Carrier oils for skin are plain base oils, often vegetable oils, used to dilute essential oils or to moisturize on their own. Cleveland Clinic gives coconut and jojoba oil as examples. They are not the same as essential oils, and some can clog pores or irritate, so test first.
Last updated 3 October 2026. This article gathers guidance from Cleveland Clinic, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) and NCCIH. It reports what those sources say and does not replace advice from your own doctor.
What are carrier oils for skin?
Cleveland Clinic describes a carrier oil as a base or vegetable oil, like coconut or jojoba oil, that helps dilute essential oils. The same page defines essential oils as concentrated plant extracts.
The older title of this page said carrier oils are distilled from aromatic leaves. The sources we checked do not say that. The concentrated, scented part belongs to essential oils. A carrier oil is the milder base.
How are carrier oils different from essential oils?
Think of it as strong versus mild. Essential oils are concentrated, and Cleveland Clinic advises diluting them with a carrier oil in all but a few cases to prevent skin irritation. Its quoted integrative medicine specialist advises avoiding direct contact with the essential oil and diluting it first.
NCCIH says allergic reactions and skin irritation may occur when essential oils stay on the skin for long periods. For more on the strong side, see our page on anti-aging essential oils.
Which carrier oils do dermatologists mention?
Cleveland Clinic’s article on face oils names jojoba, argan, coconut and maracuja oils. It says that, in theory, face oils cut water loss by forming a barrier over the skin so less water evaporates. It says oils can also help lift makeup residue and pollutants from the skin.
The AAD lists jojoba oil among ingredients to look for in moisturizers for dry skin, along with dimethicone, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, lanolin, mineral oil, petrolatum and shea butter.
Cleveland Clinic’s eczema article quotes a dermatologist who says sunflower seed oil has been tested quite a bit for skin care and works well as a moisturizer. The same article advises keeping olive oil off the skin.
You can compare two popular choices in our jojoba oil vs argan oil guide.
Who should be careful with carrier oils for skin?
Cleveland Clinic’s face-oil article says people with acne-prone skin, seborrheic dermatitis or rosacea should avoid or be careful with face oils. It notes that oils may clog pores and cause acne flares, that oily skin contributes to seborrheic dermatitis, and that rosacea involves an altered skin barrier.
Coconut oil is a common carrier oil. Cleveland Clinic’s coconut oil article says it is generally not recommended on the face because it is highly comedogenic, meaning it can clog pores. See our coconut oil for skin page for more.
The article also warns that strongly scented oils, such as lavender or tea tree, can irritate or cause allergic reactions.
How do you patch test a carrier oil?
The AAD’s routine suits any new skin product:
- Dab your usual amount on one small test spot, such as the underside of an arm or inside the elbow bend.
- Do this two times a day for a week to ten days.
- If skin reacts, rinse the product off gently and stop.
For soothing after a reaction, the AAD mentions a cool compress or petroleum jelly. A severe reaction that will not settle at home may call for a dermatologist, it adds.
Is an oil enough to moisturize dry skin?
Not always. The AAD says dermatologists steer dry skin toward ointments and creams instead of thin lotions. It says to apply moisturizer right after bathing, while skin is still damp, and to choose fragrance-free products. For more ideas, see face oil for dry skin.
When should you see a doctor?
The AAD says dry skin that continues after you follow its tips may point to an underlying condition, such as atopic dermatitis, psoriasis or kidney disease. Cleveland Clinic says that if you have any skin issues, it is best to talk to a dermatologist before adding anything new to your routine. NCCIH says that if you use a complementary approach for a sleep problem, you should tell your health care providers.
Frequently asked questions
Can a carrier oil be used on its own?
Some people do, though it may not be enough for dry skin. Cleveland Clinic says face oils can reduce water loss from the skin, so some people use them as moisturizers. The AAD, however, names ointments or creams as dermatologists’ pick for dry skin. Choose a fragrance-free oil, test it first, and skip it if you are prone to acne or have rosacea or seborrheic dermatitis.
Are carrier oils safe for everyone?
No. Cleveland Clinic says acne-prone skin, seborrheic dermatitis and rosacea call for caution with oils. Any product can also cause a reaction. The AAD recommends a patch test of a week to ten days and says to stop a product that causes a reaction. Ask a doctor if you are unsure.
Why are essential oils mixed with a carrier oil?
To cut the risk of skin irritation. Cleveland Clinic advises a carrier oil for essential oils with only a few exceptions. NCCIH also lists skin irritation and allergic reactions as possible with essential oils. We do not give mixing amounts, because the sources we used do not give them.
Is coconut oil a sensible carrier oil for your face?
Generally not. Cleveland Clinic names coconut oil as an example of a carrier oil, but its coconut oil article says it is generally not recommended on the face because it is highly comedogenic and can cause breakouts. Anyone prone to acne or with oily skin should be careful and may want to ask a dermatologist first.
Sources (all checked 3 October 2026)
- Cleveland Clinic, 11 Essential Oils: Their Benefits and How To Use Them, dated 14 December 2021.
- Cleveland Clinic, Are Face Oils Good for Your Skin?, dated 25 August 2022.
- Cleveland Clinic, Is Coconut Oil Good For Your Skin?, dated 29 December 2022.
- Cleveland Clinic, Stop the Itch: Home Remedies To Help Manage Eczema, dated 9 February 2024.
- American Academy of Dermatology, Dermatologists’ top tips for relieving dry skin, updated 2 January 2026.
- American Academy of Dermatology, How to test skin care products, dated 10 August 2021.
- NCCIH, Sleep disorders and complementary health approaches, May 2024 (essential oil safety passage).
- NCCIH, Aromatherapy, last updated January 2020.
Written by the Dry Skin Tips editorial team. We do not claim medical review of this article. If you have a skin concern, see a qualified health professional.