Many artisanal and specialty skincare products focus on using natural oils and butters as a base to their products. These are called “carrier oils”, and the most common ones are shea butter, cocoa butter, argan and jojoba. Before we go into why these (and their friends) are chosen, let’s explain the difference between carrier and essential oils.
Essential Oils
Essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts. They are primarily used as a scent in other products (think lavender, sandalwood, geranium). In fact, essential oils when used on their own against the skin can cause irritations or even chemical burns, and some are phototoxic (meaning they cause burns on your skin when exposed to sunlight), and citrus oils are the most common culprit here. Essential oils each have properties that make them experts at helping with different problems but it’s important to do thorough research if you plan to make your own skincare products. Here’s a very small selection:
- Tea Tree is great for fighting acne due to its antimicrobial properties
- Citrus (orange, eucalyptus, lemon) cuts through grease as well as helping your kitchen to smell fabulous
- Frankincense promotes cellular regeneration, making it excellent for fading scars
- Lavender has long been associated with promoting better sleep and reducing stress
- Chamomile is your go-to for calming angry skin conditions like eczema and rashes
- Geranium mimics the skin’s natural oils to find that healthy balance between dry and oily
Carrier Oils
Carrier oils and base butters are derived from seeds, nuts and vegetables. They are the vehicles used to carry other ingredients safely onto your skin. Like the essential oils, they all have slightly different qualities, so take a look below to find out which one is best for you:
- Jojoba is chemically similar to your skin’s natural sebum so it is absorbed more deeply
- Argan is packed with antioxidants, improving skin elasticity which gives it a name for being anti-aging
- Rosehip is used for scarred or aging skin, and is particularly good at reducing sun spots due to it containing high concentrations of provitamin A
- Shea butter is a fat rather than an oil, but is still considered a “carrier oil” because it serves the same purpose. Shea butter creates a breathable barrier on your skin, locking in moisture. This makes it popular for use in body butters, which are often whipped with another carrier oil to make it more spreadable.
Find Your Base
As with any new skincare product, you’ll want to try a few different ones before you find Goldilocks – the one that’s just right for you. Here’s a helpful guide to get you started:
For acne-prone skin - jojoba oil (mimics natural sebum to prevent overproduction)
For mature skin - rosehip oil (high in provitamin A for "natural retinol" effects)
For dry/flaky skin - sweet almond oil (ultra-emollient to soften rough patches)
For sensitive skin - apricot kernel oil (extremely gentle and light)
We're always happy to help, so please send us a message if you'd like further guidance.