Carrier oils are derived from the fatty portions of plants, usually nuts or seeds. They are the quiet powerhouses of skincare, helping essential oils do their magic without irritating the skin. They safely dilute essential oils for skin application while offering their own moisturizing, anti-aging, or calming benefits.
Why cold-pressed stands out?
Cold-pressed oils are obtained by pressing seeds without heating them. They maintain higher levels of nutrients and antioxidants, whereas standard oils might lose these due to high-temperature processing.
Your skincare choice depends on your priorities. Cold-pressed oils offer purity, nutrients, and organic appeal, while standard oils provide affordability and accessibility without sacrificing benefits.
What makes a carrier oil ‘organic’? Simply put, it’s about how the plants are grown, without synthetic pesticides, chemical fertilizers, and GMOs.
If you are looking to maximize your skincare with natural solutions, organic cold-pressed oils offer a simple, effective, and high-quality natural solution for healthier, more radiant skin.
Finding a carrier oil for every skin type may seem tricky, but oils like jojoba, argan, and grapeseed are top picks for their universal appeal.
When it comes to carrier oils that penetrate deeply into the skin, oils like rosehip, avocado and squalane, shine by nourishing deeper layers, making a world of difference in your skincare routine.
Shifting focus to carrier oils packed with antioxidants (powerful compounds that act as mini bodyguards for your skin, protecting it from environmental damage and free radicals), marula, sweet almond and camellia seed oils are playing a vital role in your skincare routine. Incorporating antioxidant-rich oils help your skin defend against the daily grind of environmental stressors, ensuring it stays glowing and resilient.
The best cold-pressed organic carrier oil for your face depends on your skin type and concerns.
“Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you“.
Comprehensive guide
to the top carrier oils and how they can benefit your skin!
For Dry Skin:
Rosehip Oil
Rosehip oil is a natural oil extracted from the seeds of rosehip fruit, which comes from wild roses, typically the Rosa canina variety. A nutrient-rich oil loaded with essential fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamin A (retinol) & C . This cold-pressed organic oil deeply hydrates, improves skin elasticity, and promotes a youthful glow. Its ability to even out skin tone and fade dark spots makes it a favourite for those with mature or dehydrated skin.
Best for: Repairing damaged skin, reducing hyperpigmentation, and deeply hydrating dry skin.
How to Use:
- Massage 3-5 drops onto cleansed skin before bedtime for overnight repair.
- Blend with your daily moisturizer for an extra hydration boost.
- Use in combination with niacinamide for enhanced skin brightening effects.
Argan Oil
Sourced from the kernels of Moroccan argan trees (Argania spinosa), this lightweight yet highly nourishing oil is rich in vitamin E, omega fatty acids, and antioxidants. It restores moisture to dry, flaky skin while improving skin texture and elasticity.
Best for: Restoring moisture balance, soothing irritation, and providing deep hydration without feeling greasy.
How to Use:
- Mix 2-3 drops of your favourite essential oil with argan oil and apply to the face or body for added nourishment and skin benefits.
- Mix argan oil with essential oils like rose or frankincense for a luxurious anti-aging serum.
- Apply a few drops to clean skin, massaging it in for hydration and a soft, smooth feel.
Avocado Oil
Avocado oil is the natural oil pressed from the pulp of avocados. A deeply nourishing oil packed with vitamins A, D, and E, as well as essential fatty acids that help restore moisture and strengthen the skin barrier. Avocado oil is particularly effective for dry, damaged, or mature skin, providing intense hydration and supporting collagen production.
Best for: Deep hydration, soothing irritated or sensitive skin, and improving skin elasticity.
How to Use:
- Apply directly to your face or body for a soothing, nourishing treatment.
- Use around 1 tablespoon of avocado oil and add a few drops (2-3) of essential oil like lavender (calm any irritation or redness), tea tree (for acne), frankincense (for anti-aging) or geranium (for balance).
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil comes from the meat of coconuts grown on Cocos nucifera trees, native to tropical regions like Southeast Asia, the Pacific Islands, and India. Used for centuries in medicine, cooking, and skincare, it’s extracted through methods like cold-pressing to retain nutrients. A deeply hydrating oil known for its antibacterial and antifungal properties. It helps restore moisture, repair the skin barrier, and protect against environmental damage. However, it may not be suitable for acne-prone skin as it can clog pores.
Best for: Intense hydration, soothing dry and flaky skin, and protecting against environmental stressors.
For Oily & Acne-Prone Skin:
Jojoba Oil
Jojoba oil is a natural liquid wax extracted from the seeds of the jojoba plant (Simmondsia chinensis), which is native to North America. Known for its ability to mimic the skin’s natural sebum, jojoba oil regulates oil production and prevents excess build-up, making it a great choice for acne-prone skin. It is lightweight, antibacterial, and non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog pores.
