Base oils are base oils, or carrier oils as they are called in aromatherapy. For everyone else, they are truly vegetable oils.
Base oils are also known as carrier oils, which is a term used in aromatherapyprecisely because the oil is able to "carry" itself.
In English, they are often referred to as carrier oils - again because they carry the oil.
For most others, they are simply oils. But besides the fact that a base oil can be used to dilute a essential oil and thus act as a base oil. These base oils contain excellent properties on their own - without being mixed with other ingredients.
See our list of base oils and their many beneficial properties below.
- Introduction
- What is base oil?
- Use of base oil
- The best vegetable oils from around the world
- Apricot kernel oil
- Açaí oil
- Cucumber oil
- Amaranth oil
- Amla oil
- Andiroba oil
- Argan oil
- Avocado oil
- Bacuri oil
- Baobab oil
- Broccoli seed oil
- Blackberry seed oil
- Buriti oil
- Cacay oil
- Calendula oil
- Camelina oil
- Prickly pear seed oil
- Pomegranate oil
- Sea buckthorn oil
- Hemp seed oil
- Raspberry seed oil
- Castor oil
- Rosehip seed oil
- Jojoba oil
- Camellia oil
- Cherry oil
- Kukui oil
- Evening primrose oil
- Coconut oil
- Macadamia oil
- Almond oil, sweet
- Marula oil
- Moringa oil
- Passion fruit oil
- Castor oil
- Black Cumin Oil (Black Cumin Oil)
- Tamanu oil
Introduction
Base oil is a natural ingredient that has been used for beauty purposes for thousands of years. With its many benefits, Base Oil has become a popular ingredient in natural skin and hair care products. In this article, we will explore the different types of Base Oil and their uses, as well as how they can help you achieve healthy and radiant skin and hair.
What is base oil?
Base oils are used in aromatherapy to dilute the powerful and often highly concentrated essential oils.
As essential oils are in most cases far too powerful to be applied directly to the skin, these carrier oils provide the opportunity to dilute the essential oils.
That way, aromatherapists can blend the many benefits of both base oils and essential oils. If you apply the essential oils directly to the skin, there is a high risk of developing skin irritations and allergies.
What is Base Oil and its benefits?
Base oil is an oil that is extracted from the seeds, nuts or kernels of various plants. It is a natural ingredient that has a number of benefits for hair and skin. Base oil can be a good source of essential fatty acids, vitamins and antioxidants that can help improve skin and hair quality.
Use of base oil
Base oils are a type of natural oil used in a variety of beauty products, including skin and hair care. These oils can be used alone or as a base for the addition of other ingredients such as essential oils or herbal extracts.
Base oils are known for their ability to moisturise and soften the skin and can help improve skin elasticity and appearance. These oils can also be used as a mild massage oil to relieve muscle tension and stiffness.
Some of the most common base oils used in beauty products include jojoba oil, almond oil, coconut oil, argan oil and avocado oil. These oils are lightweight and easily absorbed into the skin, making them an ideal ingredient in daily use products.
Base oils can also be used in hair care to improve hair strength and shine and reduce damage caused by environmental factors and chemical treatments. These oils can also be used to massage the scalp to promote healthy hair growth.
When choosing a base oil, it's important to choose a high-quality, organic and cold-pressed oil. You can apply base oils directly to your skin or hair as a moisturiser or as an ingredient in homemade face masks or body oils.
Base oils are also a must-have product when you need to dilute essential oils.
The best vegetable oils from around the world
Base oils are extracted from the fatty parts of plants; such as seeds, grains or nuts. Base oils do not evaporate like essential oils do and most oils have a relatively long shelf life before they become rancid.
Base oils are clean vegetable oils, which are usually extracted by cold pressing and can be used directly on the skin.
This article tells you a little about the different oils and their properties when used alone on the skin. Without mixing them.
The best vegetable oils are cold-pressed, unrefined and organic.
Apricot kernel oil
English Name:
Apricot kernel oil
Botanical Name:
Prunus Armeniaca
Country of origin:
Chile
Due to its high oleic acid content, this oil is easily absorbed into the skin, which is why it is also good as a massage oil. The oil contains both Vitamin A and E as well as several different variants of Vitamin B - including B17, which is believed to be a true cancer fighter. There is no natural source richer in B17 than apricot.
