Carrier Oils Explained: Almond, Jojoba, Fractionated Coconut and Others
What a carrier oil is, why sources say essential oils are diluted in one, what the sources we read say about jojoba and coconut oil, and where no evidence was found.
Content last updated . This page has not been medically reviewed.
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The sources we read do not rank carrier oils or say which one suits which person. We found no source comparing carrier oils for essential oil use, so there is no "best carrier" here. Proper evidence not found. We looked at NCI, Poison Control, the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA) and PubMed reviews of plant oils for skin.
Carrier oil is not the same as essential oil
A carrier oil is a fatty oil, while an essential oil is the concentrated aromatic part of a plant. See essential oils versus carrier oils for the difference in detail. Carrier oils do not remove every risk. NAHA says to dilute known skin-irritant essential oils with an appropriate vegetable oil or other carrier, and to avoid use on open or damaged skin. [3]What sources say about common carrier oils
| Oil | What the source we read says | Evidence label |
|---|---|---|
| Jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis, seed) | [4] A 2021 review says jojoba oil is mostly wax: its wax makes up about 98%, mainly wax esters. [5] For skin evidence on this oil see jojoba oil. | Chemistry description only. Not evidence about mixing with essential oils. |
| Coconut (including "fractionated" coconut oil) | A 2024 review of plant cosmetic oils describes coconut, olive, argan and jojoba oils as rich in emollients that shield the skin surface and stop moisture loss. [6] For the oil itself see coconut oil. | Proper evidence not found for "fractionated" coconut oil as a carrier. |
| Sweet almond | Proper evidence not found. We searched PubMed for almond and other nut oils on skin and found nothing usable. | Not rated |
| Others (olive, argan, castor and more) | Not examined here. | Not rated |
The review sentences above describe the oils' general skin properties. They are not tests of mixing with essential oils.
Nut allergy and oils
MedlinePlus (US) lists tree nuts among the most common food allergies, and says allergies to peanuts, tree nuts and shellfish tend to last a lifetime. [7] The sources we read do not say whether almond or other nut-based oils on the skin trigger reactions, so we cannot say that. A person with a nut allergy should ask an allergist or pharmacist before using any nut-based oil, and should read ingredient lists.Poison Control also warns that a person can be allergic to other ingredients in an essential oil product, labeled or unlabeled. [2] A carrier oil can be one of those ingredients.
Freshness and rancidity
The NCI says the chemicals in essential oils can change as they get older. [1] A Danish patch-test study reports that limonene and linalool, common fragrance chemicals, autoxidise on air exposure into potent sensitisers. [8] That study is about those two chemicals, not about carrier oils. Proper evidence not found in the sources we read on how long carrier oils stay fresh or whether rancid carrier oils irritate skin. Storage of the essential oils themselves is covered in storing essential oils.Frequently asked questions
What is a carrier oil?
A plant oil used to dilute an essential oil, as in aromatherapy massage described by the NCI. [1]
Which carrier oil is best?
Proper evidence not found. We did not find a source comparing them for essential oil use.
Is jojoba a true oil?
A 2021 review says jojoba oil's wax makes up about 98%, mainly wax esters. [5]
Can nut oils cause allergic reactions?
The sources we read do not address nut oils on skin. MedlinePlus lists tree nuts among common food allergies. [7] Ask an allergist.
Can a carrier oil go off?
Proper evidence not found for carrier oils in the sources we read. The NCI says the chemicals in essential oils change with age. [1]
More details: evidence, limits and cautions
The details behind this page: cautions, limits of the evidence and where sources disagree. Open any note to read it.
Safety points
- A carrier oil does not make an unsuitable essential oil suitable. Poison Control says not all essential oils are appropriate for use on the skin. [2]
- Children have thin skin and immature livers, says Poison Control. [2] Ask a clinician before using any oil mixture on a baby or child.
- Stop use and wash off if a rash appears. [2] See patch testing.