Best Carrier Oil for Sensitive Skin: Ultimate Overview

best carrier oil for sensitive skin

Are you ready to zone in on the best carrier oil for sensitive skin? Even if you’ve never tried using oil before, this article is beginner-friendly. If you are already a fan, just browsing, or looking for something new to try, there may be some interesting tidbits for you, too.

Without further ado, let’s dive in.

Table of Contents

Understanding Carrier Oils

Natural Origins

Carrier oils, as the name suggests, are used to “carry” essential oils onto your skin. Alternatively, they are sometimes called vegetable oils. And I have to add that I don’t particularly like either of those terms. Here’s why.

While they are technically correct, they fail to convey the magic. “Essential oils” sounds great. Carrier oils? Vegetable oils? Not so much.

In the first case, it suggests carrier oils are merely an auxiliary to essential oils. These oils are typically derived from plants, seeds, or nuts and have a variety of skin benefits. They can do so much good for the skin, even on their own! To view them as mere vessels for the delivery of essential oils does not do carrier oils justice. That is but one of their potential uses.

The term ‘vegetable oils’, on the other hand, makes these precious oils sound like they’re meant for cooking. Or to feed your hipster friend’s self-built hybrid car. It doesn’t make me feel sexy to slap cooking oil (or engine oil) on my face, body, or hair.

For lack of a better alternative, though, we’ll roll with carrier oils from hereon forward. Because: a rose by any other name… Right?!

Carrier oils are especially useful for sensitive skin for at least two reasons:

  • If you like to use essential oils, they’ll dilute those properly, making them less likely to cause irritation.
  • And if your skin is so sensitive that even essential oils can not be tolerated, then carrier oils are still very, very useful on their own.

It is for good reason that natural and organic skincare lines often have at least one or more face oils or body oils in their product range. Oil is amazing – provided that you know how to use it and choose the right oil for your skin.

Choosing the Best Carrier Oil for Sensitive Skin

There are so many carrier oils. Their sheer number makes it hard to choose! Especially if you have never used oils before, it is virtually impossible to consider all carrier oils before making a choice.

When looking for a carrier oil for your sensitive skin, ultimately you’ll have to throw a dart at one that sounds good on paper.

Of course, I’m hoping to make that a little bit easier for you, by giving you clear information and personal tips. As a heavy user, I got a few of those up my sleeve. 😉

(And don’t worry, I am absolutely not into MLM marketing, so you won’t be bugged with pushy sales pitches for a certain brand here!)

Next, we’ll discuss factors like your skin type, the properties of the oil, and your desired skincare benefits. By incorporating carrier oils into your routine, you can enjoy their natural benefits and enhance the effectiveness of your essential oils.

Choosing a carrier oil for your sensitive skin is very personal, so please keep in mind that these are my preferences. Someone else may be completely smitten with Grapeseed, Safflower, or Hemp seed oil.

The best thing you can do for your skin is to make a choice, and if it turns out to be disappointing, make a different one. Many carrier oils are suited to sensitive skin, and it’s worth the experiment.

As with anything new that we’re somewhat hesitant about, buying from a place with a solid return policy is a great safety net. Which can be as simple as ordering from Amazon. (Yes, I know, I know… even though they are overtaking the world.) It’s hard to beat the convenience. And these days, you can definitely find great suppliers there, selling a variety of high-quality, organic, cold-pressed, unrefined oils.

Factors to Consider for Sensitive Skin

Skin Type Compatibility

Whether you have dry, oily, combination, or acne-prone skin, the right carrier oil can help balance your skin and provide needed nourishment.

Without getting too technical, every oil has a specific chemical profile. Oils consist of different fatty acids in various ratios, and other substances that have certain effects on our skin. This is what makes one oil feel heavier, while another feels lighter, and the reason some carrier oils are more likely to cause clogged pores than others.

In addition, vegetable or carrier oils can contain certain vitamins and other active components such as retinol.

For example, Jojoba oil is suitable for all skin types due to its similarity to human sebum.

Coconut oil is typically more comedogenic, so it could cause clogged pores and breakouts.

Rosehip oil is high in vitamin A and has a well-deserved spot in the beauty “hall of fame” for its skin-brightening properties.

