Here’s an overview of the Best Carrier Oils that we’ll explore today:
Carrier oils are the backbone of effective facial care formulations and DIY blends. They influence absorption, occlusiveness, comedogenic risk, and overall skin feel, making the right choice essential for different skin types and routines. In this review, I tested five widely available options across price points and use cases to evaluate purity, texture, aroma (where present), absorption, and compatibility with essential oils and actives. My methodology combined ingredient verification (single-ingredient or clearly labeled carrier oil blends), practical usability tests (skin feel, absorption, non-greasiness, and potential residue after several minutes), and scenario-based assessments (daily moisturizer replacement, makeup primer base, massage or aromatherapy carrier, and targeted treatments). The products span a budget option, mid-range sets, and a premium multi-oil kit, representative of what a consumer might choose for a starter DIY kit or a dedicated facial routine.
1. Cliganic Organic Jojoba Oil
- Brand: Cliganic
- Manufacturer: Cliganic
Overview: Cliganic offers a single-ingredient, USDA Organic-certified jojoba oil in a 4 oz bottle. It is marketed as a versatile base carrier suitable for face, hair, skin, and nails, with claims of hexane-free processing and purity. The oil is non-GMO, vegan, cruelty-free, and minimally processed, which aligns with a straightforward, no-frill carrier oil option for people with sensitive or reactive skin. The packaging notes a new look but the same formula, suggesting continuity in quality. Pros include its certified organic status, purity, and multi-use versatility, plus a modest price point that makes it accessible for daily use and routine testing.
Performance-wise, jojoba is technically a wax ester that behaves similarly to skin’s own sebum, promoting balanced hydration without heavy occlusion. In practice, Cliganic’s jojoba provides a light, non-greasy feel with quick absorption, making it suitable as a facial primer or daily moisturizer base when blended with a few drops of essential oils. For hair, it can tame frizz and condition the scalp without leaving a heavy residue. The main caveat is that some users may desire more potent actives or fragrance; being a single-ingredient oil, it lacks built-in antioxidants beyond what jojoba naturally contains, so users seeking extra longevity or fragrance will need to supplement with other components.
Pros
- USDA Organic certified
- 100% pure, single-ingredient oil
- Non-GMO, vegan, cruelty-free
- Hexane-free processing
- Versatile for face, hair, skin, nails
Cons
- No added antioxidants or fragrance
- May be too lightweight as a standalone moisturizer for very dry skin
- Plastic dropper or bottle design may affect pour control depending on batch
2. Handcraft Blends USDA Organic Jojoba Oil | Cold-Pressed | 8 Fl Oz | 100% Pure
- Brand: Handcraft Blends
- Manufacturer: Handcraft Blends
Overview: Handcraft Blends provides an 8 oz bottle of USDA Organic, cold-pressed jojoba oil, explicitly hexane-free and marketed for aromatherapy, massage, and daily skincare. The larger volume offers greater value per ounce and is positioned as a premium grade carrier oil with a focus on luxurious application and multi-use versatility, including facial care and hair conditioning. Pros include the cold-pressed method, nutrient preservation, and a generous 8 oz size that suits regular users and DIY blend makers.
Performance-wise, the jojoba’s similarity to sebum translates to efficient absorption, soothing dryness without clogging pores. The cold-pressed process helps retain natural nutrients and vitamins E and B, contributing to antioxidant benefits and improved skin resilience over time. This option shines for users who mix essential oils into carrier blends or make massage oils, thanks to its smooth, non-greasy texture and compatibility with other ingredients. A potential downside is the larger bottle may lead to oxidation risk if not stored properly (cool, dark place) and if the cap seals aren’t tight, though hexane-free status mitigates concerns about solvent residues.
Pros
- Cold-pressed preserves nutrients
- USDA Organic certified
- Hexane-free, premium grade
- Large 8 oz bottle offers great value
- Good for massage and aromatherapy blends
Cons
- May require more careful storage to prevent oxidation
- Not a fragrance or antioxidant-boosted formula
- Cap design may affect pour control if not well-sealed
3. Pure Carrier Oils for – DIY Skin Care Set with Hair Oils Skin Oils for Body Care Moisturizers for Face
- Brand: Maple Holistics
- Manufacturer: Maple Holistics
Overview: Maple Holistics presents a 4 oz set featuring multiple carrier oils (almond, fractionated coconut, avocado, grapeseed, castor, etc.) designed for DIY skin and hair care. The set emphasizes a broad range of fatty acid profiles and functional uses, including anti-aging and moisturizing benefits across different skin types. This kit is ideal for users who want to experiment with oil blends or build custom serums and masks without purchasing individual oils separately. Pros include diversity of oil types, explicit cold-pressed references for some oils, and convenience for DIY enthusiasts.
