One of the most common mistakes people make when they first start using essential oils is applying them without a carrier oil.
Essential oils are extremely concentrated plant extracts, which is why a little goes a long way. To give you an idea of how concentrated they are, it takes roughly 75 lemons to produce a single bottle of lemon essential oil.
Because of that concentration, it’s usually best—especially when you’re getting started—to use essential oils diluted with a carrier oil when applying them to the skin.
Diluting essential oils with a carrier oil simply makes them easier and more practical to use. Whether you're making a roller blend, using oils during massage, or incorporating them into everyday routines, a carrier oil helps disperse the essential oil so you can use just a drop or two while still applying it comfortably.
Most people dilute essential oils for three main reasons.
First, to reduce the chance of skin irritation.
Diluting essential oils slows how quickly they absorb into the skin, making them easier for the body to handle and generally more comfortable to use.
Diluting essential oils slows how quickly they absorb into the skin, making them easier for the body to handle and generally more comfortable to use.
Second, to make them easier to apply.
Blending essential oils with a carrier oil allows you to easily cover the area you want to apply the oil to instead of trying to work a single drop across a much larger surface.
Blending essential oils with a carrier oil allows you to easily cover the area you want to apply the oil to instead of trying to work a single drop across a much larger surface.
Third, to use essential oils more efficiently.
When essential oils are diluted in a carrier oil, you can often achieve the same result while using fewer drops of essential oil overall.
When essential oils are diluted in a carrier oil, you can often achieve the same result while using fewer drops of essential oil overall.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best carrier oils for essential oils and how to choose the right carrier oil depending on how you plan to use them.
What Is a Carrier Oil?
A carrier oil is simply an oil used to dilute essential oils before applying them to the skin.
Because essential oils are so concentrated, they are often blended with a carrier oil to make them easier and more comfortable to use. The oil also helps disperse the essential oil so only a small amount is needed in a blend.
Essential oils also dissolve much better in oils than they do in water. That’s why oil-based carriers are commonly used when making massage oils, roller blends, and other topical preparations.
You may also see other ingredients used in natural recipes, such as witch hazel, glycerin, or alcohol. These can act as carriers in certain types of blends—especially sprays or perfumes—but they are not carrier oils.
Carrier oils specifically refer to fatty oils, usually derived from plants, that are used to dilute essential oils for topical use.
There are actually hundreds of plant oils that could be used as carrier oils, but a handful have become especially popular because they are stable, easy to find, and work well with essential oils.
Why Carrier Oils Are Important When Using Essential Oils
As mentioned earlier, essential oils are extremely concentrated plant extracts. Because of that concentration, using them diluted is often the easiest and most practical way to apply them.
A carrier oil allows you to spread a very small amount of essential oil over a larger area of skin. Instead of trying to work with a single drop, you can blend a few drops into a carrier oil and apply it more evenly.
Diluting essential oils also helps reduce the chance of skin irritation and slows how quickly the oil absorbs into the skin. This makes topical blends easier to control and generally more comfortable to use.
There’s also a very practical reason for using carrier oils:application. If you’ve ever tried to apply one drop of essential oil to a large area—like a sore muscle or the hindquarters of a horse—you quickly realize it doesn’t go very far. Mixing the essential oil into a carrier oil creates a massage oil that spreads easily.
For many people, carrier oils become the base for things like:
- massage oils
- roller bottle blends
- skincare oils
- natural wellness blends
Once you start working with essential oils regularly, having a good carrier oil on hand makes blending and applying them much easier.
The 8 Best Carrier Oils for Essential Oils
Here’s a quick comparison of the most commonly used carrier oils.
| Carrier Oil | Texture | Common Uses |
|---|---|---|
| Fractionated Coconut Oil | Light | Roller blends, animal use |
| Jojoba Oil | Medium | Skincare, face oils, sensitivity |
| Sweet Almond Oil | Medium | Body blends, massage, nut oil |
| Grapeseed Oil | Light | Quick-absorbing blends |
| Olive Oil | Heavy | DIY blends, household use |
| Coconut Oil | Medium | Barn blends, hoof conditioner |
| Argan Oil | Medium | Hair, mane & tail blends |
| Avocado Oil | Heavy | Moisturizing skincare blends |
There are hundreds of plant oils that could technically be used as carrier oils, but a handful of them are especially popular because they’re easy to find, stable, and work well with essential oils. Below are some of the most commonly used carrier oils and what makes each one unique.
