Carrier Oils 101: How to Choose the Right Oil for Your DIY Recipe

There is something lovely about making a little bottle of care with your own hands. Before choosing the scent or the bottle, choose the ingredient that will make up most of your recipe: the carrier oil.

What is a carrier oil?

A carrier oil is the base of an oil-based blend. It gives a recipe its feel and, when appropriate, helps dilute a concentrated essential oil. It works beautifully on its own, too.

Jojoba feels smooth and relatively light. Grapeseed spreads easily and leaves a lighter finish. Sunflower seed oil is a versatile body-oil base. Sweet almond has more glide, though it is a poor choice if almond allergy is a concern. Fractionated coconut remains liquid and suits many roll-on bottles; avocado feels richer on dry areas. Texture varies by supplier, so try a small sample before committing to a large batch.

Match the oil to the moment

For a face oil, start with a few drops of one simple oil and see how your skin responds. For a body oil, choose the amount of glide and richness you enjoy. For hair ends, start with one drop; adding more is easier than washing out too much. No oil suits everyone.

Easy first blend: Combine 2 tablespoons jojoba oil with 1 tablespoon grapeseed oil in a clean, completely dry bottle. Close, gently turn to mix and label with the ingredients and date. This fragrance-free blend lets you learn what the base feels like before adding anything else.

Keep water and fresh flowers out of this bottle. Store it closed, away from heat and sunlight, and follow the oil supplier’s best-by guidance. If it smells rancid or changes noticeably, discard it. Test a new oil on a small patch of skin before broader use.

The best recipe is the one that feels comfortable in your routine. Begin simply, pay attention and adjust with grace.