New Carrier Oils Worth Trying: Baobab, Moringa and Prickly Pear

Baobab, moringa, and prickly pear seed oil are three carrier oils worth trying for skincare. Baobab has a richer, conditioning feel, moringa offers a smooth and versatile texture, and prickly pear seed oil is lightweight and silky. Each can be used on its own or incorporated into customised facial, body, and DIY skincare blends.

Beyond the Usual Carrier Oils

Jojoba and argan oil have earned their permanent places in many skincare routines, and I understand why. They're versatile, easy to blend, and familiar enough that most of us know exactly what to expect when we reach for the bottle.

But lately, I've found myself looking beyond the usual options.

There is something genuinely fun about discovering a carrier oil that you've never tried before and realising it has a completely different texture, aroma, or finish. That's what makes exploring new carrier oils worthwhile. Instead of asking which oil is universally “best,” I prefer asking a more useful question: which oil feels right for the way I want to use it?

Baobab, moringa, and prickly pear seed oil are three options I think deserve more attention. Each has its own personality. Baobab feels rich and comforting, moringa is silky and versatile, while prickly pear seed oil has a remarkably lightweight finish.

If you're looking for the best carrier oils for face care, these three are worth putting on your shortlist. They're also useful beyond facial skincare, from body oils and massage blends to hair and personal care routines.

The best part? You don't need to completely replace the oils you already love. Think of these as new options to experiment with.

Baobab: Rich and Restoring

Baobab oil was one of those carrier oils that surprised me the first time I used it. Our Organic Baobab Oil has a rich but spreadable texture — a lovely alternative when I wanted something with more staying power without a complex mix.

The baobab oil benefits that make it interesting for skincare come largely from its naturally occurring fatty acids and its smooth, conditioning feel. It's especially nice when your routine calls for something a little richer than a lightweight facial oil.

Is Baobab Oil Good for Skin?

If you've ever wondered, is baobab oil good for skin, the short answer is that it can be a lovely addition to a moisturising skincare routine.

Baobab oil is often chosen for its emollient feel. Applied in a small amount, it can leave skin feeling soft and conditioned without requiring a long ingredient list.

I particularly like it for evening routines.

A few drops pressed between the palms and gently applied to slightly damp skin can make a simple routine feel much more luxurious. It also works beautifully as a carrier for appropriately diluted essential oils when you want to create a customised facial or body blend.

When I Would Choose Baobab

I'd reach for baobab when I want:

•        A richer-feeling facial oil

•        A comforting evening skincare step

•        A nourishing body oil

•        A base for a customised essential oil blend

•        A change from lighter oils such as jojoba

Plus it's good to note that “rich” doesn't necessarily mean “oily”. What matters more is how much product you use. I find I can better control the finish with just a couple of drops.

Moringa: Light and Nourishing

Moringa has become one of my favourite carrier oils to recommend when someone wants something versatile but doesn't necessarily want a heavy oil sitting on the skin. Our Organic Moringa Seed Oil spreads easily and has a smooth, silky feel that makes it suitable for everything from facial oils to body care. For a closer look at its uses and DIY blend ideas, our moringa oil guide covers it in detail.

For anyone researching moringa oil for skin, this versatility is one of its biggest attractions.

Moringa seed oil naturally contains fatty acids and other plant compounds that make it useful as a conditioning ingredient in personal care formulations. It can be used on its own or incorporated into blends with other carrier oils.

Why I Like Moringa for Everyday Skincare

My favourite thing about moringa is how adaptable it is.

If I'm putting together a morning facial oil, I can use a small amount on its own. If I'm making a richer evening blend, I can combine it with baobab. If I'm creating a body oil, I can pair it with another carrier oil and a carefully diluted essential oil.

That flexibility makes it especially useful for beginners.

You don't have to create a separate product for every part of your routine.

A single bottle can have several uses.

Moringa also has a subtle natural character that doesn't compete with essential oils. That's important if you're creating a blend where you want the aroma of sandalwood, lavender, frankincense, or another essential oil to remain noticeable.

Moringa for Facial Oils

When using moringa oil for skin, I prefer starting with a small amount.

A couple of drops can be enough for the face, particularly if you're applying it after a water based skincare product. Pressing rather than aggressively rubbing the oil into the skin can also make the application feel more comfortable.

And if you're wearing makeup afterward, give the oil a little time to settle before applying your makeup. That small adjustment can make a surprisingly big difference.

Prickly Pear: The Antioxidant Star

Prickly pear seed oil is probably the most intriguing of these three oils. Our Organic Prickly Pear Seed Oil comes from the seeds of prickly pear cactus fruit and has developed a reputation as a premium ingredient in facial skincare.