Non-Comedogenic

A non-comedogenic carrier oil is essential for those with sensitive and acne-prone skin. Non-comedogenic oils do not clog pores and thus help prevent breakouts. This rating comes in the form of a number on a scale of 0 to 10.

Some non-comedogenic oils to consider are:

  • Grapeseed oil: lightweight, penetrates the skin quickly, and helps fade scars.
  • Argan oil: light, silky, and easily absorbed; ideal for oily skin.

There is a caveat. Certain oils that have a slightly higher comedogenic rating can still be a great choice, even if your skin tends to suffer from breakouts or clogged pores.

Jojoba oil, for example, has a rating of 2 (out of 10), however, due to its unique chemical composition and properties, this oil rarely causes issues.

Okay, fine – you’ve probably noticed my bias by now. 😉 Yes, I do really like Jojoba oil.

Funny story: When hearing good things about Strawberry seed oil, I ordered this one online and started using it. It did great things for my skin and I quickly became smitten. Later, upon closer inspection of the label, I realized that it consisted, in fact, of Strawberry seed oil in Jojoba oil. Later again, when I tried this Strawberry seed oil, I found it to be much more sticky, thick, and overall less pleasant in use. So I was loving Jojoba oil without even knowing it.

Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Incorporating a carrier oil with anti-inflammatory properties can help soothe and calm sensitive skin. Some anti-inflammatory carrier oils include:

  • Sea buckthorn oil: rich in 14 vitamins, antioxidants, and omega-3, 6, 7, and 9 fatty acids.
  • Baobab oil: deeply nourishing and wound healing, often used for eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, scars, and more.

Remember to always patch test any new carrier oil on a small area of your skin to ensure there are no adverse reactions. By considering these factors, you can find a carrier oil that suits your sensitive skin’s specific needs.

Top Carrier Oils for Sensitive Skin

Jojoba Oil

Jojoba Oil

Jojoba oil is a fantastic choice for your sensitive skin as it closely resembles the skin’s natural sebum. Technically a liquid wax, this is an excellent overall moisturizer for both dry and sensitive skin. Its non-greasy and lightweight properties make it easily absorbed, leaving your skin feeling soft and supple. This oil is sort of the Swiss army knife of oils. It can probably do something good for almost every skin type.

Here is a comparison of Rosehip oil vs Jojoba oil, looking at which one is best for each skin type.

Rosehip Oil

Rich in essential fatty acids and antioxidants, Rosehip oil can be used on sensitive skin. It helps to regenerate skin cells and reduce inflammation, which can be particularly beneficial if you suffer from acne or rosacea. Its light texture makes it an ideal choice for daily use. Personally, I find this is one of the best oils for my face and it is one of the most popular carrier oils in the beauty industry for a reason.

Here, I’ve compared Argan oil vs Jojoba oil in greater depth, also looking at which one is better for skin & hair.

Argan Oil

Argan oil is suitable for all skin types, being neither too heavy nor too light. It is rich in omega fatty acids, vitamin E, and linoleic acids, making it a fantastic addition to your skincare routine. It has moisturizing and nourishing properties, which can be especially helpful in managing dry patches or balancing oily skin.

In some cases, when comparing carrier oils they’ll have more similarities than differences. Then there are the oils that are clearly not very similar at all: Argan Oil vs Coconut Oil For Skin & Hair Care is a good example of the latter.

Kukui Oil

With its high content of essential fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants, Kukui oil is a perfect carrier oil for sensitive skin. It is quickly absorbed, providing deep hydration and skin barrier protection. Plus, it has soothing properties to calm any irritation.

Grapeseed Oil

Grapeseed oil has a light texture and is rich in linoleic acid, which is beneficial for sensitive and acne-prone skin. Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties help to promote healthy skin and prevent breakouts. This mild yet moisturizing oil is lightweight and penetrates the skin quickly.

Sweet Almond Oil

Sweet almond oil is a gentle and versatile option for your sensitive skin. It is rich in vitamins E and A, fatty acids, and proteins, which help to nourish and deeply moisturize. With anti-inflammatory properties, it also soothes irritated skin and reduces redness.

Avocado Oil

Avocado oil is another excellent choice for your itchy, sensitive skin. Packed with fatty acids, it is deeply moisturizing and can help reduce inflammation. It is thicker than other oils and has a middle-higher comedogenic rating, so it is best to blend it with a lighter carrier oil for easier application.

