Whether you are looking for a plain carrier oil or one to blend with other ingredients, there are so many available on the market it can be difficult to decide which oil is right for you. To help make the decision easier we will give you a quick guide of the most popular oils that are available and what their main properties are.
- Texture – very lightweight and easily absorbed.
- Benefits – rich in vitamins and minerals
- Best for – sensitive and irritated skin, a popular choice for facial massage and facial skincare blends.
Argan Oil:
- Texture – medium to heavy.
- Benefits – rich in antioxidants, vitamin E and essential fatty acids.
- Best for – skin, hair and nails, this oil (sometimes called Moroccan Oil) is often used in haircare for its nourishing and conditioning properties.
Avocado Oil:
- Texture – medium and versatile.
- Benefits – rich in vitamins and essential fatty acids, avocado oil is very nourishing making it a very moisturising oil.
- Best for – skin, hair and body, a good oil for facial massage and facial oil blends, particularly for drier skin types.
Borage Oil:
- Texture – a light to medium texture oil.
- Benefits – rich in vitamins, minerals and GLAs (Gamma linolenic acids) this soothing oil is particularly suited for drier, irritated skin types.
- Best for – face and body, particularly good for those with irritated and inflamed skin can be used on its own or as a blend.
- Texture – a rich honey-like consistency.
- Benefits – rich in essential fatty acids, castor oil is extremely nourishing with soothing properties, particularly useful dry or irritated skin or scalp or to nourish and condition hair.
- Best for – drier skin and hair types, this oil also works well when used as a blend.
Coconut Oil:
- Texture – a light, nourishing oil with a high ‘slip’ making it popular for massage.
- Benefits – rich in vitamins, minerals and fatty acids, coconut oil is intensely hydrating and soothing on the skin.
- Best for – massage.
- Texture – a light yet nourishing oil particularly suited for dry skin.
- Benefits – high in omega 6, this oil is soothing, nourishing and particularly suited for mature skin.
- Best for – face and hair, a good choice for sensitised skin.
- Texture – light and non-sticky with a high ‘slip’ making it a popular choice for massage.
- Benefits – soothing and gentle on the skin, helping to lock in moisture.
- Best for – face and body massage, including baby massage.
Hazelnut Oil:
- Texture – a nourishing oil that absorbs well into the skin.
- Benefits – high in vitamin E, antioxidants and fatty acids, this oil has slight astringent properties making it an excellent choice for oily/combination skin types.
- Best for – facial massage and facial oil blends.
- Texture – a nourishing, slightly viscous oil.
- Benefits – rich in antioxidants, vitamins and omega 6 & 9, this versatile oil has many properties making it excellent for use in skincare.
- Best for – an extremely versatile oil, suitable for all skin types including oily.
- Texture – a medium nourishing oil that absorbs well into the skin.
- Benefits – high in vitamin E and rich in antioxidants and fatty acids.
- Best for – face, hair and body, especially good for oily and combination skin and can be used for baby massage.
Macadamia Nut Oil:
- Texture – rich, moisturising and emollient.
- Benefits – rich in nutrients and vitamin E this nourishing oil is particularly good for drier, stressed skin.
- Best for – facial massage and facial oil blends.
- Texture – a thick, nourishing and highly viscous oil.
- Benefits – rich in essential fatty acids, vitamin E, triglycerides and antioxidants with antibacterial properties.
- Best for – drier and irritated skin and itchy, flaky scalps, due to its high viscosity this oil works best as a blend with other lighter carrier oils.
Oat Oil:
- Texture – a rich and nourishing oil that is readily absorbed by the skin.
- Benefits – rich in lipids, ceramides and antioxidants, this oil helps to maintain a healthy skin barrier function and reduce water loss.
- Best for – great for face, body and hair. Suitable for all skin types, including acne prone and sensitive. Can be blended with lighter oils for those with combination/oily skin.
- Texture – fine and easily absorbed.
- Benefits – nourishing for skin, hair and nails.
- Best for – facial massage
- Texture – non-greasy and easily absorbed.
- Benefits – rich in vitamins, antioxidants and essential fatty acids.
- Best for – scars, wrinkles, stretch marks and pigmentation.
Sesame Oil:
- Texture – a nourishing oil with a medium consistency.
- Benefits – rich and vitamin E and antioxidants, this soothing oil has antibacterial properties.
- Best for – drier skin types and ayurvedic massage.
Sunflower Oil:
- Texture – lightweight and moisturising.
- Benefits – rich in vitamins A and E, this oil is lightweight yet moisturising.
- Best for – suitable for all skin types, this is a popular oil with massage therapists.
- Texture – ‘medium’ massage slip.
- Benefits – rich in vitamins and essential fatty acids, this oil is gentle nourishing and versatile.
- Best for – a popular choice for massage including on babies’ delicate skin.
*The content found on this post is for informational and educational purposes only. The information provided has been collected from other sources to inform you about the possible benefits of herbs, essential oils, and other natural ingredients. The information provided is not meant to substitute the advice provided by your personal health professional. Do not use the information found within this post to self-diagnose any medical conditions or treat any health problems or diseases. Please consult your qualified health professional should you have any concerns. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, please contact your physician before using any products – especially ones with essential oils. Essential Oils – use caution when using essential oils on the skin as they may cause irritation. Please use recommended amount of product.