Fractionated Coconut Oil
Fractionated coconut oil is one of the most popular carrier oils for essential oils. It’s lightweight, odorless, and absorbs quickly without feeling greasy. Because it stays liquid at room temperature and has a long shelf life, it’s a favorite for roller bottle blends and massage oils.
As a massage therapist working with horses, this is the carrier oil I reach for most often. It spreads easily across large muscle groups and absorbs well without leaving a heavy residue.
Jojoba Oil
Jojoba oil is another popular carrier oil for essential oils, especially in skincare blends. Technically it’s a liquid wax rather than a true oil, but it works beautifully with essential oils.
I personally like using jojoba oil in many of the face creams and skincare blends I make because it absorbs nicely and doesn’t feel heavy on the skin.
Sweet Almond Oil
Sweet almond oil is a common carrier oil used with essential oils because it provides a smooth glide without feeling overly greasy. It blends easily with essential oils and is commonly used in massage oils and body blends.
Because it comes from a tree nut, some people prefer to avoid it in their blends due to nut allergies.
Grapeseed Oil
Grapeseed oil is a lightweight carrier oil often used with essential oils in massage and skincare blends. It absorbs quickly and spreads easily across the skin.
Personally, I don’t tend to use grapeseed oil very often. When working with horses, I usually reach for fractionated coconut oil instead since it’s typically more economical when mixing larger amounts of massage oil.
Olive Oil
Olive oil is a simple carrier oil that can be used with essential oils in many DIY blends. Many people already have it in their kitchen, which makes it an easy option when first getting started.
While it’s heavier than some other carrier oils, it works well in many homemade recipes.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is another carrier oil that blends well with essential oils and is commonly used in natural wellness routines.
At the barn, I often keep a small tub in the tack room because it’s easy to scoop out a little, add a couple of drops of essential oil depending on what I need that day, and use it as part of natural hoof conditioner blends.
Argan Oil
Argan oil is a rich carrier oil that works well with essential oils, particularly in hair and skincare blends.
Lately I’ve been experimenting with adding argan oil to some of my mane, tail, and coat recipes because it’s known for supporting healthy hair and can give the coat a great shine.
Avocado Oil
Avocado oil is a nutrient-rich carrier oil sometimes used with essential oils in moisturizing blends and skincare products.
Because it’s a heavier oil, it’s usually used in smaller amounts or blended with lighter carrier oils.
How to Choose the Right Carrier Oil for Your Essential Oil Blends
With so many carrier oils available, people often ask which one is the “best.” The truth is there isn’t one perfect carrier oil for every situation. The right carrier oil usually depends on how you plan to use your essential oils and what feels easiest to work with.
Here are a few simple things to consider when choosing a carrier oil.
Quick Tip
If you're just getting started with carrier oils, fractionated coconut oil is one of the easiest and most versatile options for blending essential oils.
Absorption and Texture
Some carrier oils absorb quickly while others sit on the skin longer.
Lightweight oils like fractionated coconut oil or grapeseed oil tend to absorb quickly and don’t leave much residue. These are often a good choice for roller bottle blends or everyday topical use.
Because I do so much work with horses and dogs, fractionated coconut oil is the one I reach for most often. It spreads easily, absorbs well, and doesn’t leave a greasy feel on the coat or skin.
Heavier oils like olive oil or avocado oilabsorb more slowly and provide a little more moisture. These can work well in richer blends or skin-conditioning recipes.
If you work in massage like I do, some people also prefer oils that provide a little glide while still absorbing nicely into the skin.
Scent
Another thing to consider is the natural scent of the carrier oil.
Some oils, like fractionated coconut oil, have almost no scent and won’t compete with the aroma of your essential oils. Others, like olive oil, have a stronger natural smell that may slightly influence the final blend.
If you’re making something where the aroma matters—like perfumes, or roller blends—a more neutral carrier oil is usually the easiest choice.
What You Already Have Available
One of the easiest ways to start using carrier oils is simply to begin with something you already have at home.
At the barn, I use coconut oil and fractionated coconut oil the most. Coconut oil is great to keep in a small tub because you can scoop out a little, add a couple of drops of essential oil depending on what you need that day, and use it right away. It also works well in simple hoof conditioner recipes and for conditioning dry skin.
If I’m pre-making blends, I usually reach for fractionated coconut oil because it stays liquid and works well in roller bottles.