The first thing I noticed about it was the texture.

It’s remarkably light.

That's particularly interesting because some people assume that a luxurious facial oil must feel rich or heavy. Prickly pear challenges that idea.

Its unique naturally formed fatty acids and antioxidant constituents are two prickly pear seed oil benefits that attract many people to it. It is commonly used in facial oils, serums, and other lightweight skincare formulations.

Why Prickly Pear Feels Different

If you prefer facial oils that disappear quickly rather than sitting noticeably on the surface of your skin, prickly pear may be worth trying.

I think of it as the “silk shirt” of carrier oils.

It’s refined, lightweight, and doesn’t demand attention.

You can use a few drops as the final step in a simple evening skincare routine or incorporate it into a customised blend.

It also makes an interesting option when you're trying to decide between the different best carrier oils for face applications.

Prickly Pear for Minimalist Routines

One of the best things I love about prickly pear is that it works perfectly for a simple minimalist routine.

Cleanse.

Moisturise.

Add a few drops of your oil.

Done.

You don't have to make a science lab out of your skincare routine.

If you're someone who prefers a small number of products that each serve a clear purpose, prickly pear seed oil is worth considering.

How to Choose and Use These Carrier Oils

There isn't one perfect carrier oil for everyone.

Your skin's preferences, the finish you enjoy, and the type of routine you're creating should all influence your choice.

If You Prefer a Richer Feel

Start with baobab. It's the option I'd choose when I want something more nourishing and comforting, particularly in an evening routine.

If You Want Something Versatile

Try moringa. It's an excellent middle ground. It feels smooth and conditioning without being as rich as some heavier oils.

If You Prefer a Lightweight Finish

Choose prickly pear seed oil. Its silky texture makes it particularly appealing for facial routines where you don't want a heavy finish.

What About Oily Skin?

If you have oily feeling skin, texture becomes particularly important.

I'd generally start with a smaller amount of a lightweight oil such as prickly pear or moringa rather than immediately reaching for a rich oil.

But remember that skincare is personal. What feels lightweight to one person may feel too rich to another.

That's why I prefer experimenting with one oil at a time.

Give yourself enough time to understand how it feels before introducing another new ingredient.

A Simple Carrier Oil Comparison

This carrier oil comparison isn't about declaring a winner. It's about understanding the personality of each oil. For a deeper look at how rosehip and argan sit alongside these newer options, our rosehip vs argan guide covers those two in practical detail.

I still use jojoba and argan regularly. But having baobab, moringa, and prickly pear available gives me more flexibility when I'm creating a routine around a particular texture or finish.

Can You Use These Oils Under Makeup?

Yes, but application technique matters.

If you're using a carrier oil before makeup, less is usually more.

Apply a small amount and allow it to absorb before reaching for foundation or concealer. If you apply too much oil immediately before makeup, your base may move around more easily.

For this reason, I prefer prickly pear or moringa when I'm creating a morning routine that will be followed by makeup.

Baobab is more naturally suited to my evening routine because of its richer feel.

Again, this isn't a strict rule.

It's simply a starting point.

How to Store Carrier Oils

Carrier oils are natural products, so how you store them matters.

I keep my bottles tightly closed and away from direct sunlight, heat, and humidity. A cool, dark cabinet is usually a practical option.

I also avoid leaving carrier oils sitting beside a sunny window. That might look beautiful on Instagram, but it's not necessarily the best storage environment.

If the manufacturer recommends refrigeration for a particular oil, follow those instructions.

And always check the product's recommended shelf life.

A change in aroma, colour, or texture can be a sign that an oil is no longer at its best. When in doubt, check the product information rather than assuming it's still suitable for use.

Gya Labs Picks for This Routine

All three oils featured in this guide are available from Gya Labs. Browse the full carrier oil collection to explore baobab, moringa, prickly pear, and all other available carrier oils in one place. If you're specifically looking for recently added botanical oils, our new carrier oils range brings together the latest additions to the Gya Labs lineup.

As always, start with a small amount and patch test before using any new oil more broadly.

Final Takeaway

I don't think you need to abandon your favourite carrier oils to make room for something new.

Jojoba will probably remain a staple in my routine. Argan isn't going anywhere either.

But that's exactly why I enjoy experimenting with new carrier oils.

Baobab is the more satisfying choice when I'm reaching for something comforting. Moringa is the versatile, smooth option of the group. Prickly pear creates an exceptionally interesting light skin feeling that makes it particularly appealing for facial routines.

If you're curious, start with one.

Use it consistently.

Pay attention to how it feels.

Then decide whether it deserves a permanent place on your shelf.

That's a much better way to discover your best carrier oils for face and body care than simply following a list of what's trending.