But it doesn’t have to be.

Using essential oils is meant to be a fun and exciting journey. And carrier oils just happen to be the lifeblood of safe and efficient usage.

So let me debunk the confusion and help you out. In this massive guide, I’ll cover absolutely everything you need to know about carrier oils.

Here’s a quick summary of what you’ll find in this post:

  • What are carrier oils?
  • How to use carrier oils
  • The top 20 carrier oils and their uses and benefits (with infographic).
  • Frequently asked questions for everything carrier oils.

Let’s set the confusion aside and jump right in.

Get a free copy of our carrier oils reference guide which includes the top 20 carrier oils, their uses and benefits.

What is a carrier oil?

A carrier oil is used to dilute essential oils before they are applied topically to the skin or in aromatherapy. They are base oils or vegetable oils that you’re probably already familiar with.

Most essential oils need to be diluted, and carrier oils are an excellent way to disperse them for safe topical use.

This dispersion allows for the essential oil to be spread over larger areas and to be used safely.

Why use carrier oils?

Essential oils are highly volatile, which means they begin to dissipate as soon as they are applied.

Carrier oils help slow this process.

The rate at which the oils are absorbed and/or dissipate depends largely on how light or heavy the carrier is.

You may hear carrier oils referred to in a number of ways, including fixed, base, or vegetable oils. Essential oils should always be diluted in plant-derived oils, not in chemical, animal, or mineral oils.

Good carrier oils have their own characteristics and therapeutic benefits, much like essential oils. The blend of carrier you choose has an impact just like the blend of essential oils you choose.

Fun fact: 

Essential oils are not actually oils, but carriers or ‘base’ oils are.

What are the different types of carrier oils?

Carrier oils fall into four major categories.

  • Main carrier oils
  • Percentage-based carrier oils
  • Specialty oils
  • Macerated or Infused Oils

There are many available, and they all fall into one of the following groups. Rather than giving you a complete list, here are the main ones for each category.

The recommended percentages for oils listed are from Valerie Worwood’s excellent book, The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy (Amazon). I highly recommend grabbing a copy.

Main Carrier Oils

Main carrier oils are those that can be used at a 100 percent ratio of the entire base blend. For instance, the following oils are great on their own:

  • Almond, sweet (Prunus amygdalus var. dulce)
  • Apricot Kernel (Prunus armeniaca)
  • Coconut (Cocos nucifera)
  • Grapeseed (Vitis vinifera)
  • Jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis)
  • Kukui (Aleurites moluccana)

Percentage-based Carrier Oils

These are rich oils that should not be used for one reason or another on their own as 100 percent of your base blend.

They may be too greasy, too thick, expensive, or any number of reasons that you may not want to use them on their own. These include:

  • Borage Seed (Borago officinalis) – 10-30%
  • Evening Primrose (Oenothera biennis) – 10-30%
  • Neem (Azadirachta indica) – 10 -20%
  • Olive (Olea europaea) – 30-50%
  • Sesame Seed (Sesamum indicum) 30-50%
  • Wheat germ (Triticum vulgare) – 10-30%

Specialty Oils

Specialty carrier oils are those that are rarer. They are usually chosen for specific therapeutic reasons to use as part of blends. Examples of specialty carrier oils are:

  • Blackcurrant Seed (Ribes nigrum) – .5-5%
  • Passion Flower Seed or Maracuja (Passiflora incarnata) – 10-30%
  • Rosehip Seed (Rosa rubiginosa) – 20-30%
  • Sea Buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) – 1-5%
  • Tamanu (Calophyllum inophyllum ) – 30-50%

Macerated or Infused Oils

Macerated or infused oils refer to those made in the traditional sense by introducing plant material into a vegetable oil for a length of time to infuse the oil with the properties of the plant matter. When choosing a macerated oil, make sure it is made like this, not extracted by another method.

Some examples of macerated oils are:

  • Arnica Macerated Oil (Arnica montana) – 2-5%
  • Calendula or Marigold (Calendula officinalis) – 30-70%
  • Carrot Root (Daucus carota) – 5-20%
  • Monoi (Gardenia taitensis + Cocos nucifera) – 30-60%
  • St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) – 30-50%

Besides the above carrier oils, butters like Cocoa (Theobroma cacao) and Shea (Vitellaria paradoxa / Butyrospermum parkii) can also be beneficial to add to your essential oils.

When making up your own blend of base oil, always add the oils you are using in the most significant amounts first, and work your way down to those you’re using in the smallest quantities. This works much like regular kitchen recipes.

Top 20 Carrier Oils (With Uses and Benefits)

As I mentioned, there are many different types of carriers. Depending on the home remedy you wish to create, your choice of carrier may differ.

But remember:

you don’t need them all.

Here are the top carrier oils plus a little tidbit on their uses and benefits.