In many cases, the best carrier oil is simply the one you already have available. Don’t let not having a specific carrier oil stop you from using your essential oils. Many everyday oils—like coconut oil or olive oil—can work perfectly well for simple blends.
How Much Carrier Oil Should You Use?
A question I hear all the time is how much carrier oil you’re supposed to use when blending essential oils.
If you search online, you’ll find lots of dilution charts and percentages. Those can be helpful, especially when you’re first learning. But in everyday life, I try not to get too hung up on exact measurements.
Sometimes I’m making a blend ahead of time and measuring things out carefully. But a lot of times—especially at the barn—it’s much simpler than that. I’ll just put a small dollop of coconut oil or a squirt of carrier oil in my hand, add a couple drops of essential oil, rub my hands together, and use it right away.
For pre-made blends, I often use10 ml roller bottles because they’re big enough to last a while but not so big that they take forever to use up.
If you’ve never made a roller blend before, you can follow my step-by-step guide here:
How to Make an Essential Oil Roller Bottle
How to Make an Essential Oil Roller Bottle
When I make a roller blend, I usually start with about 10 drops of essential oil in a 10 ml bottle. Sometimes I’ll go up to 20 drops depending on the oils and what I’m making.
If you’re new to blending, it’s a good idea to start on the lower end and see what you like. Everyone’s scent preference is different. Some people find 10 drops plenty strong, while others barely notice it and prefer a stronger blend.
The goal isn’t perfection—it’s finding what works for you.
A Note About Dilution for Animals
When working with animals, many aromatherapy resources recommend staying around 1–2% dilution or lower, especially when someone is just getting started.
These recommendations are meant to provide a very conservative starting point.
In my own work with horses and dogs, I sometimes adjust dilutions depending on the situation, the oils involved, and the overall blend. The quality of the essential oil also matters a lot here. High-quality, pure essential oils tend to behave very differently than lower-quality or adulterated products.
For anyone new to using essential oils, starting with lighter dilutions is usually the safest approach. From there, you can always adjust based on your experience, comfort level, and the observations you make after trying an oil with your animal.
Why Essential Oil Quality Matters
Not all essential oils are created equal. The market is full of products that are diluted, adulterated, or made with synthetic fragrance ingredients. These lower-quality products can behave very differently in blends and may increase the chance of skin irritation or problems.
When you're using essential oils around animals, quality becomes even more important. Using pure, well-sourced oils helps ensure you’re actually getting the plant compounds you expect in the safest way possible for your animals.
And if you're curious about the oils I personally use in my blends, you can see them HERE.
Frequently Asked Questions About Carrier Oils
What is the best carrier oil for essential oils?
There isn’t one single “best” carrier oil. Many people prefer fractionated coconut oil because it’s lightweight, inexpensive, and works well for roller blends and massage oils. Other popular options include jojoba oil, sweet almond oil, and olive oil.
Can you apply essential oils without a carrier oil?
Some essential oils can be applied directly to the skin, but many people prefer to dilute them with a carrier oil. Dilution helps spread the oil across a larger area and can make blends easier and more comfortable to apply.
Is coconut oil a carrier oil?
Yes. Coconut oil is commonly used as a carrier oil and works well for many simple blends. Both regular coconut oil and fractionated coconut oil are popular choices.
What carrier oil is best for roller bottle blends?
Fractionated coconut oil is one of the most popular carrier oils for roller bottles because it stays liquid and has very little scent.
Final Thoughts on Carrier Oils for Essential Oils
Carrier oils are one of the simplest tools for making essential oils easier to use.
They help stretch a small amount of essential oil across a larger area, make blends easier and safer to apply, and give you the flexibility to create your own roller blends, massage oils, and simple DIY recipes.
The good news is you don’t need a cabinet full of different carrier oils to get started. Many people begin with something they already have at home—like coconut oil or olive oil—and that works perfectly well for a lot of everyday blends.
Over time, you’ll probably find one or two favorites depending on how you use your oils most often. For me, fractionated coconut oil is the one I reach for most frequently, especially when I’m making blends for horses or dogs.
And if you’re interested in how I personally use essential oils with horses and dogs, you may also enjoy these resources:
Once you get comfortable working with carrier oils, making your own blends becomes quick, simple, and surprisingly fun.
So if you're googling using essential oils, you have been told to dilute....and yep, I agree, in most cases, that's a great idea!