Açaí oil
English Name:
Acai oil
Botanical Name:
Euterpe Oleracea Fruit Oil
Country of origin:
Brazil
Super rich and nourishing for the skin, rich in omega-6 and omega-9 and packed with vitamins; B1, B2, B3, C and E. Acai oil is a powerful anti-ageing oilwhich both moisturises and repairs dry and ageing skin. The oil is packed with antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties while protecting the skin from free radicals and acting as an antibacterial agent.
Cucumber oil
English Name:
Coconut oil
Botanical Name:
Cucumis Sativa
Country of origin:
Chile
Contains a high amount of linoleic acid (Omega-6) and remarkable amounts of Oleic acid and Palmitic fatty acids. The oil is light and highly moisturising and treats eye puffiness. Contains anti-inflammatory properties and is highly effective in treating dry skin. In addition, it accelerates the process of skin regeneration and helps prevent premature ageing.
Amaranth oil
English Name:
Amaranth oil
Botanical Name:
Amaranthus Spinosus
Country of origin:
Germany
Amaranth oil is a natural oil extracted from the seeds of the Amaranthus plant. This oil is rich in nutrients and antioxidants that can help improve skin and hair quality. Amaranth oil has also been used for centuries for hair care. The oil can help reduce damage caused by environmental factors and heat styling, and can improve hair strength and shine.
Amla oil
English Name:
Amla Oil
Botanical Name:
Emblica Officinalis
Country of origin:
United Kingdom
Amla oil is a natural oil extracted from Indian gooseberry fruit, also known as Amla or Emblica Officinalis. This oil is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants that can help improve skin and hair quality. This oil has also been used in traditional Indian medicine to treat skin problems such as acne and eczema. Amla oil can help relieve skin irritations and reduce inflammation in the skin.
Andiroba oil
English Name:
Andiroba oil
Botanical Name:
Carapa Guianensis
Country of origin:
Brazil
In Andiroba oil's native Brazil, this oil is known as an insekt repellent, where it is used against mosquitoes, ticks and other small annoying critters. It also works well for general skincare due to its anti-inflammatory properties. The oil calms acne, smoothes pimples and replenishes dry and ageing skin.
Argan oil
English Name:
Argan oil
Botanical Name:
Argania spinosa
Country of origin:
Morocco
Protects skin from future damage, brings out the best in your skin immediately, helps heal damaged skin, protects skin from signs of ageing by correcting the effects of dehydration and loss of elasticity, contains a high amount of tocopherols (Vitamin E), which are potent antioxidants, help the skin to fight free radicals, leaving the skin noticeably softer and smoother, diminishing fine lines and improving the appearance of scars.
Avocado oil
English Name:
Avocado oil
Botanical Name:
Persea Americana
Country of origin:
Mexico
Softens skin tissue and treats chemically damaged skin. Contains a variety of vitamins and minerals that nourish, soften and moisturise the skin. Good as a massage oil and is often used to mix with other base oils for an extra good and nourishing oil.
Bacuri oil
English Name:
Platonia Insignis
Botanical Name:
Platonia Insignis
Country of origin:
Brazil, Amazon Rainforest
Bacuri oil is a natural oil extracted from the seeds of the Bacuri tree, which is primarily found in the Amazon rainforest in Brazil. This oil is rich in nutrients and antioxidants that can help improve skin and hair quality. Bacuri oil has also been used in traditional Brazilian medicine to treat skin problems such as acne and eczema. The oil has anti-inflammatory properties and can help reduce the appearance of skin irritations.
Baobab oil
English Name:
Baobab oil
Botanical Name:
Adansonia digitata
Country of origin:
South Africa
Ideal for treating dry and damaged skin. Helps improve skin elasticity and encourages skin cell regeneration. Does not clog pores and softens the skin. The essential fatty acids contribute to maintaining healthy skin.