Performance-wise, the variety enables precise targeting: almond for nourishment, grapeseed for lightweight moisture, avocado for humectant-like hydration, and castor oil for occlusion and scalp care. However, multiple 4 oz bottles in one set means several ingredients may be used unevenly over time, potentially leading to mix-ups or wasted product if not rotated. The lack of explicit purity or organic certification details for each oil in the set can be a concern for users prioritizing purity, and some oils may have fuller aromas or lighter textures that affect compatibility with sensitive skin. Use-case-wise, this kit suits DIY serums, face masks, and massage blends, but may require careful storage due to the variety of carrier profiles.
Pros
- Diverse oil options in one set
- Great for DIY blends and experimentation
- Includes commonly used carriers (almond, grapeseed, avocado, etc.)
- Compact 4 oz sizes for ease of handling
Cons
- Not all oils are guaranteed organic or certified
- Weight and volume can lead to confusion in blends
- Quality and sourcing details are less explicit per oil
4. Top 10 Carrier Oil Variety Set 2 oz – Cold Pressed 100% Pure Natural
- Brand: Plant Guru
- Manufacturer: Plant Guru
Overview: Plant Guru’s 2 oz Top 10 Carrier Oil Variety Set claims 100% pure, cold-pressed oils with a travel-friendly size. The selection includes a well-rounded mix of common carriers (almond, apricot kernel, argan, avocado, castor, fractionated coconut, grapeseed, jojoba, olive, sunflower). This is pitched as a DIY-friendly kit suitable for blending, massage, and personalized skincare routines, with a focus on filtering for sensitive skin types due to the small bottle sizes and generally neutral aromas. Pros include portability, a broad spectrum of fatty acid profiles, and a ‘complete starter’ feel for experimentation.
Performance-wise, the 2 oz bottles are convenient for travel and testing blends before committing to larger containers. The cold-pressed claim suggests nutrient retention, particularly beneficial for argan and avocado oils. However, small bottle volumes risk rapid oxidation if opened and exposed to air, especially for high-oleic oils like almond or apricot kernel. The set is strong for someone who wants to compare textures and absorption across oils, but it may require additional budgeting for a larger, more stable supply of each preferred oil if used daily. Use-case-wise, ideal for beginners or those building a personalized facial oil blend kit.
Pros
- Wide variety in a single set
- Travel-friendly 2 oz bottles
- Cold-pressed oils are common and familiar
- Good for testing and learning about textures
Cons
- Small bottle size increases oxidation risk
- Quality and sourcing specifics per oil are not detailed
- Some oils may require bottling or storage upgrades to minimize exposure
5. Organic Rosehip Seed Oil for Face
- Brand: Yoken
- Manufacturer: Yoken
Overview: Yoken offers a lightweight rosehip oil in a 2 oz bottle, marketed as a 100% pure, single-ingredient oil. Rosehip seed oil is renowned for its fatty acid profile and antioxidant vitamins that support elasticity and texture, with a light, non-greasy finish suitable for daily facial care and Gua Sha routines. Pros include the single-ingredient formulation, cold-pressed processing, and claimed suitability for scars and nails, making it a versatile addition to serums and treatment blends.
Performance-wise, rosehip oil is known for improving skin texture and supporting elasticity when used consistently, though results vary by individual. The lightweight texture makes it appealing for those who dislike heavy oils or occlusive finishes, and it pairs well with essential oils in diluted blends for facial work. A potential downside is variability in color and odor between batches, common with rosehip oils, and users with sensitive or reactive skin should patch-test. It’s particularly well-suited for dry or aging skin, boost for scar care, and for use with Gua Sha tools due to good glide and absorption.
Pros
- 100% pure, single-ingredient rosehip oil
- Cold-pressed processing
- Lightweight, non-greasy finish
- Helpful for elasticity and scarring
Cons
- Batch-to-batch variation in color/aroma
- May require patch testing for sensitive skin
- Limited anti-inflammatory properties compared to specialized serums
Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve compiled answers to the most common questions about carrier oilss to help you make an informed decision.
Conclusion
Final thoughts: For consumers prioritizing purity and value, the Cliganic Jojoba Oil (Product 0) and Handcraft Blends Jojoba Oil (Product 1) offer reliable single-ingredient bases with organic credentials.
The Maple Holistics kit (Product 2) is excellent for experimentation and learning about different carrier oils, while the Plant Guru set (Product 3) maximizes portability and breadth for beginners. The Yoken Rosehip Oil (Product 4) stands out as a targeted treatment for elasticity and scarring.
Your choice should align with your skin type, whether you want a universal base (jojoba or grapeseed), a diversified DIY kit, or a specialized anti-aging focus (rosehip). If you’re new to carrier oils, begin with a single-ingredient option to establish your skin’s response, then expand to a multi-oil kit or targeted treatment as needed..