A carrier oil is the plant oil that makes up most of a facial oil, a body oil or a balm. It carries the other ingredients to the skin, and it does much of the work itself. Three of the oils we sell most often behave quite differently.
Argan oil
Pressed from the kernels of the argan tree in Morocco. It is rich in oleic acid and vitamin E, feels nourishing without being heavy, and suits dry skin and the ends of dry hair.
Jojoba oil
Strictly a liquid wax rather than an oil, and close to the skin’s own sebum. It sinks in quickly and suits both oily and dry skin, which makes it a good first oil to try.
Rosehip oil
Pressed from the seeds of wild roses. It is naturally rich in linoleic acid, feels light, and is best kept cool and used within a few months of opening.
How to choose
Start with one oil on its own for a week before blending. For a face oil, three or four drops are plenty; for a body oil, smooth it onto damp skin after a bath.
A note on safety
Patch test on your inner arm before first use, and stop using any oil that irritates your skin.