Carrier oils remind me of those Indian winters and my mom applying these oils all over her body in the cold mornings. My mom still uses different types of carrier oils for her day-to-day skincare rituals, and I can see how her skin is still well moisturized and supple at her age.
Thankfully, I also inherited many of her beauty habits, in particular applying carrier oils to my hair, body, and face daily. But after studying at Formula Botanica, I learned a robust way to mix these different kinds of carrier oils to convert them into the best facial & body serums in the most affordable way.
Today I want to share my top 10 carrier oils and benefits of it!
So, here you go:
1) Coconut Oil (Cocos nucifera)
For centuries, people have been using coconut oil as a major skincare product, especially in winter. It is extracted from the meat of a mature coconut.
Coconut oil comes from fresh coconut meat (Unrefined oil) is best for the skin. It contains high lauric acid content, which has antimicrobial properties.
You can use this carrier oil in many ways; nourishing the skin, softening lips, massaging the body, etc. It leaves a thin layer of oil behind the skin epidermis. It provides hydration by holding water within the skin.
Many studies show that its anti-inflammatory properties can be a good treatment for several common skin diseases.
It is best for dry skin people, but people with oily skin can also use this carrier oil.
2) Almond Oil (Prunus dulcis)
Almond oil is an excellent source of vitamin E and vitamin A, Omega-3 fatty acids, and a good source of Zinc.
Vitamin E has anti-inflammatory properties hence preventing acne scars and irritation. The retinol in vitamin A helps with fine lines and wrinkles. These two vitamins also protect from sun damage.
Omega-3 fatty acids also protect from sunburns. Zinc has anti-microbial properties, hence helping skin recover from acne and heal scars.
Skincare products, including massage oils, soaps, and bath oils, contain high content of almond oil as a carrier oil.
3) Argan Oil (Argania spinosa L.)
Argan oil is a rich resource of Vitamin E and Vitamin A. These two vitamins work as the best carrier for essential oil-based skin moisturizers.
Alike almond oil, argan oil prevents premature aging, dark circles, wrinkles because of its moisturizing and healing properties. Argan has become the most demanding ingredient in hair moisturizers.
Argan oil is best for all skin types. As it's not at all comedogenic.
4) Castor Oil (Ricinus communis)
Vegetable oil pressed from castor beans is called castor oil. Castor oil has been one of the major carrier oils for essential oils in many skincare products, i.e., creams and moisturizers.
The fatty acids content in castor oil help in smooth penetration within the skin. Castor oil combined with essential oils helps in the growth of healthy skin tissues.
It promotes nail and hair growth. It has anti-dandruff properties as well.
5) Amla Oil (Emblica Officinalis L.)
Amla is considered a natural blessing for hair (my personal favourite). Amla oil contains linolenic acid, which has antibacterial properties. It helps in nourishing hair and scalp. It also contains anti-dandruff properties.
Amla oil is often used as a conditioner after shampoo. Many medicated hair care products contain amla oil for the treatment of scalp diseases.
6) Apricot Oil (Prunus armeniaca)
Apricot oil is also known as kernel oil because it is derived from kernels. It is used as an emollient for the skin. It penetrates easily into the skin and smoothens it.
Apricot oil contains vitamin E, vitamin A, and omega-3, and omega-6 fatty acids. These components help heal acne scars, prevent inflammation, reduce wrinkles and fine lines, dark circles, and hydrate skin.
It has a longer shelf life and has a faint mild aroma.
7) Avocado Oil (Persea Gratissima)
Avocado oil is the nourishing oil for skin and hair. It contains trace minerals and vitamin A. It leaves a waxy, thick layer on the skin.
Avocado oil is not recommended for people with acne-prone skin because it may increase sebum production and lead to acne.
The high oleic acid content in avocado oil helps dry and damage skin.
8) Jojoba Oil (Simmondsia chinensis)
Jojoba oil is best for acne-prone skin. Due to its natural antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, it helps in treating acne and hyper-inflammation.
It doesn’t clog pores and penetrates easily in the skin. It is a good carrier oil option for massaging and moisturizing the face and other body parts.
It has a highly stable shelf life (5years).
9) Grapeseed oil (Vitis vinifera)
Carrier grapeseed oil is rich in vitamin E and has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. It is the best carrier oil for acne-prone skin.
Grapeseed oil leaves a shiny glossy layer on the skin. It doesn’t feel heavy on the skin and penetrates easily.
It has a shelf life of 6months-1 years if refrigerated.
10) Olive Oil (Olea europaea)
No one can deny the importance of olive oil. Extra-virgin olive oil is considered best because of its fatty acids and plant sterols components. These ingredients make it an excellent cleanser and moisturizer.
Herbal skincare products always contain olive oil as a carrier oil. It has a shelf life of 1-2 years and has a thick heavy texture. Olive oil is also considered a product oil for hair growth.
These are my top 10 skin loving carrier oils! Love to here yours, comment us your favorites.