Now what tho? How do I dilute? and with what?
First we want to understand a few things about EO's.
They dont like water, they like fat, so when we are gonna dilute we want to use what we call a carrier oil. A carrier oil is a fatty oil usually pressed from the seed of a plant. Think avocado oil, apricot kernel oil, coconut oil...
Carrier oils are the best way to dilute for topical use cause the eo will bind with the carrier oil, be absorbed slower and stay on the skin longer. That decreases the chance of a reaction, makes it easy to target large areas, and makes your essential oils go a long way. This is especially important if you are using EO's with your fur kids! But that's another blog :)
What carrier oil is best? Well that depends....on what your goal is...certain carrier oils are better for the skin than others. Some have their own aroma, or we might prefer one that has no aroma. Maybe we want a really thick oil, or maybe we want one that absorbs super quick...
If ya don't have a specific goal, my top 3 are:
- Fractionated coconut oil
- Coconut oil
- Olive oil
Why? 'cause most of us have these in our kitchen and so ya don't have to go buy anything special, and they work well with most recipes.
If ya want more deets, click HERE to read my other blog post where we go a tad more in depth with info on carrier oils.
Once you pick your carrier oil, simply add a dollop or squirt in your hand, add your drops of EO's, rub your hands together, and apply.
You can also make a roller bottle, if ya need deets on that, click HERE
Let's get oiling!
So.... we've chatted smellin' our oils and eatin' 'em.....Now let's chat gettin' 'em on!
I can't stress enough, ya gotta read your labels, they will tell you how the essential oil is safe to use. The label will tell you if you can use it topically, as a supplement (orally), or by simply inhaling. It will tell you if the oil is a photosensitive oil (meaning increases sensitivity to sunlight). It will also tell you if ya need to dilute it first.
Let's chat a minute about photosensitive oils...we just learned that they may increase our sensitivity to the sun and our skin may burn more easily and quicker in the area of application.. So, what do we do?! We apply at night or under clothing...generally 12-24 hours prior to sun exposure is adequate.
If ya do need to dilute before application....how do ya do that, you ask?!
You simply mix it with a carrier oil. What is a carrier oil?!
A carrier oil is simply a fatty vegetable oil, usually derived from the nuts and seeds of plants (think olive oil or coconut oil) that is used to 'carry' the essential oil. For more info on dilution and carrier oils, check out my blog post "Should I Dilute My Essential Oils?...And With What?! HERE....
I like to keep things simple, so here is my 'easy button' for dilution....take a swipe of coconut oil with your finger, put in palm of hand, add a drop of essential oil, rub your palms together and apply. I like olive oil too 'cause I have it in my kitchen and don't have to purchase anything different.
Making a rollerball is also an easy way to dilute and have your oils ready to go. If ya don't know how to make a rollerball, download my step by step guide HERE
While we're on the topic of dilution, you may have heard of the term 'hot oil'. What is a hot oil?! A
hot oil is an oil that may cause redness or irritation with application. Oils high in phenols such as Oregano, Thyme, Cinnamon, Clove, and Basil are some examples.
It doesn't mean ya can't use these oils, just means ya need to dilute or find the best way to use them. Let's take Oregano for example- I don't want to smell like a pizza all day long, so I might take Oregano Vitality™ in a capsule for my immune system, rather than apply topically....
Here are some ideas to get you started with topical application:
- Make a rollerball (need help-grab my freebie 'How To Make A Rollerball' HERE)
- Use in a massage oil
- Make a liniment
- Make your own perfume (need help-check out my blog post on 'DIY Perfume' HERE)
- Make your own deodorant (download my fave recipe HERE)
- Add a drop to your natural face cream, shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, toner, lotion (really any natural skincare product you have to make it better or give it an added benefit)
Our Skin is our largest organ so supporting it is never a bad idea!
If you are using a roll on, massage oil, or liniment, you might ask-where should I apply?! Answer is, it depends on what you're using it for.... for example:
- perfume...wrists, back of neck pulse points
- deodorant...underarms
- Massage oil or liniment....target area that you want to support
If you're ready to start gettin' those oils on and easily incorporate them into your day, sign up for my weekly newsletter full of tips, tricks, hacks, and recipes HERE
Oil on!
One of the ways we use our essential oils is topically. One frequently asked question is-Should I dilute? In my opinion, the answer, for the most part, is yes.... and here's why:
If you are just starting out with essential oils, my motto is go low and slow, and diluting helps us accomplish that.
