Do you have sensitive skin and want to know what the best face oil for sensitive skin is?
In this article, I am going to run you through everything you will want to know about what carrier oils are, their benefits, and of course, which are the best choices for sensitive skin types.
There are many different types of carrier oils, and with so many options it can be super confusing to know which will suit your skin best. Do not fret, though; this guide is here to help!
I will be talking you through what carrier oils are, showing you the differences between unrefined and refined carrier oils and providing a list of my favourite carrier oils suited to sensitive skin. I hope this will help you decide which carrier oil is going to best suit you.
So which is the best carrier oil for sensitive skin? Keep reading to find out!
What Are Carrier Oils?
Carrier oils are oils that are derived from plants, and they are an essential aspect of aromatherapy and massage. They can also be referred to as vegetable oils or base oils, and there are many types available, from grape seed to apricot and almond, and each slightly varies in what benefits they have to offer.
Carrier oils are primarily used to dilute your essential oils to make them safe to apply directly to the skin. Hence the name “carrier oil” – which means to carry the essential oil to the skin. Essential oils, while potentially holding many benefits for your skin, can irritate if they are applied directly to the skin.
Carrier oils are great because they are often unscented and will not disrupt the wonderful scent and therapeutic properties of your essential oils. They can be used by themselves for benefits like skin nourishment or used with any essential oil/s of your choosing.
If you love your essential oils, carrier oils are a necessity and if you are eco-friendly, consider purchasing organic carrier oils! So which carrier oil is best for sensitive skin? Keep reading to find out my favorite picks!
Refined Vs Unrefined Carrier Oils
Unrefined vs refined carrier oils, which is best?
Refined oils are made by processes that include using high temperatures, bleaching and sometimes the adding of chemicals. These processes are performed for various reasons, such as removing the original scent of the carrier oil. They will often strip the carrier oil of some nutrients and potentially add additional chemicals during the refining process.
Unrefined oils or cold-pressed carrier oils are made without exposure to high temperatures or the addition of chemicals. The source of the oil, such as a nut, seed or bark, will be exposed to minimal processing involving pressing or squeezing the nut/seed to release the oils which involves using a mechanical extraction tool/machine. Unrefined oils can sometimes be known as virgin/extra virgin oils.
In terms of which oil is best, unrefined/cold-pressed is going to be the best option for the most natural and nutrient-dense oil. Unrefined/cold-pressed oils are better quality than refined versions. They will offer you the most benefits and decrease the likelihood of adverse reactions from the added chemicals sometimes present in refined oils. They will cost more, however, as they are more expense to produce.
My advice when searching for the best carrier oil for sensitive skin is to purchase the unrefined/cold-pressed version. However, if you want to purchase avocado oil, this is the one time I recommend purchasing the refined version, as the unrefined avocado oil is thick, dark green and heavy in the aroma.
Benefits of Carrier Oils On Your Skin
There are plenty of awesome benefits of carrier oils on your skin.
Carrier oils vary in the components they have to offer, and it all depends on what you want out of your carrier oil. Varying components include colour, absorption speed, consistency, nutrients and aroma.
For the majority, carrier oils contain minerals, vitamins, fatty acids and antioxidants, among other nutrients. These components are great for your skin and can address skin issues such as irritations and dryness by adding moisture and reducing itchiness. For these reasons, carrier oils are also great when used alone.
Carrier oils also play an important role in aromatherapy by delivering essential oils to the individual to increase physical and mental well-being. Another awesome way to use carrier oils is through reed diffusion or heating them with your essential oils.
So, what is the best carrier oil for sensitive skin? While there are many different types of carrier oils available, I have comprised a list of my favorite below! Keep reading to find out what they are.
Best Carrier Oil For Sensitive Skin
There is a heap of carrier oils you can use on sensitive skin for your essential oils. Below, I’ve included a list of my favorite carrier oils for sensitive skin. I hope this list helps you choose the best carrier oil suited to your skin needs.
Best Carrier Oil For Sensitive Acne Prone Skin: Jojoba Oil
Do you struggle with irritated, rough, dry or acne-prone skin?
If so, Jojoba oil may be a good choice of carrier oil for you. The properties of jojoba oil make it soothing, balancing and softening on your skin.
Jojoba oil is a light oil that is absorbed quite quickly into the skin, and it leaves a lovely silky texture on the skin. This carrier oil helps to control the production of oil on your skin, helping to keep it balanced, and so it is a good choice for those with oily, acne-prone skin.
Although it is called jojoba oil, this carrier is not an oil. It is a liquid wax with a melting point of 10 degrees celcius which makes it one of the most occlusive agents of all vegetable oils. Jojoba oil forms a very thin layer on the skin, which in turn helps prevent moisture loss.
It contains anti-inflammatory properties as well, which makes it good for dry skin issues such as psoriasis or eczema. It also contains a high amount of antioxidants which help to extend the shelf life of this product.
