The Best Carrier Oils for Homemade Body Oils (DIY Beauty Guide)

The carrier oil you choose is the foundation of every homemade body oil.

While essential oils add fragrance, the carrier oil determines how your body oil feels on your skin, how quickly it absorbs, and even how long it lasts.

Some carrier oils are rich and deeply moisturizing, while others feel light and silky. Some are virtually odorless, while others have a distinct nutty or earthy scent.

Whether you’re making a relaxing lavender body oil, a citrus massage oil, or a nourishing daily moisturizer, choosing the right carrier oil makes all the difference.

Here’s how to decide which one is best for your homemade body oils.

What Is a Carrier Oil?

A carrier oil is a plant-based oil used to dilute essential oils before they’re applied to the skin.

Carrier oils are pressed from seeds, nuts, or fruits and contain beneficial vitamins, antioxidants, and fatty acids that nourish the skin.

Unlike essential oils, carrier oils are safe to apply generously over large areas of the body.

How to Choose a Carrier Oil

Consider four things when choosing a carrier oil:

• How it feels on your skin
• How quickly it absorbs
• Its natural scent
• Your budget

If you’re making gifts or everyday body oils, lighter oils are often the most popular. For dry or mature skin, richer oils may provide more lasting moisture.

Sweet Almond Oil

Feel

Light and silky without feeling greasy.

Scent

Very mild with a faint nutty aroma that doesn’t compete with essential oils.

Best For

• Everyday body oils
• Massage oils
• Dry skin
• Beginner DIY recipes

Relative Cost

$ (Affordable)

Sweet almond oil is one of the most versatile carrier oils available and is often considered the best all-purpose choice.

Grapeseed Oil

Feel

Very light with a dry finish.

Scent

Nearly odorless.

Best For

• Oily skin
• Summer body oils
• Massage blends
• Fast-absorbing recipes

Relative Cost

$ (Affordable)

If you dislike oily residue, grapeseed oil is an excellent option.

Fractionated Coconut Oil

Feel

Extremely lightweight and silky.

Scent

Virtually odorless.

Best For

• Spray body oils
• Massage oils
• Essential oil blends
• Long shelf life

Relative Cost

$$ (Moderately priced)

Unlike regular coconut oil, fractionated coconut oil stays liquid year-round.

Jojoba Oil

Feel

Smooth and luxurious.

Scent

Very mild, slightly earthy.

Best For

• Sensitive skin
• Facial oils
• Mature skin
• Premium body oils

Relative Cost

$$$ (More expensive)

Technically a liquid wax, jojoba closely resembles the skin’s natural oils, making it a favorite for many skincare recipes.

Apricot Kernel Oil

Feel

Silky, lightweight, and elegant.

Scent

Very mild.

Best For

• Sensitive skin
• Mature skin
• Luxury body oils
• Facial blends

Relative Cost

$$ (Moderately priced)

Apricot kernel oil feels very similar to sweet almond oil but absorbs a bit faster.

Avocado Oil

Feel

Rich and deeply moisturizing.

Scent

Noticeable earthy aroma.

Best For

• Extra dry skin
• Winter body oils
• Mature skin
• Overnight treatments

Relative Cost

$$

Because it’s heavier, avocado oil is often blended with lighter carrier oils.

Olive Oil

Feel

Rich and heavier than most carrier oils.

Scent

Distinct olive aroma.

Best For

• Extra dry skin
• Homemade salves
• Budget-friendly recipes

Relative Cost

$

While olive oil is inexpensive and nourishing, its scent can overpower delicate essential oils.

Rosehip Seed Oil

Feel

Light but deeply nourishing.

Scent

Slight earthy scent.

Best For

• Mature skin
• Dry skin
• Facial oils
• Luxury skincare

Relative Cost

$$$$ (Premium)

Because of its price, rosehip seed oil is often blended with less expensive carrier oils.

Argan Oil

Feel

Silky with a luxurious finish.

Scent

Very mild.

Best For

• Mature skin
• Hair oils
• Premium body oils
• Dry skin

Relative Cost

$$$$

Argan oil is prized for its lightweight feel and nourishing properties.

Quick Comparison

Carrier Oil	Feel	Scent	Cost
Sweet Almond	Light	Mild	$
Grapeseed	Very light	Almost none	$
Fractionated Coconut	Silky	None	$$
Apricot Kernel	Light	Mild	$$
Avocado	Rich	Earthy	$$
Jojoba	Smooth	Mild	$$$
Rosehip	Light	Earthy	$$$$
Argan	Silky	Mild	$$$$
Olive	Heavy	Strong	$

Which Carrier Oil Is Best?

If you’re just getting started, these are excellent choices:

Best Overall: Sweet almond oil

Best Budget Choice: Grapeseed oil

Best Luxury Choice: Jojoba oil

Best for Dry Skin: Avocado oil

Best for Sensitive Skin: Apricot kernel oil

Best for Massage Oils: Fractionated coconut oil

Can You Mix Carrier Oils?

Absolutely.

Many homemade body oils combine two or more carrier oils to create the perfect balance of moisture and absorption.

For example:

• 75% sweet almond oil + 25% jojoba oil
• 50% grapeseed oil + 50% fractionated coconut oil
• 75% sweet almond oil + 25% rosehip oil

Blending carrier oils lets you customize the texture while keeping costs reasonable.

How to Store Carrier Oils

Store carrier oils in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and heat.

Keeping bottles tightly sealed helps slow oxidation and extends their shelf life. If you buy larger bottles, consider transferring small amounts into amber glass bottles for everyday use.

The best carrier oil depends on your skin type, budget, and the kind of body oil you’re making.

Lightweight oils like grapeseed and sweet almond are excellent everyday choices, while jojoba, argan, and rosehip create more luxurious blends.

Rich oils like avocado provide extra nourishment for dry skin, especially during colder months.

Experimenting with different carrier oils—or blending two together—is one of the easiest ways to create homemade body oils that feel just right for your skin.

Body Oil Ideas

• Rose Vanilla Body Oil
• Lavender Patchouli Body Oil Recipe
• Coconut Vanilla Body Oil
• Vanilla Sandalwood Body Oil
• Lavender and Calendula Body Oil
• Vanilla Almond Body Oil
• Vanilla Body Oil Recipe
• Calendula Body Oil
• Chamomile Body Oil
• Rosemary Body Oil
• Rose Body Oil
• Lavender Body Oil

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