Carrier oils are the base of most facial oils and body blends. They "carry" smaller amounts of active ingredients or essential oils, but they also have characters of their own. Here is how the most common ones compare.
| Oil | Main fatty acids | Feel | Shelf life |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sunflower (high-linoleic) | Linoleic (omega-6) | Light | Short to moderate |
| Sweet almond | Oleic, some linoleic | Medium, silky | Moderate |
| Jojoba | Liquid wax esters | Light, non-greasy | Long |
| Moringa (ben) | Oleic, some behenic | Medium-rich | Long |
| Argan | Oleic and linoleic | Medium | Moderate |
| Grapeseed | Linoleic | Very light | Short |
Sunflower
Inexpensive and widely available, high-linoleic sunflower oil is one of the better-studied oils for the skin barrier. Its drawback is stability: polyunsaturated oils oxidise faster, so buy small bottles and store them well.
Sweet almond
A classic massage oil with a silky slip. It suits dry skin well. People with nut allergies should be cautious and check with a doctor, even though refined cosmetic oils contain little protein.
Jojoba
Technically not an oil but a liquid wax. It is very stable and feels light, which makes it popular for combination skin.
Moringa
Pressed from the seeds of Moringa oleifera, moringa oil has historically been called ben oil, after its behenic acid content. It is high in oleic acid and is notably resistant to going rancid, which is why it was once prized by perfumers and watchmakers alike. Our Moringa 101 page covers the tree and its claims in more depth.
Argan and grapeseed
Argan, from Morocco, sits between oleic and linoleic oils and suits many skin types. Grapeseed is very light and linoleic-rich but spoils quickly.
Choosing
For dry skin, lean towards almond, moringa or argan. For combination or breakout-prone skin, sunflower, grapeseed or jojoba. For sensitive skin, choose a single oil without added essential oils, and patch test it first.
A tiny bottle of a stable oil such as jojoba or moringa is also a useful travel companion, since it survives heat and long trips, whether that is a beach week or a long weekend in Atlantic City.
