Carrier & Base Oils Guide: Lipids for Skin + DIY Blends | Creation Pharm

Carrier oils (also called base oils) are pressed from nuts, seeds, or fruits and used to dilute essential oils and build simple, skin-loving blends. They’re the “lipid canvas” for massage, body oils, facial oils, and DIY aromatherapy.

Quick safety: Always dilute essential oils with a carrier oil before applying to skin, and patch test first. A general guideline for adults is 2–3% dilution (about 12–18 drops per 1 oz carrier oil). For sensitive skin, kids, and elders, many people use lower dilution ranges. Store oils cool & dark to slow oxidation.

Argan Oil (Moroccan “everyday luxury”)

Lipid types: A balanced mix of oleic + linoleic fatty acids with naturally occurring tocopherols (vitamin E family). Silky texture and generally layers well over creams.

How it moisturizes & tones: Feels “cushioning” without being heavy; great for softening and smoothing routines.

DIY note: A classic “one-and-done” face/hand/hair oil for minimalist routines.

MCT Oil (lightweight, fast-absorbing base)

Lipid types: Mostly medium-chain triglycerides (often from coconut). Very stable and low-odor.

How it moisturizes & tones: Gives a “dry finish” body-oil feel and is ideal when you want essential oils to be the star.

DIY note: Great for rollerballs and misters (where allowed), and for blending stronger-smelling seed oils into something lighter.

Pumpkin Seed Oil (green, nutrient-rich seed oil)

Lipid types: Commonly richer in linoleic acid (omega-6) with supportive phytosterols; texture can feel “cushioned.”

How it moisturizes & tones: Works nicely as a booster oil—add a few drops into a daily base for a more “whole-seed” nourishing feel.

Black Cumin Seed Oil (Nigella sativa)

Lipid types: Typically higher in linoleic + oleic fats; bold, distinctive aroma.

How it moisturizes & tones: Best used as a blend partner (a little goes a long way) to give depth and character to a gentler base oil.

Black Currant Seed Oil (GLA-friendly lipid)

Lipid types: Known for containing GLA (gamma-linolenic acid) alongside other essential fatty acids.

How it moisturizes & tones: Often used as a “booster” oil—add a few drops into your base oil or cream when skin feels easily stressed or seasonally dry.

Red Raspberry Seed Oil (dewy, weather-friendly)

Lipid types: A seed-oil balance of linoleic/alpha-linolenic fats with naturally occurring tocopherols; tends to feel “dewy.”

How it moisturizes & tones: Cushions and softens—popular for face/neck/chest routines and for hands/cuticles.

Evening Primrose Oil (Oenothera biennis)

Lipid types: Typically higher in linoleic acid and often valued for naturally occurring GLA content (an omega-6 family fatty acid).

How it moisturizes & tones: Often used in small percentages as a “comfort booster” to help skin feel more supple and less tight—especially in dry-season routines.

Best practice: Because it’s a delicate seed oil, many people blend it with a more stable base (jojoba, MCT, olive) and store cool/dark.

Rosehip Oil (Rosa canina / Rosa rubiginosa)

Lipid types: Typically rich in essential fatty acids (linoleic + alpha-linolenic) and naturally occurring antioxidants; many people love its “active-feeling” lightweight finish.

How it moisturizes & tones: Often used as a face oil (or booster) for a smoother-looking, more luminous feel—especially when skin feels dry, weathered, or uneven.

Blend tip: Mix a few drops into jojoba or argan for a balanced, everyday facial oil.

Cocoa Butter (Theobroma cacao) — firm butter for balms & body care

Lipid types: A more saturated, solid-at-room-temp butter that adds structure and “stay-put” richness to formulas.

How it moisturizes & tones: Excellent for sealing in moisture and giving a protective, velvety feel—best for body care and balm-style recipes.

DIY note: Cocoa butter is a classic in deodorant and body-care DIYs (often combined with powders/waxes and essential oils).

Sesame Oil (Sesamum indicum) — traditional massage oil

Lipid types: Usually higher in oleic + linoleic fats with naturally occurring antioxidant compounds (often discussed as “sesamol/sesamin” in technical contexts).

How it moisturizes & tones: Offers a warm, grounding slip—loved for massage blends and for “heritage-style” oiling routines.

Maker note: Sesame is one of those practical oils that plays well in blended formulas (including your Cast Iron Oil style applications) and helps carry essential oils smoothly across skin.

Flaxseed Oil (Linum usitatissimum) — omega-rich, best as a booster

Lipid types: Often high in alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3 family), which also makes it more oxidation-prone than sturdier oils.

How it moisturizes & tones: Used in small amounts to add a “nutrient-dense” feel to a blend—many people prefer it as a booster mixed into a more stable base.

Best practice: Keep it cool/dark; consider blending it with jojoba/MCT/olive to extend the feel and stability.

Jojoba Oil (wax-ester oil that mimics skin sebum)

Lipid types: Technically a liquid wax (wax esters), not a typical triglyceride oil—one reason it feels so skin-compatible.

How it moisturizes & tones: Excellent for “balanced” moisture—often loved by combination skin because it can feel regulating without being heavy.

Castor Oil (thick, glossy, great for targeted use)

Lipid types: Uniquely rich in ricinoleic acid, which contributes to its thickness and cling.

How it moisturizes & tones: Best as a supporting actor—add a small amount to another oil to increase glide and “seal-in” feel.

Coconut Oil (firm-at-cool-temps, classic maker oil)

Lipid types: Higher in saturated fats; often solid at cooler room temps. Naturally stable and widely used in soapmaking.

How it moisturizes & tones: Great for body oiling if your skin likes it, and a staple for soap and balm structure.

Palm Oil (structure + firmness for makers)

Lipid types: More saturated fats relative to many seed oils, which can add firmness and body in bar soaps and some balm recipes.

How it moisturizes & tones: Often used more in formulation (soap/balm structure) than as a leave-on facial oil.

Olive Oil (classic, stable, deeply nutritive)

Lipid types: Typically higher in oleic acid (omega-9) with a richer, slower-absorbing feel.

How it moisturizes & tones: A traditional base for infused oils, salves, and old-world skincare—especially for dry, weathered routines.

Sweet Almond Oil (everyday, gentle, widely loved)

Lipid types: A balanced triglyceride oil with a smooth slip that makes it popular for massage and body blends.

How it moisturizes & tones: A friendly “starter carrier” for many people—great for body oils, massage blends, and simple aromatherapy dilution projects.

How to choose the right carrier oil

  • Want it to absorb fast? Try MCT or jojoba.
  • Want cushion + glow? Try argan, rosehip, or red raspberry seed oil.
  • Want a DIY workhorse? Sweet almond and olive oil are classics.
  • Want to “boost” a blend? Add small amounts of black currant seed, evening primrose, pumpkin seed, flaxseed, or castor into your base oil.
  • Making a balm? Cocoa butter can add structure and a rich protective feel.

Note: Every skin is different. If you’re reactive or trying a new oil for the first time, patch test and start with a small amount.

Explore: Carrier Oils Collection · Hero Lipid Trio · Massage & Moisturizer Oils

External use only. Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.