Essential oils are highly concentrated. Did you know it takes 75 lemons to make 5 ml of lemon essential oil? Since essential oils are so highly concentrated, diluting them helps to ensure safety, minimizing the risk of skin irritation and potential adverse reactions.
Essential oils are made up of many different molecules, some lighter weight that evaporate quickly leaving the heavier molecules. Dilution in a carrier oil fixes the oil where the lighter molecules hang around longer, and you have the benefit of the entire oil, not just the heavier molecules.
Because essential oils are so concentrated, oftentimes you only need a drop or two, and if you are applying to a large surface area, diluting makes it easy peasy! If you are making DIY recipes such as deodorant, where you need the essential oil to hang out on the surface of your skin for as long as possible, dilution with a carrier oil accomplishes that.
It also stretches your essential oil dollars, why not achieve the desired result with the lowest possible amount?
If you want to use essential oils with your pets, you will want to dilute. Animals have a much higher level of scent that we do because of a high level of olfactory receptors. Did you know dogs have 149-300 million receptors and cats have 45-80 million, compared to 5 million in humans? Dilution keeps you from overwhelming your pet. Less is more when it comes to animals! Some species take longer to metabolize certain oils as well and dilution slows the absorption rate. (For more info on using essential oils with your dog, click here, and for horses, click here.)
Lets talk about the carrier oils:
What is a carrier oil?
A carrier oil is a naturally derived fatty oil from the seeds, kernels, or nuts of plants. They vary in consistency and absorbency. They have a limited shelf life of usually 6 months up to a year. You will want to use a cold pressed and organic version. They can offer their own therapeutic benefits based on the essential fatty acids and nutrients they contain.
My personal fave is fractionated coconut oil. It's inexpensive and stays liquid, making it perfect for roller bottle and massage oil recipes. Due to its low molecular weight, it absorbs easily and deeply into the skin but doesn't leave the skin feeling greasy. It doesn't stain and easily washes out of clothing. It also has antimicrobial properties and a long shelf life.
Olive oil is my close second, purely for the fact that most people, myself included, keep it on hand to cook with. Therefore, it's readily available, no extra effort required. It is a heavier oil and takes longer to penetrate into skin, which makes it useful if you want a longer contact time on the skin and a slower absorption rate. That also means it can leave a greasy feeling. It's high in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, so works well for skin problems. You will want to purchase unrefined extra virgin olive oil, so no heat or chemicals were used in the extraction process.
Regular coconut oil is also a good choice. You will want to use unrefined, cold pressed, organic, virgin coconut oil. The amazing aroma can be a nice addition to your blends, recipes, or essential oil that you are using. Since it will remain solid in cooler temps, it's useful for DIY recipes, such as deodorant and salves. It contains saturated fats that can deeply moisturize skin.
I like to use Jojoba oil for diluting for the face or sensitive skin. Jojoba oil is actually a liquid wax. It most closely matches the natural oils produced by human skin, so it absorbs well. It's very emollient without being too heavy. It has a light, nutty aroma, and a long shelf life.
Below is a list of my honorable mentions. Fine to use, but I often don't, simply for the fact that I always have the oils above on hand for other things, and no special purchase is required.
Sweet almond oil works well for combination skin as it doesn't clog pores but is moisturizing. Its light and easily absorbed, however it may cause a reaction for those with nut sensitivities. It is high in vitamin E, making it very nourishing and good for skin repair.
Avocado oil, deeply moisturizing and full of vitamins and minerals, can be too heavy for acne prone skin but great for dry skin. It absorbs slowly, providing excellent nourishment for older skin.
Grapeseed oil is moisturizing while having a light, thin consistency, making it Ideal for use on the face or scalp. It is readily absorbed and good for oily or acne prone skin. Commonly used for cooking as well.
Here's one of my favorite roller ball recipes:
Sleepytime
10 ml roller bottle
carrier oil
5 drops Cedarwood
5 drops Lavender
5 drops Frankincense
Add the essential oils to your roller bottle, top with carrier oil, gently invert back and forth to mix. Apply to the bottom of your feet, back of neck, or wrists and temples before bedtime.
So, in conclusion, no matter what carrier oil you dilute your essential oils with, by doing so, you are ensuring that you are using them safely and getting the most benefit from their therapeutic properties.
Have you ever diluted your oils? What has been your experience?