Best for: Balancing oily skin, controlling breakouts, and maintaining hydration without excess oil.
How to Use:
- Apply 2-3 drops to cleansed skin as a moisturizer.
- Use as a carrier oil for tea tree or lavender essential oils to enhance acne-fighting properties.
- Add a few drops to your foundation for a dewy finish without excess oil.
Grapeseed Oil
Grapeseed oil is a lightweight, odorless oil extracted from grape seeds. A cold-pressed organic oil rich in linoleic acid, which helps prevent acne by reducing clogged pores and inflammation. Its astringent properties help tighten skin, control excess oil, and protect against free radicals.
Best for: Reducing acne breakouts, tightening pores, and providing lightweight hydration for oily skin.
How to Use:
- Use as a lightweight moisturizer after cleansing.
- Add a few drops to your daily SPF for an antioxidant boost.
- Blend with green tea extract for an anti-aging facial serum.
For Sensitive Skin:
Marula Oil
Extracted from the kernels of the marula fruit, native to southern Africa, this deeply hydrating and soothing oil is packed with antioxidants, essential fatty acids, and amino acids that help protect and repair the skin barrier.
Best for: Soothing inflammation, reducing redness, and deeply moisturizing sensitive or reactive skin.
How to Use:
- Apply a few drops to clean skin for deep hydration.
- Mix with your moisturizer or serum for added nourishment.
- Dab on dry patches, scars, or irritation to soothe skin.
Get Ultra-Hydrating Marula Oil
Camellia Seed Oil
Camellia seed oil is a lightweight, nutrient-rich oil extracted from the seeds of the Camellia plant, primarily Camellia oleifera, Camellia sinensis, or Camellia japonica. It has been used for centuries in East Asia for skincare. A fast-absorbing, non-greasy oil that is rich in oleic acid and antioxidants, helping to calm redness and irritation. This oil is gentle enough for even the most sensitive skin types.
Best for: Calming irritated skin, reducing inflammation, and strengthening the skin barrier.
How to Use:
- Apply a few drops to clean skin for hydration and a silky feel.
- Use around the eyes and face to reduce fine lines and boost elasticity.
- Dab onto dry patches or irritated skin for soothing relief.
Tamanu Oil
Tamanu oil is a powerful, nutrient-rich oil extracted from the nuts of the Tamanu tree (Calophyllum inophyllum). It has been used for centuries in traditional medicine for its skin-regenerating, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties. Tamanu oil is excellent for sensitive and irritated skin as it helps reduce redness, calm inflammation, promote skin regeneration, fades scars, and improves elasticity.
Best for: Healing sensitive skin, reducing redness, and promoting skin regeneration.
How to Use:
- Do a patch test before applying to sensitive skin. It’s also not recommended for those with nut allergies.
- Apply a few drops directly to scars, acne, or dry patches. Mix with your favorite moisturizer for daily use.
- Dab onto minor cuts, burns, or insect bites to speed up recovery.
For Combination Skin:
Squalane Oil (Plant-Based)
A highly stable, non-comedogenic oil that helps maintain hydration while balancing oily and dry areas. Derived from olives or sugarcane, plant-based squalane oil mimics the skin’s natural lipids, improving elasticity and reducing fine lines. It absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy residue and helps fortify the skin barrier against environmental damage.
Best for: Providing lightweight hydration, improving skin texture, reducing fine lines, and balancing combination skin.
How to Use:
- Apply a few drops to clean skin for deep, non-greasy hydration.
- Mix with your moisturizer or serum for extra nourishment.
- Smooth over fine lines to support elasticity and suppleness.
Sweet Almond Oil
Sweet almond oil is a versatile, nutrient-rich oil extracted from the kernels of sweet almonds (Prunus dulcis). It’s easily absorbed and loaded with vitamins E and A, it soothes irritation, locks in moisture, and enhances overall skin health.
Best for: Hydrating dry patches, reducing inflammation, and enhancing the skin’s natural glow.
How to Use:
- mix 1 tablespoon of sweet almond oil with 2–3 drops of lavender essential oil (for calming and soothing) or with 2 drops of tea tree oil (for acne-prone skin).
- Apply to rough patches of skin, such as elbows and knees, for added softness.
How to Use Cold-Pressed Organic Carrier Oils for Skincare
- Apply a few drops to damp skin for better absorption and long-lasting hydration.
- Blend with essential oils like lavender for calming effects or tea tree for acne-fighting properties.
- Use as a natural makeup remover by massaging it into the skin and wiping with a warm cloth.
- Incorporate into your daily routine by mixing a few drops into your moisturizer or serum for an extra hydration boost.
- Always choose cold-pressed, organic oils to ensure the highest quality and maximum skin benefits.
Ready to elevate your skincare game? Click the buttons above to shop high-quality, organic carrier oils and give your skin the nourishment it deserves!