Carrier Oils 101: Everything To Know About
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Research and studies on Carrier Oils

Some of the research listed here follows strict sourcing guidelines and depends on academic research institutions.

Coconut oil is an edible oil and one of the popular and easily available carrier oils. Coconut oil is a mainstream oil and comes in two types – copra oil and virgin coconut oil. Both oils have the same properties but the virgin oil has more nutrients and bioactive compounds. Coconut oil has hair growth and repair properties (hair damaged from ultraviolet rays and cosmetic products). There is little evidence of coconut oil strengthening the bones and Alzheimer’s disease; however, more human based clinical research must be conducted to ascertain these properties of coconut oil. These properties were established in a study published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition in 2018. (1)

Almond oil is another popular carrier oil used in skincare and hair care (amongst other uses). Complementary Therapies in clinical practice in 2010 published a study by Zeeshan Ahmad that looks into the properties of almond oil. (2)

A wide spread research was conducted by Tzu-Kai Lin, Lily Zhong and Juan Luis Santiago to determine the skin barrier repair effects when carrier oils were applied topically. Some of the oils studied were jojoba oil, sunflower seed oil, avocado oil, olive oil, grape seed oil and safflower seed oil. All the positive aspects of carrier oils were highlighted in this research which was published in the International Journal of Molecular sciences. (3)

An observational clinical trial was conducted in April 2019 to find if facial mask with jojoba oil lessened skin lesions and improved skin health. The study which had 194 participants reported that clay mask with jojoba oil had a healing effect on skin lesions and mild cases of acne vulgaris. (4) 

Rosehip oil is a popular choice for carrier oils for skin. It is popular because it contains essential fatty acids, phenolics and sterols. It is also believed to have anti-cancer effects (again, this claim needs further research for substantiation). The oil is used in the manufacture of cosmetic products for the skin health. Fruit Oils: Chemistry and Functionality in its 2019 edition published the benefits of rosehip oil. (5)

Yet another carrier oil that has umpteen benefits is the evening primrose oil. Evening primrose is used for skincare and hair care. Industrial Crops and Products published the report in 1999.(6)

Carrier oils are used in topical application, but most of these oils play a supplementary support role in aromatherapy as well. The oils are made from the seed and kernel of plants and its flowers and have many health benefits including skin care. These carrier oils can be stored in the refrigerator in a dark glass away from sunlight. This oil(s) is also referred to as mineral oils, body oils or vegetable oils. These oils are unscented and odorless and do not evaporate as fast as essential oils. Many carrier oils that have high content of fatty acids get rancid quite quickly.

Best carrier oils for essential oil to your skin are coconut and jojoba oil because of affordability and accessibility, and sweet almond and olive oil because of high nutritional value. Avocado oil may also replenish the skin. The right carrier oils make it possible for the essential oil to get fully absorbed when applied on skin.