Sesame Oil

Sesame oil contains antioxidants and essential fatty acids that will help to nourish and moisturize your sensitive skin. It has anti-inflammatory properties to soothe irritation and improve the overall health of your skin. Sesame oil’s comedogenic rating is higher when unrefined and lower when refined.

Safflower Oil

Safflower oil is a fantastic option if you are looking for a lightweight oil that doesn’t clog pores. Rich in linoleic acid, it can help to balance sebum production and reduce inflammation, making it great for acne-prone or sensitive skin.

Sunflower Oil

Sunflower oil is an affordable and accessible carrier oil choice for sensitive skin. It is high in linoleic acid, vitamins A, D, E, and minerals, providing excellent penetration for deep hydration and nourishment.

Apricot Kernel Oil

This lightweight oil is ideal for sensitive skin, as it is easily absorbed and packed with vitamins and essential fatty acids. Apricot kernel oil helps to moisturize and soothe irritated skin without feeling greasy or heavy.

Strawberry Seed Oil

Strawberry seed oil is an excellent option for delicate skin. Rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids, it helps to protect, nourish, and moisturize sensitive skin while providing anti-inflammatory benefits.

Evening Primrose Oil

Evening Primrose Oil is good for all skin types. Whether you have normal skin, dry skin, sensitive skin, oily skin, or a combination, evening primrose oil can work for you. Especially those with dry, irritated, or inflamed skin might want to try this oil. However, if your skin is prone to acne or clogged pores, evening primrose oil may be somewhat comedogenic.

Evening primrose oil is great to use in blends, together with other base oils that contain retinol, such as Rosehip seed oil, since retinol is a component that has the potential to irritate very sensitive skin. 

Sea Buckthorn Oil

Sea buckthorn oil is one of the oil highest in stearic acid and a good choice for skin health all around. It contains omega 7, which improves skin elasticity and is rich in vitamins C and E. It helps revive skin cells and smooth the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Sea Buckthorn Oil is gentle on the skin and can even help balance out blemished skin. With its low comedogenic rating and healing properties, it is definitely worth looking at, even for acne-prone skin.

The one thing about this oil is that it is very orange in color. While good for sensitive skin, light clothing or bedsheets are bound to be less thrilled with the encounter. Diluting in another carrier oil is a good workaround, while still getting the benefits of this oil.

That’s a lot of oils alright! It sure seems like almost every oil is good for sensitive skin, doesn’t it? 

Carrier Oils to Avoid

Maybe you’re wondering which one is not a good carrier oil. Here are a few examples of oil I would not use or recommend for face care. The reasons aren’t directly related to sensitive skin. While almost every natural, plant-based oil is gentle enough for sensitive skin, there are sometimes other reasons to prefer certain oils over others.

Your skin is not just senstitive. It’s a complex organism, with a few other dynamics at work, too!

We always have some unrefined coconut oil and a beautiful bottle of extra virgin olive oil on the kitchen counter. Even though they technically do have some skincare benefits, they may not be the best fit for your face. 

Coconut oil has one of the highest comedogenic ratings of all carrier oils. As a body oil, or for hair care, it can be great. I’m aware some people use it as a facial oil too but there are so many other oils – why would anyone even take the risk of clogging pores?

As for olive oil, it scores around a 2 (out of five), making it more comedogenic that a lot of other oils, which means there’s a possibility that it can clog pores and cause breakouts. Especially for those with acne-prone and oily skin, it’s not the best choice. Not to mention the distinct smell, which is great as part of a salad but not necessarily anywhere on the body.

Benefits of Carrier Oils for Sensitive Skin

Moisturizing and Nourishment

Carrier oils provide essential nourishment and moisture to your sensitive skin. Packed with vitamins and essential fatty acids, these oils help maintain a healthy skin barrier and prevent dryness. Some carrier oils have added benefits such as softening your skin and calming irritation. For example, argan oil is nicknamed “liquid gold” because of its amazing properties.

Reducing Irritation and Inflammation

For those with sensitive or acne-prone skin, it is crucial to find carrier oils that won’t worsen the issue. Carrier oils possess anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce inflammation and soothe skin irritation.

Jojoba oil (there it is again – it’s been at least a few minutes since I mentioned this one, right?) has anti-inflammatory properties. So does Hemp oil, and even the lesser-known Kukui oil would likely be a wonderful choice to calm down irritated skin.

