5 Best Carrier Oils for Essential Oils - Fan Favorites Revealed

Have you ever wondered how carrier oils work? Carrier oils are used to dilute essential oils before they are applied to the skin. They help to carry the essential oil into the skin and can also help to reduce skin irritation. In this blog post, we will take a look at how carrier oils work and why they are important to use with essential oils.
5 Best Carrier Oils for Essential Oils - Fan Favorites Revealed by Loving Essential Oils

Essential Oils are highly concentrated, each drop is so powerful.  It is important to use carrier oils for essential oils before applying them topically.

For everyday use, the best approach is to dilute essential oils before using them on the skin. This can help you avoid skin irritation, among other things.

Can Essential Oils be Used "Neat"?

Neat simply means applied directly to skin. The answer is yes, in rare cases and it must be a skin friendly oil (not a hot oil).

For example, lavender oil on a bee sting or minor burn directly on the affected area can be a quick remedy. People with sensitive skin need to use extra precaution too.

How to Use Essential Oils on Skin

Essential oils can be used in a variety of ways. One of the most popular ways to use them is by diffusing them into the air. This can be done with an essential oil diffuser. If you don't have a diffuser, you can put a few drops on a tissue or cloth and inhaling the scent.

Another popular way to use essential oils is by putting them in a bath. This can be done by mixing a few drops of essential oil with a carrier oil, then add to a warm bath.

Essential oils can also be used topically. This can be done by adding a few drops of oil to a carrier oil like coconut oil or jojoba oil and applying it to the skin.

Find out our Fan Favorites! We asked our readers an oily question and they answered:

What is Your Favorite Carrier Oil to Use with Essential Oils?

Before we get into the results of the most popular oils, lets look a little more into carrier oils.

How to Use Carrier Oils with Essential Oils by Loving Essential Oils

How Do Carrier Oils Work in Aromatherapy?

If you're interested in using essential oils to improve your wellbeing, you'll need to know about carrier oils. Unlike essential oils, carrier oils are fixed oils, they do not evaporate and therefore can be used as a base for aromatherapy.

The carrier oil is used to help “carry” the essential oil onto the skin.

Organic Carrier Oils vs Refined Carrier Oils

Carrier Oils are natural plant oils extracted from seeds, kernels, beans, nuts, etc. Always look for organic, cold pressed oil for the best therapeutic benefits.

Refined oils have gone through additional processing to deodorize, remove color, and extend shelf life but it also removes some of the therapeutic properties. They can still be used, they just many not be as effective in offering additional benefits to your essential oil blend.

Most fixed oils have little aroma so they work great with essential oils. There are many types of carrier oils that can be used with essential oils. We have a post highlighting 50 Carrier Oils. Plus we have a detailed guide that you can get for free (check it out at the bottom of the post).

Why Use Carrier Oils with Essential Oils?

Carrier oils are used as a base to dilute concentrated essential oils. By doing so, it makes the essential oil safe for topical use and in DIY recipes.

Here are some reasons to use carrier oils:

A Little Goes a Long Way

A large amount of plant material is needed to produce very little oil making essential oils extremely concentrated, so a little ready does go a long way.

Contrary to popular believe, more is not better and it does not increase your benefits. Over use may actually cause harm. It is best to use the smallest amount of drops necessary to achieve the desired benefit.

Prevents Skin Irritations

Some essential oils can irritate the skin when used without diluting. This is one reason it is best to get into the practice of only using your oils diluted with carrier oils.

Double the Therapeutic Benefits

Carrier oils on their own have many benefits, especially nourishing and moisturizing the skin. Be sure to know the shelf life of the carrier oil you are using to ensure best therapeutic effects.

Makes Application Easy

Diluting essential oils helps make the little amount of oil go a long way much easier. You can cover a larger area when using carrier oils.

Save Money

Drop per drop, carrier oils cost less money. Using carrier oils with essential oils allows you to cover more area when applying to skin. This allows you to use less essential oil drops. Your essential oil bottles will last longer and that will save you money.

How to use carrier oils with essential oils by Loving Essential Oils

Top 5 Fan Favorite Carrier Oils for Essential Oils

Since it is best to first dilute essential oils before applying them topically, it is important to know what to carrier oil to use. The good news is there are many options available.