Broccoli seed oil
English Name:
Broccoli Seed Oil
Botanical Name:
Brassica Oleracea Italica
Country of origin:
Germany
Broccoli seed oil is a natural oil extracted from the seeds of broccoli. This oil is rich in antioxidants and fatty acids that can help improve skin and hair quality. Broccoli seed oil is a light oil that is easily absorbed into the skin and is a popular ingredient in natural skincare. The oil contains high levels of vitamins C and E, which can help protect the skin from free radical damage and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Blackberry seed oil
English Name:
Blackberry Seed Oil
Botanical Name:
Rubus Fruticosus
Country of origin:
EU
Blackberry seed oil is a natural oil extracted from the seeds of blackberries. This oil is rich in antioxidants and fatty acids that can help improve skin and hair quality. This oil is also known for its anti-inflammatory properties and can help relieve skin irritations and reduce the appearance of acne and other skin problems.
Buriti oil
English Name:
Buriti oil
Botanical Name:
Mauritia flexuosa
Country of origin:
South America
Richest source of beta-carotene with a remarkable ability to nourish, moisturise and repair the epidermis while reducing wrinkles by improving skin elasticity.
Cacay oil
English Name:
Cacay oil
Botanical Name:
Caryodendron orinocense
Country of origin:
Brazil
Brazil is home to many delights and one of them is definitely Cacay oil. It has been popular in its home country for a long time and it's well on its way here. Cacay oil is special because it contains three times as much Vitamin A like rosehip seed oil and around twice the vitamin E content of argan oil. This certainly makes it a true anti-ageing champion. It's also quickly absorbed into the skin, making it great as a face oil.
Calendula oil
English Name:
Calendula oil
Botanical Name:
Calendula Arvensis
Country of origin:
Macaronesia, Mediterranean, Iran
Good healing properties and softening qualities. The oil reduces inflammation and soothes irritated skin tissue while moisturising and helping to protect the skin.
Camelina oil
English Name:
Calendula oil
Botanical Name:
Camelina Sativa
Country of origin:
UK
Camelina oil (Camelina Sativa) is a plant oil extracted from the seeds of the Camelina Sativa plant. The oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and is known to have a nutty flavour.
Camelina oil is also known as "Siberian oil" or "gold oil" due to its yellow colour and the many health benefits it offers. The oil is rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties that can help fight chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes.
Prickly pear seed oil
English Name:
Prickly pear seed oil
Botanical Name:
Opuntia Ficus Indica
Country of origin:
Morocco and Tunisia
Contain powerful antioxidants, stopping the ageing process of cells and stimulating their renewal, reducing the depth of wrinkles and reduces bags under the eyes, smoothing wrinkles and fine lines, refines skin texture, improves skin microcirculation, improves skin hydration and strengthens skin's natural defences, smells lovely and fresh.
Pomegranate oil
English Name:
Pomegranate oil
Botanical Name:
Punica Granatum
Country of origin:
China, India, Egypt and Middle East regions
Acts as an effective emollient and is incredibly rich in antioxidants. Relieves dry and irritated ageing skin and balances the skin's pH. The oil improves skin elasticity, is highly moisturising and can help destroy and prevent the formation of cancer cells. Is a natural vegetable source of CLA (punicic acid).
Sea buckthorn oil
English Name:
Seabuckthorn oil
Botanical Name:
Seabuckthorn oil
Country of origin:
China, Russia, France and Canada
Delays the ageing process of the skin, protects against UV rays, supports the skin's own healing, including burns, wounds, acne and many forms of inflammation (dematitis). High in anioxidants, delivers a protective effect, rich in vitamin A and vitamin E, reduces the appearance of wrinkles and delays premature ageing, acts as a great aid in repairing and rejuvenating the skin's cell structure.
Hemp seed oil
English Name:
Hemp seed oil
Botanical Name:
Cannabis sativa
Country of origin:
Canada
A favourite for many simply for its absolutely beautiful aroma. Hemp seed oil is a vitamin boost like no other. Containing both vitamins A-B2-B3-B6-C-D and E, there really is something for every body in this bottle. With a wonderful natural scent, hemp seed oil works well as both body oil and as an alternative to massage. Your hair will also benefit from the many vitamins.