Best Carrier Oil For Dry Sensitive Skin: Rosehip Oil
Rosehip oil is one of my favourite carrier oils, and it is a great choice for those experiencing sensitive, ageing, dry and oily skin. This carrier oil contains nutrients that make it healing, rejuvenating and regenerating on the skin. Helping to repair dry skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis and damaged skin. It can also reduce the appearance of ageing, acne and scars.
Rosehip oil contains all sorts of beneficial nutrients for the skin. In particular, the two essential fatty acids, linoleic and alpha-linolenic acids, help the skin with anti-ageing. For this reason, it is said to be one of the best anti-ageing carrier oils.
Rosehip oil is a yellow colour, it has a light aroma that is barely detectable and it is fast absorbing into the skin.
Avocado Oil
Avocado oil is another great choice of carrier oil. It can be used on all skin types and is particularly great for individuals with ageing and/or dry skin/eczema.
Avocado oil is available in two forms, refined and unrefined.
Unrefined avocado oil is a dark green colour, it is strong in scent, and it has a thick consistency. Refined avocado oil comes without a scent; it has no colour and is a thin consistency.
If you are using your avocado oil for dilution with your essential oils for the scent, I would recommend purchasing the refined variety, as the unrefined avocado oil can take away from the scent of your essential oils.
Both refined and unrefined avocado oil will quickly absorb into the skin. They are both full of essential fatty acids, vitamin E, D and various minerals. Both varieties are helpful in skin regeneration, skin softening and anti ageing.
A rich, long-lasting and nourishing oil that will help to prevent moisture loss on the skin.
Apricot Kernel Oil
Apricot kernel oil is a good choice of carrier oil for individuals experiencing sensitive, mature and dry skin. This oil absorbs slowly into the skin, which makes it a great choice for massage, perfume roller balls and more.
This oil contains emollient qualities that help smooth and soften your skin. It also contains high levels of essential fatty acids linoleic and oleic acids, minerals and vitamins, all of which are nourishing for the skin. It has antibacterial, antiseptic and antioxidant properties that can help with environmental pollutants and breakouts on the skin.
Apricot kernel oil is a great oil for enhancing your skin tone, maintaining softness and smoothness on the skin and enhancing the radiance of your skin. It is also great for reducing the look of wrinkles and scars.
Grapeseed oil
Grapeseed oil is a wonderful choice for individuals experiencing oily skin and for those looking to use their carrier oil for reed diffusers.
This carrier oil is said to be the thinnest and lightest of the carrier oils. Its aroma is barely noticeable which makes it a great choice for reed diffusers, perfume roller balls and more.
Grapeseed oil can assist with breakouts and redness on the skin, and it is useful for calming and balancing the skin’s oil production. It contains astringent qualities which help to tone and tighten your pores and can also reduce the look of stretch marks and scars.
If you are totally unsure about what carrier oil to buy, grape seed oil is a good start as it is a great option for all skin types and can be used in a number of ways.
Evening Primrose Oil
Evening primrose oil is a good choice for every skin type, particularly individuals with acne prone skin, dry, oily or mature skin types.
This carrier oil is thin, light and quickly absorbed into your skin. It is high in essential fatty acids like gamma linolenic acid and linoleic acid which are great for your skin. It also contains vitamins and minerals, and emollient properties that help keep your skin looking and feeling soft and smooth by maintaining your skin’s moisture.
Evening primrose oil can be used to assist in skin regeneration, anti-age, soothe your skin, retain moisture, and treating dry skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema.
Castor Oil
Castor oil is a very popular choice of carrier oil and for good reason. It is great for individuals with dry and mature skin and for treating dry skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema.
Castor oil is one of the slowest absorbing oils into the skin, it is very soothing and, when applied leaves behind a shiny and thick protective layer that is awesome for making balms and salves.
Castor oil can also be used to make cleansing skin care products as it has the ability to attract dirt and then draw it away from the skin, almost like a dirt magnet. It also contains anti-inflammatory properties which are good for helping to reduce skin puffiness, irritations and redness.
Sunflower Oil
Sunflower oil is another great choice of carrier oil as it is a light oil that is absorbed fairly quickly into the skin and it is great for any skin type, particularly dry, rough and irritated skin.
This carrier oil is high in essential fatty acids oleic and linoleic acids, vitamin E; which is an antioxidant and various minerals. These properties help to make sunflower oil very nourishing for your skin and can help address skin concerns like ageing and dryness.
Conclusion
Carrier oils are a useful and an essential part of natural skincare and aromatherapy. They are soothing, moisturising, and nutrient-rich and can be used in many different ways.
Finding the best carrier oil for your needs will help you receive the greatest benefits!
I hope you have enjoyed this guide on the best carrier oils for sensitive skin, and I hope I have answered all your questions!
Click here to find all our guides to DIY beauty, using oils with vitamin c, our complete guide to rosacea oil cleansing here or read more about rosehip oil, castor oil here or jojoba oil here.
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