Fractionated coconut oil was the number one choice of our fans that voted. Many love that it absorbs well, is not greasy, can be used in just about any recipe, and that it doesn't stain. It is also very affordable and has a long shelf life.

Here are the top 5 fan favorites listed in order of popularity, plus I included some of their reasons why they love to use the oil:

1. Fractionated Coconut Oil (FCO)

I recently watched a video on the FCO and did not know it is great not only as a carrier but to clean most things including makeup. I am sooooo in love with the Fractionated Coconut Oil! Such an amazing carrier with so many uses. -Nerina E, Australia

In roller blends I love to use fractionated coconut oil. -Liz R, FL

I prefer using FCO because of its multiple benefits for promoting health and good skin. You simply can’t go wrong in using it. I’ve got sensitive skin and have had to quit using many of the other oils for skin application due to breakouts, including oiliness as I do not have dry skin. -Leslie A, FL

Soothing and non-greasy feeling, fractionated coconut oil has been my go to for most blends. -Brittany M, TN

I love using coconut oil in general, but fractionated coconut oil works better for me when making rollers and different recipes. It does not have a strong smell, it leaves my skin feeling soft, and it is clear in color. -Amanda R, CA

I like using fractionated coconut oil because it absorbs quickly in the skin, leaving no lingering residue. It is also unscented, so it does not compete with the oils scent. It has a lower price point than other carrier oils, more cost effective! -Dawn, MI

2. Jojoba Oil

I love using Jojoba oil as my carrier oil, especially for my face as it doesn’t clog pores like some of the other carrier oils. It has a light pleasant smell so it doesn’t take away the smell of the essential oils. -Angie T, CO

Jojoba oil is a great carrier oil. It is not pore clogging and is a great moisturizer for dry, thirsty skin. It accepts other oils well and sinks into the skin quickly. Jojoba oil is an excellent carrier oil choice. -Michele M, CA

Jojoba leaves your skin silky smooth. I use it with eucalyptus oil and massage it into legs and feet. Not greasy like some other carriers. -Julie F, MI

I love jojoba oil due to its long shelf life, lightweight skin feel, and lack of smell. I can use it on my face as well without breaking out which makes it a perfect carrier oil for skin care recipes. It’s a rich oil so a little goes a long way, making it a better value than it appears on first glance. -Sherrie K, MN

I love using jojoba as a carrier oil because it's not only great for the skin, it is also great for split ends or dry hair. My go to for my hair is a blend of orange & vanilla. I put it on my dry ends and it helps smooth them out before my next haircut and the uplifting citrus with soft vanilla keeps me going through the work day. -Amber W, NY

3. Sweet Almond Oil

I really like all listed just depends on what recipe I need it for. Almond oil is the one that I am using because it is what I have on hand currently. Absorbs quickly and doesn't leave a greasy feeling. -Carol A, KS

I like sweet almond oil, it absorbs into my skin quickly. -Dorene D, CO

I use the non scented sweet almond oil so the true oil aroma comes through, I also like the fact that my skin absorbs it easily and it is non greasy. -Cheryl G, OH

Sweet almond oil feels great on my skin and has no scent. -Barbara D, SC

It is great for my skin not irritating just a natural feeling! -Mable H

4. Virgin Coconut Oil

Organic virgin coconut oil, nothing beats the way It feels on the body, like instant healing. Its clean and free from chemicals which feels good to my soul. Oh, and the smell is wonderful, it takes you to a very positive place in the mind. -Christine S, MI

Coconut oil for the clean, fresh smell and its variety of uses. -Rebekah R, OH

Virgin coconut oil makes my skin smooth. -Dawn M, NY

5. Grapeseed Oil

Grapeseed oil is light, non-comedogenic, and great for those prone to oily skin. -Stacy H, KS

I like that grapeseed oil comes from the pressed seeds of grapes and I noticed my skin is softer and more evenly toned when I use it regularly. I like it in my massage oil blends. -Jenna L, CA

More Carrier Oil Options

Some others carrier oils our fans liked included V6 Oil (name brand blend of oils), Apricot Kernel Oil, Rosehip Oil, Avocado Oil, Argan Oil, and Olive Oil.