Raspberry seed oil
English Name:
Raspberry seed oil
Botanical Name:
Rubus idaeus
Country of origin:
Chile
Raspberry seed oil is packed with vitamin E and vitamin A, making it a very rich oil. It has anti-inflammatory properties, strengthens sagging and ageing skin and is naturally rich in SPF. The oil is said to have between 28-50 SPF (sun protection factor with protection against the sun's dangerous UV-A and UV-B rays) - however, please note that this is untested.
Castor oil
English Name:
Borage oil
Botanical Name:
Borago Officinalis
Country of origin:
Oregon, Syria, Mediterranean, North Africa and South America
Softens fine lines and wrinkles and is a valuable source of gamma linolenic acid (GLA), an essential fatty acid with strong anti-inflammatory properties that restores skin tissue and elasticity.
Rosehip seed oil
English Name:
Rosehip seed oil
Botanical Name:
Rosa Canina
Country of origin:
France and Chile
Powerful skin cell regenerator, helps prevent premature skin ageing, reduces wrinkles and improves stretch marks, scar tissue and problematic skin, softens wrinkles, revitalises dry and dull skin and visibly improves the quality and appearance of your skin, acts as a natural moisturiser.
Jojoba oil
English Name:
Jojoba oil
Botanical Name:
Simmondsia Chinensis
Country of origin:
The hottest and driest deserts
Contains unique proteins, liquid waxes and fatty acids that resemble the skin's own natural and softening pH balance, excellent oil that can be combined with other skincare oils/products, adds balance and strengthens skin benefits, softens, protects and balances, versatile oil and moisturiser that promotes a healthy and radiant complexion.
Camellia oil
English Name:
Camellia Oil
Botanical Name:
Camellia Oleifera
Country of origin:
China
Camellia oil (Camellia Oleifera) is a plant oil extracted from the seeds of the Camellia Oleifera plant. The oil has a light yellow colour and a mild, nutty flavour. Camellia oil is rich in antioxidants and is known for its moisturising properties, making it ideal for skin care. The oil is also rich in oleic acid and linoleic acid, which are essential fatty acids that help maintain skin health.
Cherry oil
English Name:
Cherry Kernel Oil
Botanical Name:
Prunus Cerasus
Country of origin:
Africa
Cherry oil (Prunus Cerasus) is a plant oil extracted from the seeds of sour cherries. The oil has a deep red colour and a fruity scent. Cherry oil is rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties that make it ideal for skin care. The oil also contains omega-6 fatty acids that help maintain skin health.
Kukui oil
English Name:
Kukui oil
Botanical Name:
Aleurites Moluccanus
Country of origin:
Hawaii
Penetrates quickly into the deepest layers of the skin, creating a protective shield that locks in moisture without blocking pores. The oil does not leave the skin feeling greasy, but leaves a silky smooth texture. The oil contains high amounts of essential fatty acids (lionoleic and linoleic acids) as well as vitamins A, C and E, which contain antioxidant benefits that protect the skin.
Evening primrose oil
English Name:
Evening primrose oil
Botanical Name:
Oenothera Biennis
Country of origin:
Most temperate regions
Softens and soothes dry and irritated skin, contains high levels of linoleic acid and gamma linolenic acid (GLA), which are used to support skin diseases and help with the rejuvenation process of your skin and produce an anti-ageing effect, lightens the dark circles around your eyes, gradually minimising the tired look of your eyes, improves the firmness and elasticity of your skin, helps your body to produce required new skin cells and moisturise dry skin.
Coconut oil
English Name:
Coconut oil
Botanical Name:
Cocos Nucifera
Country of origin:
Philippines, South Pacific Islands, Australia and South Africa
Easily absorbed into the skin and is known for its moisturising and soothing properties. Provides an incredible balance of natural saturated fatty acids not found in other oils. The oil promotes healthy skin and soothes dry, cracked, rough and wrinkled skin. Coconut oil fights free radicals and keeps skin healthy and youthful.
Macadamia oil
English Name:
Macadamia oil
Botanical Name:
Macadamia Integrifolia
Country of origin:
Kenya
Rich in palmitolein, which is essential for slowing skin cell ageing, great regenerating and moisturising, an oil that mimics the skin's own sebumNon-greasy, good for dry and irritated skin, reduces itching and inflammation.