Feel free to use the following as a quick-reference chart or pin this infographic for future use.

Want a printable version of our Carrier Oils Reference Guide? Click here to download your free copy.

infographic

Comments

  1. Vicki says

    I have a bulldog that has a lump. I wanted to try essential oils do you have any recommendations on what to use and how to apply?

    Reply
    • Erica Mueller says

      Vicki,

      I wouldn’t recommend an oil for a lump if I didn’t know what the lump was.

      Reply
  2. Angel Rajwski says

    My middle daughter is allergic to cocnut what can I use instead to make a lotion?

    Reply
    • Erica Mueller says

      I would look at something like apricot kernel oil, avocado oil, etc. A lot of oils will emulsify if blended at high temperatures (this is how you make mayonnaise!) and I’m guessing you could do that, and add a tiny bit of melted beeswax to help keep it firm. :)

      Reply
  3. andee says

    saw the link for your blog on the FEMA email I just received, and then saw you are like-minded with doTerra Oils.

    Reply
    • Erica Mueller says

      Nice to meet you! It’s always nice to find other doterra folks. :)

      Reply
  4. Jennifer @ aroma pursuits says

    I love coconut oil so much and I always use it, it is good for hair , skin and health. Your title is so interesting and I like it. thank you

    Reply
  5. Susana says

    Can I use external use essential oils to make toothpaste?? It saids it has a verbal oil to infusses and a essential oil as ingredientes, i feel lost!!

    Reply
  6. samsung says

    Hi i m intrested in buying doterra or mountain rose herbs essential oil n other oils like rosehip,argan etc. But its not available in northeast part of india. Plus how do i pay in dollars?we use rupee currency. Plz plz help

    Reply
  7. Lizzie says

    I just found out from my doctor today that I have Lyme Disease from a recent tick bite. The information about Lyme Disease and its symptoms is a pretty overwhelming to me right now. I’ve been prescribed Doxycycline to take twice daily for the next 4 weeks, and possibly longer. Do you have any specific recommendations on using essential oils to help battle this powerful disease?
    Thank you…

    Reply
    • Pam says

      Lizzie – I got Lyme 20 years ago. It can be devastating or not so bad. Mine was devastating. While it’s not essential oil based, I highly recommend educating yourself. A great book is Healing Lyme by Steve Buhner and Neil Nathan, MD. Best of luck to you.

      Reply
  8. Debbie says

    What carrier oils are best for non clogging the pores?

    Reply
  9. Brenda Ryals says

    When I don’t have fractionated , cold press coconut oil can I use another coconut oil in my recipes for creams and butters ?

    Reply
    • Marci Rommal says

      When I’m out of my “premium” coconut oils, I do substitute less pure coconut oil but only temporarily and in small amounts (don’t make a month’s supply of you can get away with a few day’s worth).

      Reply
  10. Mar says

    Hiii!!! I have a question!! Does every jar or container that I may use for essential oils blends or salves do they have to be from glass?? No plastic??
    Thank you

    Reply
  11. Brandy says

    Can you recommend a blend for flea and tick repellent for cats? I know there are lots of EOs that can not be used in cats. TIA.

    Reply
  12. Tishia says

    Hi I’m very interested in this and I have thousands of questions I know you said like you could go to the store to buy a Essential oils I was wondering if you could please let me know what you would use for acne for my son and my daughter has terrible allergies all your long and is on an allergy pill every day also it’s like every time I turn around she’s getting the flu Strep throat four times since schools been goes on and on and on right now she’s been complaining that her throat hurts and a runny nose on top of that I would like to know what do you recommend for anxiety/stress/depression for me and I I have trouble going to bed at night and then having to be right back up to be at work at 4 AM I am just very exhausted Moody all the time I want to do a great job I want to stay focused but anyways I can go on for hours can you please help me and my kids or suggest anything for us my son he’s 15 my daughter is five and I am 33 I really appreciate this thank you from a struggling Mother!!

    Reply
    • Liv - Mom Prepares says

      Sorry for the late response, Tishia. Essential oils are overwhelming when you’re just getting started. With skin issues varying widely based on each individual, it’s tough to say that Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) will work for your son. You would need to test out multiple different methods.

      We have done quite a bit of research and I have a few articles that may be helpful :)

      https://momprepares.com/essential-oils-for-acne/ – This article basically covers different stages of acne and which oils have worked in previous scientific studies.
      https://momprepares.com/essential-oils-for-allergies/ – This article goes through different recipes for treating allergy symptoms.
      https://momprepares.com/essential-oils-for-colds-flu/ – This article goes through different oils to boost your immune system for cold and flu.

      As for strep and depression, I know that we have two research-backed articles in our editorial calendar and they should be posted on our blog soon.

      It sounds like a really tough time for you, but you’ll get through this. One of my favorite quotes is “Behind every great kid is a mom who’s pretty sure she’s screwing it all up.”