I have drier skin and avocado oil leaves my skin feeling moisturized but not oily. The scent is light also so it doesn't interfere with the essential oils. -Katrina S, WA

I use rosehip oil for my face but fractionated coconut for everything else and my kids. -Shawna B, NY

Olive oil, I always have it on hand, as do most people.  -Kimberly P, ID

I like the way apricot kernel oil feels on my skin and moisturizes very well. -Heather, OH

Skin soaks argan oil up, no residue. No greasy feeling. -Tom K, OH

I love V-6 carrier oil because it moisturizes and nourishes the skin. -Marie N, MS

Where to Buy Essential Oils?

Essential oils are great because not only do they make you feel good physically but mentally as well. I love having them around since they have so many benefits like clearing the air of bad odors and improving moods by releasing calming scents in your home or office!

We are frequently asked what essential oil brand we like, here are some of our favorites:

Share on Pinterest

How to Use Carrier Oils with Essential Oils - Fan Favorites Revealed by Loving Essential Oils
Get answers on top essential oil questions for beginners to seasoned pros.

Frequently Asked Questions on Essential Oils

Essential oils are great because not only do they make you feel good physically, but mentally as well. I love having them around since they have so many benefits, like clearing the air of bad odors and improving moods. They can releasing calming scents in your home or office when used in a diffuser!

Essential oils are popular as all-natural, homeopathic remedies for everyday health issues. From headache pain to sleep issues, many people have reported positive results from essential oils. Yet despite their growing popularity, there is still much confusion and many misunderstandings about what they are and how they can be used safely and effectively.

We've compiled our top frequently asked questions (FAQs) in therapeutic essential oil use.

Guides on Recipes with Essential Oils, Aromatherapy Diffuser Blends, and Beginners eBook