Healing and Repair

Many carrier oils have the ability to promote wound healing and prevent scarring. They may contribute to skin regeneration and boost your skin’s overall health.

As you find yourself exploring different carrier oils to find the best match for your sensitive skin’s needs, it is quite possible that the mere fact that you’re using oils will help your skin look and feel better, even more so than the exact choice of oil.

Antioxidant Protection

Your sensitive skin can benefit from the antioxidant properties of carrier oils. Antioxidants help protect your skin from environmental damage and neutralize harmful free radicals. By using carrier oils with antioxidant properties, you’re providing your skin with an added layer of protection and promoting a healthier complexion.

Anti-Aging

Lastly, carrier oils can be an ally in your quest to fight the signs of aging. Some oils encourage collagen production, which helps maintain skin elasticity and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. By incorporating carrier oils with anti-aging benefits into your skincare routine, you’re taking a proactive approach to keeping your skin youthful and radiant.

Carrier oils offer so many benefits for your sensitive skin, from moisturizing and nourishing to healing and providing antioxidant protection. It’s basically a no-brainer: start exploring the world of carrier oils. I bet it won’t take too long to find the perfect match for your skin’s needs.

Tip: If you’re in a pickle about which one to choose (first), keep scrolling. There’s a section titled “Help! I don’t know which carrier oil to try first.”

Carrier Oils for Specific Skin Concerns

In this section, we’ll explore the best carrier oils to address specific skin concerns like dry skin, eczema, acne-prone skin, psoriasis, and rosacea.

Dry Skin and Eczema

If you’re dealing with dry skin or eczema, you might want to consider using these carrier oils:

  • Jojoba oil: This great carrier oil is very similar to the natural sebum produced by your skin. It’s a great overall moisturizer that helps in balancing the skin’s oil production and provides relief for dry and sensitive skin.
  • Sweet almond oil: This oil is ideal for dry skin as it possesses nourishing and moisturizing properties, making your skin soft and smooth. It’s rich in Vitamin E and fatty acids, which help to soothe and repair irritated skin.
  • Apricot kernel oil: Another great choice for sensitive skin, apricot kernel oil is rich in oleic acid and linoleic acid, which can help to moisturize and nourish dry, irritated skin.

Acne-Prone Skin

For acne-prone skin, try these carrier oils to help reduce inflammation and promote balanced skin:

  • Grapeseed oil: This oil is lightweight and easily absorbed by the skin. It’s non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog your pores, making it a great option for acne-prone skin.
  • Sunflower oil: A light oil that won’t clog pores, sunflower oil helps to balance skin moisture and reduce inflammation caused by acne breakouts.
  • Argan oil: Known for its high content of omega fatty acids and Vitamin E, argan oil is suitable for all skin types, including acne-prone skin, as it’s not too heavy or light.

Psoriasis and Rosacea

If you suffer from psoriasis or rosacea, consider trying these carrier oils:

  • Avocado oil: This nutrient-rich oil is known for its deeply moisturizing properties and may help to alleviate symptoms of psoriasis and rosacea. Be sure to use it in combination with other lighter carrier oils, as it is a bit heavy on its own.
  • Borage oil: Rich in gamma-linolenic acid, an essential fatty acid, borage oil has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties that can benefit skin conditions like psoriasis and rosacea.
  • Rosehip oil: Known for its high Vitamin C content, rosehip oil is a fantastic choice for soothing and hydrating skin affected by psoriasis or rosacea. It promotes skin cell regeneration and may help to reduce redness and inflammation.

At the risk of sounding like a broken record, remember to patch-test any new oils to ensure no adverse reactions occur.

As much as I love natural skincare, one time, a homemade facial oil broke me out in little red bumps all over my face. I traced it back to the Laurel oil, which I’d read great things about – my skin just didn’t agree. Personal sensitivities are always possible.

How to Use Carrier Oils

As a Base for Essential Oils

Carrier oils serve as a perfect base to dilute essential oils for safe application on your sensitive skin. When using essential oil blends, you’ll almost always want to mix them with a carrier oil, instead of applying them to the skin straight.