      You’re doing great :)

      Reply
  13. Terra says

    What would you use as a carrier oil if you are taking an essential oil internally?

    Reply
    • Liv - Mom Prepares says

      Personally, I don’t use essential oils internally. You can read this article here on ingesting essential oils:

      https://momprepares.com/ingesting-essential-oils/

      Reply
  14. Anita says

    I love that you tell the vitamins and fatty acids that are in the carrier oils. Very helpful!

    Reply
    • Liv - Mom Prepares says

      So happy you found it helpful!

      Reply
  15. Cindy says

    I want to make a bug repellent, what would be the best oil to use?

    Reply
    • Liv - Mom Prepares says

      If I was limited to a single oil, I’d say peppermint. But creating a bug repellent may require mixing other oils like geranium and eucalyptus. As for a carrier oil, this will be based on your personal preference. I like sweet almond.

      Reply
  16. Misty Hooker says

    Hi I have to say this was by far the most informative and helpful article I’ve read since I started dabbling in the essential oil world – or as I call it, the “Oily World”. I’m currently researching herb infusion. I’d love to make something for a few medical issues in my family. Everything I’ve read thus far has stated that combining some essential oils with infused oils and making a salve would be very beneficial. I’m struggling to find the perfect carrier oils for the infusions! So far I’m convinced the jojoba, sweet almond, and sunflower (high in linoleic) is best. Most of those I’m looking to make this for, myself included, have acne prone or sensitive skin. The men don’t care for the greasy feel either. So, with everything I’ve mentioned, what would your advice be? I would love to pick your brain more, and in emails if that’s best.

    Thank you for your time!
    Misty from TX

    Reply
    • Liv - Mom Prepares says

      Hi Misty! It looks like you’re on the right track. Carriers, much like essential oils, are a very personal thing. Some work better than others for different people. It sounds like you’ve done your research, so I would give it a shot with one of them (ie. jojoba, sweet almond).

      But since you mentioned acne-prone skin, I’m more inclined to recommend jojoba. We have a big post on EO for the skin coming up, so stay tuned!

      Reply
      • Misty Hooker says

        Thank you very much for your input! I’ll be stocking up on more jojoba. Hopefully finding good deals too, because that one is a bit pricey.

        Thanks,
        Misty

        Reply
  17. Myrle says

    Trying to decide where to start with carrier oil use. This is very informative! Thank you!

    Reply
  18. Beverly says

    Hi I a new to oil use Thankyou I will follow you. Beverly

    Reply
  19. Linda says

    This is a great post, a bit long, but very comprehensive. I’ll be sharing this with others for its wonderful content! Thank you…

    Reply
  20. Susan says

    Any reason why cannot use cooking oil since it is edible, thus more suitable for application orally?

    Reply
  21. Debbie says

    How do you know weather to use coconut oil in its solid form or pour able form? Some skin care recipes will call for coconut oil but don’t specify which. Thank you!

    Reply
  22. Stacey says

    Great posts! So informative. I’m still learning. Question. What do you do when a carrier oil is to be used at so 30-40% blend. Then what do you do? Use another carrier oil with it? Example – Jojoba says 30-80% in blends. So do you use say coconut oil for the rest? Or do you use more of the essential oil than the carrier? Thanks!

    Reply
  23. Kuo Fang Wei says

    Dear Sirs,

    Thank you for your Carrier Oils Guide, I believe it will help me a lot in my future essential oils journey.

    Thank you again
    Fang Wei

    Reply
  24. Renee says

    I been on the iinternet for hours . Any help would be appreciated; i want to start making Hemp seed oil for myself and family for pain , I want to use organic Hemp oil and Coconut oil as a carrier plus added coco butter/ or shey butter: I do not want to use hemp seeds at this time: I can’t find a recipe on the ratio of Hemp oil to Coconut oil any where. Can u help?

    Reply
  25. Leah says

    Can vitamin-E oil be a carrier oil?

    Reply
  26. joan hondo says

    can you give the list of shops that selling these carrier oils and essential oils ( organic) thank you so much.

    Reply
  27. Bernie says

    Thanks for the carrier oil guide. Do you happen to have the same list for essential oils? Thanks!

    Reply
  28. Sybil says

    Erica, I have read somewhere that one should limit the types of oils in a carrier blend to only 6. Why?
    Why limit the number of carrier oils to only 6? I have searched, and all I can find is the reference of “only 6” no reason.

    Reply
  29. Karl says

    I’m interested in making a beard oil, but the recipes usually use multiple carrier oils. What is the purpose of using multiple carrier oils?

    Reply

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Lauren
Lauren

Hi! I’m Lauren. I am a mom, writer, and creator of Mom Prepares. I am passionate about building community among women who support each other in parenthood, health, business & life in general.

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