Do you dream of radiant, hydrated, and nourished skin? Or perhaps you're looking to take better care of your hair and nails, making them stronger and healthier? For effective daily care, it’s worth turning directly to nature and reaching for products based on plant-derived ingredients. A great example is natural carrier oils, rich in valuable active compounds. Extracted from plants, these oils are free from synthetic substances that may negatively impact your health and the environment. You won’t find parabens, preservatives, mineral oils, or foaming agents in their formulas.
So, what should you know about carrier oils, their types, and how to use them? Check out our tips and introduce new rituals into your skincare routine—your skin, hair, and nails will thank you!
Carrier Oils – Properties and Uses
Healthy skin, hair, and nails are the result of conscious care. Increasingly, this means avoiding synthetic ingredients in favor of natural alternatives. One of the most powerful options? Cold-pressed plant oils, also known as carrier oils.
Cold pressing helps retain all the valuable active compounds from raw plant materials like seeds. As a result, these oils offer numerous benefits for skin, hair, and nail care. Their diversity is a major advantage—each oil has its own specific scent, color, texture, and effect on the body.
Types of Natural Carrier Oils
A great benefit of high-quality carrier oils is their versatility. You can use them alone or blend them with other ingredients. Here are some of the most popular carrier oils:
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Jojoba Oil – Rich in vitamins A, E, and F. It’s excellent for combination skin but works well for all skin types, including problematic ones. Known for slowing down signs of aging, it’s also ideal for hair oiling regardless of hair porosity.
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Argan Oil – A powerful antioxidant source that protects cells from oxidative stress. It deeply moisturizes, supports the skin’s natural lipid barrier, improves elasticity, nourishes, and slows aging. It also strengthens hair and nails.
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Raspberry Seed Oil – With antibacterial properties, it’s especially recommended for oily and acne-prone skin. It hydrates, boosts elasticity, and neutralizes free radicals. Perfect for high-porosity hair.
When choosing an oil, consider factors such as scent, absorption rate, texture, and specific benefits. Match the product to your skin type and needs. All carrier oils are rich in vitamins and antioxidants and are gentle even for sensitive skin.
How to Use Plant-Based Carrier Oils
Carrier oils can be used on their own as natural skincare products. You can apply them directly to the skin, hair, or nails, add them to bath water, or use them in massage. They also serve as excellent bases for homemade skincare products.
For example:
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Create a natural body scrub by mixing a carrier oil with your favorite bath salts.
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Blend them with essential oils for aromatherapy or enriched skincare.
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Add a few drops to your existing lotions or creams to boost their effects.
Eco-friendly cosmetics made with base oils can help reduce cellulite, combat signs of aging, and soothe acne. They support wound healing, calm various dermatological issues, and help rebuild the skin’s natural barrier.
Hair Care with Carrier Oils
Many people use carrier oils in their DIY hair care routines. If you don’t have time for long oil treatments, simply mix a few drops of nourishing oil with a hair mask and rinse after 10 minutes. You can also apply a small amount of oil to the ends of your hair as a natural serum.
Looking for gentle sun protection?
Combine your favorite body lotion with raspberry seed oil—it soothes sun-damaged skin and helps reduce irritation from excessive sun exposure.
Oil Cleansing for the Face (OCM Method)
Carrier oils are excellent for facial cleansing using the Oil Cleansing Method (OCM), based on the principle that “oil dissolves oil.” These oils effectively remove makeup (even waterproof mascara), soothe the skin, and leave it soft and nourished.
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For dry and mature skin: try argan oil.
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For combination or oily T-zone: jojoba oil works best.
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For oily or acne-prone skin: raspberry seed oil is highly recommended.
Carrier Oils in Aromatherapy
Plant extracts benefit not only the body but also the mind. Carrier oils are essential in aromatherapy, a field that uses scents to support emotional well-being. Most carrier oils are neutral in scent, making them ideal bases for blending with essential oils.
When combined with intense essential oils, carrier oils can be used for:
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Massages
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Baths
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Compresses
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Inhalation therapy
Well-composed oil blends can stimulate energy, improve concentration, support sleep, and reduce anxiety and stress.