Follow these simple steps to dilute essential oils:

  1. Choose a carrier oil that suits your skin type.
  2. Mix a few drops of your chosen essential oil into the carrier oil. A good rule of thumb is to use a 2% dilution, which equals 12 drops of essential oil per ounce of carrier oil.
  3. Apply the blend to a small patch of skin and wait for 24 hours to ensure that your skin doesn’t have a negative reaction.

Application in Skincare Routine

Integrating carrier oils into your daily skincare routine is easy and can provide additional nourishment to your sensitive skin. Here are some ways to incorporate carrier oils:

Facial Oil

Use a drop or two of your chosen carrier oil (such as argan oil) to moisturize your face in the morning and at night. Gently massage the oil into your skin, focusing on dry areas or places where you experience sensitivity. Remember to use a light touch and pat the oil on your skin instead of rubbing it.

Moisturizers, Creams, and Body Butter

Carrier oils can also be mixed into your favorite moisturizers, creams, or body butter. This can help enhance their hydrating properties while adding extra nourishment for your sensitive skin. To do this, simply blend a few drops of your preferred carrier oil into your skincare product, ensuring that it mixes well. This can offer additional protection and hydration, especially during colder months when your skin might need extra care.

Bottom Line

Lastly, here are a few more things that are good to know when choosing the best carrier oil for sensitive skin.

First, focus on organic, cold-pressed, and unrefined oils. These oils undergo minimal processing, retaining more of their natural benefits for your skin. Cold-pressed oils are extracted through mechanical methods without the use of heat, which helps preserve their nutrients. Unrefined oils are not bleached or deodorized, making them more suitable for sensitive skin.

Another factor to consider is whether the oil is odorless. Personally, I can not get past the smell of Olive oil for skin care. While it certainly has some benefits, I don’t like to walk around smelling like a bowl of spaghetti. And since there are so many alternatives, there really is no reason to even linger on that choice.

Most oils aren’t completely odorless, though the barely-there scent of Grapeseed oil or Jojoba oil is unlikely to irritate your senses or clash with your preferred skincare products.

Rosehip seed oil, Kukui oil, or Raspberry seed oil, for example, have a faint nutty smell that is widely considered to be inoffensive.

Always take into account the shelf life of the oil. Oils with shorter shelf lives can become rancid, losing their effectiveness or causing irritation. Make sure to store your chosen oil in a cool, dark place to prolong its shelf life.

Help! I don’t know which carrier oil to try first.

Right. That is understandable, to say the least.

I haven’t made a tally but there are a lot of carrier oils. And to make the choice even harder, most of them could be a good fit for sensitive skin. This is logical since we’re every oil is a purely natural, gentle substance, without any additives.

So in conclusion, I’ll give you my personal favorites and tips on what is the ultimate best carrier oil for sensitive skin, and then the wheel is yours!

It’s almost impossible to choose, but if you have no idea where to start, some really, really good carrier oils for sensitive skin, with or without other concerns, are:

  • Jojoba oil: Of course, jojoba oil has been all over this article so you must have seen this coming. A gentle moisturizer similar to skin’s natural oils and is ideal for sensitive, dry, or acne-prone skin. Hard to top, and hard to go wrong with this choice. While some plant-based oils need to best be kept in the fridge (looking at you, hemp seed oil!) jojoba oil has a very long shelf life even at room temperature.
  • Kukui nut oil: It’s the tropics calling! A light, soothing oil with excellent moisturizing properties, perfect for sensitive or inflamed skin. Using nothing but Kukui oil for a few months cleared up my dermatitis when no prescription cream would. For skin inflammation, evening primrose oil gets mentioned but personally, I prefer Kukui nut oil because I like it being a bit lighter.
  • Rosehip seed oil: If your skin starts to show signs of aging or sun damage, give this one a try first. It has taken the beauty industry by storm for a reason. No matter how many other oils I try, I keep coming back to this one because it’s that good. Natural retinol is one of Rosehip oil’s anti-aging virtues, and while my sensitive skin has no issues with it, this substance has the potential to irritate in some cases – just a heads-up.
  • Raspberry seed oil: The wild card, and another powerhouse for aging skin. Raspberry seed oil can be great for sensitive skin. Whether you have dark spots and sun damage, or just like to slow down that aging train a little, try it. If that sounds like you, check out some of these reviews on Amazon. It is suitable for sensitive skin and people are raving about this oil. The round-up would not be complete without it.