Popular Essential Oil Guides

Loving Essential Oils recipe guide Recipes with essential oils guide by Loving essential oils
Ultimate Essential Oil Recipes Guide
$ 9.99 $ 19.99
DIY Essential Oil Recipes Ultimate Guide - Download/Printable Instant digital download delivered to your email inbox Using essential oils for natural health and wellness can be really amazing. In this Ultimate DIY Recipes Guide you will learn simple ways to make homemade recipe with essential oils. I love making DIY products to replace store bought items and strive for a chemical and toxin free home. I enjoy using aromatherapy and essential oils every day to keep my family and myself healthy and happy. My hope with this recipe guide is to help you do the same for yourself and your family and friends. 150+ Easy & Effective Essential Oil Blends Ultimate Guide Includes: How to Make Essential Oil Recipes Items Needed for Recipe Making 8 Inhaler Blends for Energy 5 Peppermint Air Fresheners 5 Summer Roll Ons 7 Oily Blends for Mom 4 Lavender & Lemongrass Blends 4 Pain Butter Blends 6 EO Bathroom Recipes 4 Blends for Sore Feet 5 Immunity Blends for Kids PLUS MANY MORE RECIPES! Format: PDF download Author: Jennifer Lane, LovingEssentialOils.com Pages: 40+ (see photo below) *This is a digital download, nothing will be shipped. No refunds available on digital downloads.
essential oil difuser guide with DIY recipes and blends essential oil diffusing guide for sale
Essential Oil Diffusers - How To and Recipes Guide
$ 9.99 $ 19.99
Essential Oil Diffuser - How To Guide for Diffusing Instant digital download delivered to your email inbox How To Guide for Aromatherapy Diffusing With 200+ Diffuser Blends Diffusion. If you have ever been around anyone who loves using essential oils, chances are you have heard this world before. You may have heard them talk about diffusing their favorite essential oils, or the new diffuser that they just bought. Maybe you didn't know what they were talking about though. That's okay. In the guide we are going to be talking about everything diffusion - what it means, what diffusers are, how to diffuse, PLUS tons of diffuser blend recipes. By the time you are done reading this, you'll be a pro at diffusing essential oils. 40 page Diffuser Guide Includes: What are Essential Oil Diffusers? Benefits of Essential Oil Diffusers Different Types of Diffusers Diffuser Safety Guidelines How Long Should I Run My Diffuser? What Oils Can I Diffuse? How Much Essential Oil to Use How Can I Mix My Own Diffuser Blends? How to Diffuse Essential Oils How to Clean a Diffuser 200+ Diffuser Blend Recipes Blank Diffuser Blend Recipe Template Format: PDF download Author: Jennifer Lane, LovingEssentialOils.com Pages: 40 (see photo below) *This is a digital download, nothing will be shipped. No refunds available on digital downloads.
Essential Oils Beginner Guide by Loving essential oils beginners guide to essential oils by loving essential oils
Essential Oil Guide for Beginners - Getting Started
$ 5.99 $ 12.99
Beginner's Essential Oil Guide - Download/Printable Instant digital download delivered to your email inbox Learn how to safely and effectively make essential oils a part of your everyday life. Everything you need to know about essential oils. If you have ever been around anyone who loves using essential oils, chances are you have heard all the wonderful health and wellness benefits they have experienced from using them. Avoid the overwhelm and learn exactly what you need to know in this guide that is chock-full of information perfect for beginning essential oil users. In the guide we are going to be talking about everything essential oils - what they are, how they can help you, ways to use them, PLUS essential oil blend recipes. 30+ page Beginner's Guide Includes: Essential Oil Basics Benefits of Essential Oils Essential Oil Safety Guidelines Skin Patch Testing Phototoxic Essential Oils Diluting Essential Oils Using Essential Oils Essential Oils Head to Toes Common Essential Oil Uses Top 10 Essential Oils Diffusing Essential Oils Beginner Diffuser Blends Easy Inhaler Blends Blank Essential Oil Recipe Cards Template By the time you are done reading this guide, you will be able to confidently add essential oils to your daily routine. Guide will be delivered by email. Format: PDF download Author: Jennifer Lane, LovingEssentialOils.com Pages: 30+ (see photo below) *This is a digital download, nothing will be shipped. No refunds available on digital downloads.
Aromatherapy Checklists - Essential Oil Uses Guide Aromatherapy Checklists - Essential Oil Uses Guide
Aromatherapy Checklists - Essential Oil Uses Guide
$ 5.99 $ 12.99
Instant digital download delivered to your email inbox There are plenty of supportive essential oils waiting to assist you in your daily life for common issues that come up. Be well equipped and confident in your essential oil choices with these easy to read Aromatherapy Checklists! The chosen oils on the checklists will help guide your path. Finding what works best for YOU and your loved ones is part of the aromatherapy journey! Aromatherapy Checklists Includes: Basic Safety Precautions 20 Must Have Essential Oils checklist Common Essential Oil Tools and DIY Ingredients Oils for Digestion Oils for Lack of Sleep Oils for Allergies Oils for Stress Oils for Headaches Oils for Bad Odors DIY Recipes and Blends And so much more!! Format: PDF download Author: Jennifer Lane, LovingEssentialOils.com Pages: 33 (see photo below) *This is a digital download, nothing will be shipped. No refunds available on digital downloads.
Essential Oil Cleaning Guide with Printable Labels Essential Oil Cleaning Guide with Printable Labels
Essential Oil Cleaning Guide with Printable Labels
$ 4.99 $ 9.95
Instant digital download delivered to your email inbox Looking for a safe and easy way to clean your home?Learn how to naturally clean your home with essential oils! You can get rid of all the toxic chemical cleaning products and enjoy natural cleaning with this DIY Guide. Plus get printable DIY Printable Labels. Essential Oil Cleaning Guide Includes: Best Essential Oils for Cleaning Ingredients for Natural Cleaning 30 DIY Cleaning Recipes Essential Oil Safety Precautions Printable Cleaning Label sheets Format: PDF download Author: Jennifer Lane, LovingEssentialOils.com Pages: 27 (see photo below) *This is a digital download, nothing will be shipped. No refunds available on digital downloads.
Essential Oils for Mood and Emotions guide for emotions and essential oils
Essential Oils Guide for Emotions
$ 5.99 $ 9.99
Essential Oils and Emotions Guide Instant digital download delivered to your email inbox Do you ever wonder why our emotions often dictate how we feel physically? Learn how to use Essential Oils to support your emotional wellness. You will also find out about the connection between emotions and essential oils. Guide teaches: Why Use Essential Oils for Emotions How to Use Essential Oils for Emotions DIY Inhaler Recipes for Emotional Well-being How to Use a Diffuser with Diffuser Blends List of Emotions that Essential Oils Promote and Address Format: PDF download Author: Jennifer Lane, LovingEssentialOils.com Pages: 17 *This is a digital download, nothing will be shipped. No refunds available on digital downloads.
Follow Us: