Glossary
A neutral, plant-derived base oil used to dilute essential oils for safe topical application. Carrier oils deliver moisture to the skin while serving as a vehicle for concentrated essential oils that would irritate skin if applied undiluted.
Essential oils are extremely concentrated. A single drop of lavender essential oil contains the volatile compounds of approximately 30 lavender flowers. Applying that concentration directly to skin can cause burns, irritation, and sensitization. Carrier oils solve this problem by diluting the essential oil to a safe concentration while providing their own skin-nourishing benefits.
The term "carrier" is literal: these oils carry the essential oil into the skin. Most carrier oils are absorbed readily by the skin's outer layers, pulling the essential oil compounds along with them. Without a carrier, many of the beneficial compounds in essential oils would simply evaporate from the skin surface before being absorbed.
Different carrier oils suit different applications. Coconut oil is deeply moisturizing and has natural antimicrobial properties, making it excellent for body products. Jojoba oil closely mimics the skin's natural sebum, making it ideal for facial applications. Sweet almond oil absorbs at a medium rate and has a light, pleasant texture. Argan oil is rich in vitamin E and linoleic acid, making it a premium facial oil.
In solid skincare products like our lotion bars, beeswax effectively replaces or supplements the carrier oil role. The beeswax melts on contact with warm skin and delivers the blended oils directly to the skin surface while forming a protective barrier. This is why solid formulations can be more efficient than liquid oil blends: the delivery mechanism is built into the product.
Skin type matters when selecting a carrier oil. Oily or acne-prone skin does better with low-comedogenic carriers like jojoba, argan, or hemp seed oil. Dry or mature skin benefits from richer carriers like avocado or sweet almond oil. Very dry or compromised skin may respond best to heavier options like coconut oil or shea butter (which technically behaves like a carrier in many formulations).
Yes, olive oil can be used as a carrier oil, though it is heavier than most purpose-made carriers and has a distinctive scent. Extra virgin olive oil has good vitamin E content and moisturizing properties but may feel greasy on the skin compared to lighter options like jojoba or sweet almond oil.
Jojoba oil is widely considered the safest carrier for sensitive skin because it closely mimics the skin's own sebum. It is non-comedogenic, hypoallergenic, and absorbs quickly without irritation. Hemp seed oil is another excellent option for sensitive or reactive skin.
A standard dilution for adult skincare is 2-3% essential oil to carrier oil by volume, which is roughly 10-15 drops of essential oil per ounce of carrier. For facial applications or sensitive skin, 1% (5-6 drops per ounce) is safer. Our products are pre-formulated at safe concentrations.
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