Complete Guide to Carrier Oils

Unlock the potential of carrier oils in your skincare routine. These natural plant oils are essential for nourishing and protecting your skin, and they play a crucial role in enhancing the benefits of essential oils. Dive into our guide to learn about the unique properties and uses of various carrier oils.

What are Carrier Oils?

Carrier or base oils are naturally derived from the fatty portions of plants, such as seeds, kernels, or nuts. Each carrier oil offers its own distinct properties and benefits. They can be used alone or combined with other oils to nourish your skin and blend with essential oils. The term "carrier oils" comes from their role in carrying essential oils onto your skin. Carrier oils are also known as base oils.

Carrier oils are essential in your vegan skincare routine as they are important for applying essential oils topically to your skin. Undiluted essential oils can cause severe irritation, sensitisation, and redness. While essential oils often take centre stage in discussions about natural skincare, carrier oils play a critical role in skincare. They provide a nourishing and moisturising base, forming the backbone of an effective vegan skincare regime. Carrier oils are mostly unscented and packed with vitamins and nutrients, making them excellent for your skin.

A Comparison of "Wet" & "Dry" Oils

The terms "wet" and "dry" describe different types of oils based on their texture and absorption rate on the skin.

Wet Oils

Wet oils are typically heavier with higher viscosity, leaving a noticeable oily residue. They are highly beneficial for dry, flaky skin or eczema, providing intense hydration and improving the skin's barrier function. Examples include coconut oil, avocado oil, jojoba oil, sunflower oil, and sweet almond oil.

Dry Oils

Dry oils have a lighter consistency and are more easily absorbed by the skin, leaving little to no residue. They are ideal for those seeking a moisturising boost without a heavy, oily feel. Examples include argan oil, rosehip oil, and grapeseed oil.

The Benefits of Different Types of Carrier Oils

Wet and dry oils play a vital role in every Oleo product. These oils, each with their unique properties, are crucial for nourishing and protecting the skin and hair. To help you understand their importance in our skin and hair care range, here is a guide to some of them and their benefits.

Sweet Almond Oil (Prunus amygdalus dulcis)

Virtually odourless and fairly light, this oil is readily absorbed by the skin. It has a soothing effect and is well tolerated by most skin types. It helps leave the skin soft and smooth. Rich in vitamins A, B1, B2, and B6, and a small amount of vitamin E, it nourishes and protects the skin, calming irritation. Consequently, it features in several of our facial moisturisers, including Replenishing Facial Moisturiser and Frankincense Supreme, and all of our vegan body moisturisers.

Apricot Kernel Oil (Prunus armeniaca)

Light and odourless, this oil is similar to almond oil. It is suitable for the face and other delicate skin areas. Containing vitamin A and some B vitamins, it supports the skin's protective barrier, improving elasticity and tone. We include it in our Light Facial Moisturising Cream and Orange Blossom Cleansing Cream.

Argan Oil (Argania spinosa)

Rich in alpha tocopherols, carotene, phytosterols, and omega 6, argan oil stimulates, protects, and regenerates the skin, helping it remain soft, supple, and elastic. Topically, it provides intense conditioning benefits to dry and dehydrated skin and hair. It helps restore, regenerate, and restructure the epidermis by increasing the nutrient content of skin cells. With its antioxidant properties, it is a key ingredient in our Essential Skin Serum.

Rosehip Seed Oil (Rosa mosqueta)

Extracted from rose bush seeds, this oil is ideal for those with pigmentation issues, dry skin, or wrinkles. It contains tretinoin, which promotes cell turnover while delivering deep hydration. Packed with essential fatty acids including omega 3 and 6, it helps reduce inflammation and encourages the regeneration and repair of skin tissue. It's a key ingredient in our Replenishing Facial Moisturiser, Gentle Eye Cream, and Essential Skin Serum.

Sunflower Oil (Helianthus annuus)

High in vitamins A, B, D, and E, minerals, lecithin, inulin, and unsaturated fatty acids, sunflower oil is very nourishing for the skin. This versatile oil is suitable for all skin types and is used in hair care for structurally damaged hair. It is a very dry oil that spreads easily and absorbs quickly. It can be found in our vegan body moisturisers and facial moisturisers.

Coconut Oil (Cocos nucifera)

Fractionated coconut oil, a refined version extracted to contain only medium-chain triglycerides, is liquid at room temperature. It is one of the few oils that can penetrate the hair strand, preventing protein loss and making hair more resistant to mechanical damage, which is why it is included in our Rosemary & Nettle Hair Conditioner. It is an important ingredient in vegan hair care products.

Unfractionated coconut oil, a combination of short-, medium-, and long-chain fatty acids, is solid at room temperature. We heat it gently to include it in our massage balms. It absorbs slowly into the skin, providing an ideal medium for massage, offering perfect slippage. It is very moisturising and creates an oily, protective barrier on the skin.

Olive Oil (Olea europaea)

Rich in oleic acid, vitamins A and E, and phytosterols, olive oil is a mono-unsaturated oil. Extra virgin olive oil offers strong antioxidants that help repair and renew skin damaged by sun exposure, air pollution, and other environmental hazards. It is most suitable for dry skin and is a major component of our massage balms and hand-blended soaps.

Wheatgerm Oil (Triticum vulgare)

Naturally rich in vitamin E, this powerful antioxidant soothes the skin and protects it from free radical damage. With a rich texture, it is high in essential fatty acids, restoring moisture and promoting younger-looking skin. This lovely oil is great for damaged and ageing skin. It is found in our Replenishing Facial Moisturiser and Rich Moisturising Hand Cream.

Carrier oils provide many amazing benefits for your skin – especially when synergised with essential oils. Blending the correct oils in the right proportions can produce spectacular results, helping to soften wrinkles and bringing softness, suppleness, and radiance to your skin.

These are just a selection of the wonderful plant oils that make Oleo vegan skincare products so special.