Almond oil, sweet
English Name:
Almond oil, sweet
Botanical Name:
Prunis Amygdalus
Country of origin:
Spain, Spain
Protective and nourishing for the skin, rich in protein, vitamin A, vitamin B and vitamin E, highly emollient and nourishing, fights dark circles and under-eye bags, reduces wrinkles, best ingredient to reverse early signs of ageing and is great as a massage oil.
Marula oil
English Name:
Marula oil
Botanical Name:
Sclerocarya Birrea
Country of origin:
South Africa, Botswana and Namibia
Rich in antioxidants and oleic acid, it is an essential element for maintaining healthy skin. Contains vitamins C and E and has a remarkable ability to penetrate the skin to nourish, moisturise and improve skin elasticity and overall care for mature skin.
Moringa oil
English Name:
Marula oil
Botanical Name:
Moringa Oleifera Seed
Country of origin:
India, Africa, China, Philippines
The uses of Moringa vary greatly with each part of the tree. The leaves, flowers, seed pods and roots are all used for food, health and cosmetics. The oil is extracted from the seeds and the history of its amazing properties dates back to the ancient Egyptian era. The oil moisturises, nourishes and heals the skin with antioxidants, minerals and vitamins. Moringa is used externally to treat infection, acne and athlete's foot, dandruff and minor wounds.
Passion fruit oil
English Name:
Passion fruit seed oil
Botanical Name:
Passiflora Incarnata
Country of origin:
Brazil
Helps protect against carcinogens, protection from DNA-damaging free radicals, rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, helps delay the damage that leads to the onset of ageing, helps preserve collagen and elastin which keeps skin firm and youthful, rich in vitamin A in the form of carotenoids which are essential for cell growth and repair, light and non-greasy oil that skin drinks quickly, anti-inflammatory properties, may also help reduce swelling and irritation.
Castor oil
English Name:
Castor oil
Botanical Name:
Ricinus communis
Country of origin:
India
Castor oil, also known as Castor oil, Holly oil and American oil, is perhaps the best known oil to your grandparents. Known as grandma's first aid oil, it was once used to cure everything. Today, it's best known as the oil that can boost the growth of hair, eyebrows and eyelashes. Castor oil has a very thick and sticky consistency, which is why most people choose to mix it with other oils to get the effects of both oils and to make it a little more co-operative.
Black Cumin Oil (Black Cumin Oil)
English Name:
Black Cumin Oil
Botanical Name:
Nigella Sativa
Country of origin:
Israel
Black cumin oil is a natural oil extracted from the seeds of the black cumin plant, also known as Nigella sativa. This oil is rich in nutrients and antioxidants that can help improve skin and hair quality. Black cumin oil is a light oil that is easily absorbed into the skin and hair, making it a popular ingredient in natural skin and hair care. The oil contains high levels of thymoquinone, a compound with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help protect the skin from free radical damage.
Tamanu oil
English Name:
Tamanu oil
Botanical Name:
Calophyllum Inophyllum
Country of origin:
Tahiti, Vanuatu, Indonesia and Polynesia
Minimises stretch marks and works miracles for your scar tissue, remarkably healing and regenerating with an ability to produce new skin tissue, antioxidant properties. Relieves and protects the skin from inflammation, skin redness, sunburn and insekt bites, has a regenerating effect on the skin (especially the epidermis cells), effective in healing wounds, burns, cuts, reduces scar formation, is antiseptic and anti-acne, contains natural antibiotic, antibacterial, anti-fungal and anti-coagulant properties, moisturises, nourishes and repairs epidermis cells of dry and damaged skin.
Extraction method
You should always look for an oil that has been cold pressed or cold expeller pressed. Both methods indicate that the oil has been pressed without the use of additional applied heat. The process can still generate heat through the friction of the method, but cold-pressed oils are processed under conditions that keep heat to an absolute minimum. Oils that are simply expeller pressed are not necessarily kept under low heat temperatures. When oils are processed without cool conditions, the high temperature along with the duration of this processing method can damage the fragile nutrients in the oil.
Read more about the different extraction methods here.
