Essential oil carriers are natural vegetable oils, butters, waxes, and other substances derived from the fatty portion of plants, such as seeds or nuts. These carriers can be applied directly to the skin or used in blends to dilute essential oils, making them safe for topical use. Without dilution, essential oils can cause skin reactions like irritation.

Many carriers, such as Jojoba Oil, Sweet Almond Oil, and Coconut Oil, offer their own skin-nourishing benefits. For example, Avocado Oil and Cocoa Butter are rich in natural fatty acids that moisturize the skin, reduce fine lines, and repair the skin’s barrier. Some carriers are packed with vitamins A, C, and E, helping your skin stay healthy and radiant.

While some carriers, like Avocado Oil, can be used alone, others—such as Cocoa Butter—are often blended with other ingredients for easier application. 

Learn more about essential oil carriers and how to use them with our free learning guide.

Essential oils are highly concentrated and can cause skin irritation if applied directly. Essential oil carriers dilute the potency of essential oils, allowing for safe topical use and helping the oils spread more easily across the skin.

Learn about safe essential oil dilution here.

There are many types of essential oil carriers, each suited for different uses based on the type of blend you’re creating:

Carrier Oils

These are natural oils derived from seeds and nuts, perfect for diluting essential oils for topical application. Popular choices include Trauma Oil, known for its soothing properties, Argan Oil, which is rich in vitamins and great for hair and skin, and Baobab Seed Oil, which is deeply moisturizing.

Butters & Waxes

These provide deep hydration and protective barriers for the skin. Examples include Shea Butter and Mango Kernel Butter, which are rich in natural fats, and Beeswax Pellets, often used to thicken balms and salves.

Lotions, Soaps & Gels

These carriers offer versatility for skincare and body care routines. Products like Unscented Lotion can be used as a base for body moisturizers, Castile Soap is ideal for gentle cleansing, and Aloe Vera Gel soothes the skin and can be blended with essential oils.

Resins & Burnables

Resins are often used in therapeutic rituals and aromatherapy. Frankincense Resin, Myrrh Resin, and White Ash are popular choices for burning to purify spaces and promote relaxation.

Clays & Salts

These are typically used in masks and exfoliating treatments. White Kaolin Clay is a gentle option for acne-prone skin, while Pink Himalayan Salt can exfoliate and soften the skin.

Choosing the right carrier depends on the type of blend you’re creating. Whether it’s for topical use, moisturizing, or therapeutic purposes, each carrier brings unique benefits to your formulation.

Choosing the best essential oil carrier depends on the type of blend you're creating and its intended use. If you're making a blend for topical application, consider your skin type. For dry skin, Avocado Oil or Coconut Oil are great options, while Jojoba Oil or Hemp Seed Oil are ideal for oily or acne-prone skin.

For more information on choosing carriers for oily skin, check out our blog post, Skin Care for Acne-Prone, Combination, & Oily Skin.

Butters and waxes, such as Cocoa Butter and Beeswax, are popular essential oil carriers because they provide rich, skin-nourishing, and moisturizing benefits. They are often melted and combined with other ingredients to create smooth, easy-to-apply products. If you're looking for a moisturizer, Unscented Lotion or Jojoba Oil work well due to their versatility. Diluting essential oils in a carrier is crucial for safe application and to prevent skin irritation.

For more guidance on selecting carriers for sensitive or normal skin, visit Skin Care for Normal, Anti-Aging, and Sensitive Skin.

For topical use, the general guideline is to mix 1-2% essential oils with a carrier, which translates to about 6-12 drops of essential oil per 1 ounce (30ml) of carrier oil, lotion, butter, or gel.

Carrier oils, like Jojoba Oil or Coconut Oil, are commonly used because they blend well with essential oils. However, for thicker blends like salves, butters such as Shea Butter can also be used. The choice of carrier depends on the texture and intended use of your blend.

Yes, carrier oils can be used independently as skin moisturizers, hair conditioners, or massage oils. For instance, Argan Oil is great for nourishing hair, while Rosehip Oil is known for its skin-rejuvenating properties.

Carrier oils are extracted from the fatty parts of plants, like seeds and nuts, using methods such as cold pressing or processing. They are used to dilute essential oils, making them safer for topical application by reducing the risk of irritation. Carriers, such as oils, and butters, can also be used on their own as skin moisturizers, hair conditioners, or for therapeutic purposes. Essential oils, on the other hand, are distilled from the aromatic parts of plants, including flowers, leaves, and bark. Other types of carriers include infused oils, mined salts, and raw resins like Frankincense.

Refined carriers, including oils, butters, and waxes, undergo processing to remove impurities, color, or scent, which can extend their shelf life. On the other hand, unrefined carriers retain their natural scent, color, and beneficial nutrients. While unrefined options may have a shorter shelf life, they are truly more natural. Here at Aromatics, we love unrefined carriers because they provide the purest form of nourishment for the skin, allowing essential oils to be blended with minimal processing.

Yes, blending different carrier oils allows you to combine their unique benefits. For example, Trauma Oil, one of our most popular carriers, is made by individually infusing St. John’s Wort, Calendula, and Arnica in Olive Oil, and then blending them together for soothing, restorative properties. You can also mix oils like Jojoba Oil and Avocado Oil to create a hydrating blend that balances oily skin without clogging pores.

Common carrier oils for hair care include Coconut Oil for hydration, Argan Oil for shine and strength, and Jojoba Oil to balance the scalp's natural oils. Additionally, Sweet Almond Oil helps reduce frizz, while Cranberry Seed Oil supports scalp health. Each oil offers unique benefits for nourishing hair and promoting a healthy scalp.

For more detailed insights on which carriers suit your hair type, check out our blog post on the Best Carrier Oils for Hair Care.

Carrier oils should be stored in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight. This helps prevent them from going rancid. Use dark glass bottles (we love amber-colored bottles and jars), especially for oils that are sensitive to light, to help preserve their shelf life.

The shelf life of carriers varies depending on the type. Carrier oils typically last between 6 months to 2 years, with oils higher in unsaturated fats, like Hemp Seed Oil, breaking down faster. Coconut Oil has a longer shelf life of about 3 years, while Jojoba Oil can last up to 20 years due to its stability. Butters, such as Shea Butter, can last up to 2 years, and Beeswax can last indefinitely. Proper storage will help extend their life.