Carrier oils in cosmetics: everything you need to know

Would you like to make the switch to 100% natural cosmetics or try some DIY recipes at home? Knowing a little more about carrier oils will help you achieve your goal. They're widely used in natural skincare products, and for good reason: they're packed with nutrients for your skin and hair. 

Composition of carrier oils

Carrier oils are mainly made of fatty acids and vitamins:

• Omega 6, 3 and 9: fatty acids which contribute to the formation of cell membranes and have a protective effect for the skin.
• Vitamins A. D, E and K which protect tissues from degeneration and have multiple antioxidant properties.

However, not all carrier oils on the market are created equal. The presence and percentage of nutrients vary depending on the chosen oil and it was extracted.

How are carrier oils made ?

Carrier oils are obtained by pressing the organs of oleaginous plants, for example seeds (sweet almond, hemp), nuts (macadamia) or sometimes the pulp (avocado, coconut). First cold pressing is the extraction method that best preserves the level of fatty acid and vitamins in the oil. It is mechanical and carried out at low temperature, unlike hot pressing, which allows the oil to be obtained more quickly but at the expense of the nutrients and vitamins that compose it.

How to choose your carrier oil ?

Prioritize oils extracted by first cold pressing and preferably organic to be sure to benefit from a good level of nutrients. Also, read what is written on the product label to ensure its quality. The description must mention that it is an oil obtained by cold pressing.

Best carrier oils to use in cosmetics

• Apricot kernel oil: composed of Omega 6, 9 and vitamin A, it is a hypoallergenic oil tolerated by all skin types and that can be used as a cleansing oil or be integrated into any DIY preparation for the skin and the hair.
• Sweet almond oil: composed of Omega 6, 9 and vitamin A and E, it is perfect for dry, fragile or irritated skin and suitable for the whole family, even babies.
• Jojoba oil:composed of Omega 9, it is a sebum regulating oil suitable for combination and oily skin and for revitalizing the hair.
• Hemp oil: composed of Omega 6, 3 and 9 (exceptionally rich in Omega 6 and 3), it is perfect for anti-wrinkle care, dehydrated skin and for massages.
• Castor oil: composed of Omega 6 and 9, it is very useful for accelerating hair and beard growth and for strengthening nails.
• Rosehip oil: composed of Omega 6, 3 and 9 and vitamins A, D and E, it is your ally for anti-aging care and the treatment of stretch marks and scars.
• Argan oil: composed of Omega 6, 9 and rich in antioxidant vitamin E, it is particularly suitable for the care of dry skin, anti-wrinkle care and hair care.

Related article:

• Understand the difference between plant extracts: essential oils, carrier oils, macerated oils, hydrosols