Nutrients
Base oils can contain fat-soluble vitamins, minerals and other nutrients. Seabuckthorn (from the berries), for example, has such a high beta-carotene content that the oil turns completely orange and is one of the most vibrant oils. There are also many oils that naturally contain tocopherols (vitamin E) and they will act as antioxidants that are useful for both the skin and in general to help with the shelf life of the oil.
Essential fatty acids
Essential fatty acids are fatty acids that our body can't produce on its own and need, which is why we need to consume them through our diet. When applied topically (directly on the skin), they are highly nourishing to our skin. Base oils vary in their ratio of specific essential fatty acids. Essential fatty acids are beneficial for the skin, but they can also make an oil more fragile and cause the oil to go rancid faster.
Read more about essential fatty acids here.
Storage and shelf life
The vast majority of base oils should be stored in a cool place, away from sunlight and preferably in a dark room. Some oils can be stored in the fridge after opening, but you should read more about this on the individual product, as some oils are not fridge-safe. Refrigerator-safe oils may appear slightly hardened, but will soften again when removed and stored at room temperature.
The shelf life of different oils depends primarily on how the oil is stored, but also on the type of oil. Some oils only last six months, while most oils can easily last two years with proper storage. Some oils such as Jojoba oil and coconut oil can usually last 3 years and maybe even up to five.
Read more about storage and shelf life of vegetable oils here
Have you learnt which base oils you like best? Tell us about your experiences by leaving a comment below.
Morten Pauch
CEO & Oil Magician
One of two life souls. Daily driver on the webshop and with a keen interest in the small details. I started chleopatra.dk in 2013 - at the request of my dear wife Liezel. The idea was simple. To create a webshop selling pure vegetable oils for skin and hair. I soon realised that I didn't know much about these products. Fortunately, that has changed, as I have continuously educated myself, researched topics and continue to stay informed on the topic of natural skin and hair care products.
As a result, I now have a wealth of knowledge about oils, butter, clay and many other natural ingredients for healthy skin care. Oils and pure cosmetics have truly got under the skin. Born without much thought about natural cosmetics and hygiene, but have been opened up to this new world that really dates back to the earliest times. It's this new interest in facts and details that you'll find and learn more about in my articles here on the blog and when you call us.
Nice to know about the good oils on this page
Great to get information about oils and their properties
Hi there
I was wondering if you could help me find some natural products for children.
First of all, a 'sun cream/protector - I've been recommended an organic raspberry seed oil? My son has very sensitive skin and quickly gets very red cheeks, as well as red, dried, sore skin on lips and around the mouth in both summer and cold winter. - And it's really bad when the nursery uses sunscreen. I've heard that organic raspberry seed oil is supposed to be good? and if you think it should be mixed up, what do you recommend mixing it with? (And preferably not 'regular' sun cream)
I have a daughter who suffers a lot with mosquito bites, where her skin swells up in big red balls after a bite. (they often sleep in shelters) do you have anything you can recommend for this? Hope I don't sound too difficult, thanks in advance
Vh Vinni
Thank you for your comment on our website.
It's true that many people like raspberry seed oil as a natural means of sun protection. As it is a natural product, it will never be approved and can also vary from batch to batch, but it is believed that the oil has an SPF of up to 28.
If you use it for this purpose, it is important - as with sunscreen - to apply the oil well in advance of going out in the sun.
The recommendation is also to stay out of the sun during the hours when UV is at its highest.
I don't think it should be mixed with anything, just used as is.
For dry lips and to protect the skin, a jojoba oil may help, as it is the oil that most closely resembles the skin's own oil.
When it comes to your daughter's mosquito bites, I'd recommend you try some of these tricks:
16 Home Remedies for Mosquito Bites: Ways to Stop the Itch (healthline.com)
If you want to prevent bites, you can try an anti-mosquito product in the form of a mosquito repellent:
10 Natural Mosquito Repellents: What Works (healthline.com)
Be aware that if you want to try essential oils, they should always be diluted with a vegetable oil, such as jojoba oil or raspberry seed oil.
It's also recommended to test with a drop on the forearm and look for a rash for the first 24 hours. If there's nothing to see, it's likely that she can tolerate the essential oil, but if there are rashes, stay away from them.
I hope this provides some inspiration.