Carrier Oil Descriptions | Skin Types, Fatty Acid Content, Comedogenic Ratings
Here you can find a brief summary of our various carrier oils. The Skin Type suggestions are for the oil when used alone - most any oil can be used for most any skin type when appropriately blended with other oils. The Comedogenic Rating is based on a 0-5 scale with 0 being least likely to clog up pores and 5 being most pore clogging. The Fatty Acid Content lists some key points as to the makeup of the oil, with percentages of Linoleic (best for oily skin) and Oleic (best for dry skin) acid being the most commonly listed, and other, less common, but useful fatty acids noted for some oils.
The descriptions in the Notes below are for cold-pressed and unrefined versions of these oils. Heavily refined versions may be quite different.
Almond
SKIN TYPE: Dry, Mature
COMEDOGENIC RATING: 2
FATTY ACID CONTENT: Linoleic 25 / Oleic 67
NOTES: A rich, soothing oil appropriate for even most sensitive skin. This heavily moisturizing oil is often used for skin and hair.
Amla
SKIN TYPE: Oily, Hair & Scalp
COMEDOGENIC RATING: 1-2
FATTY ACID CONTENT: Linoleic 51 / Oleic 26
NOTES: We generally use this oil for hair products as it is a well known hair and scalp conditioner thought to help fight dandruff as well as other scalp issues and may even promote hair growth.
Apricot
SKIN TYPE: Mature, Dry
COMEDOGENIC RATING: 2
FATTY ACID CONTENT: Linoleic 25-35 / Oleic 70
NOTES: Often used for sensitive and prematurely aging skin, apricot kernel oil is full of gamma linoleic acid, or GLA, which help lock in moisture and keep skin looking supple. This soothing oil also makes a good baby massage oil due to its gentle nature.
Argan
SKIN TYPE: Any
COMEDOGENIC RATING: 0
FATTY ACID CONTENT: Linoleic 30-38 / Oleic 42-49
NOTES: A lightly rich, though not dry oil, argan can be useful for nearly and and all skin types and issues. Deeply moisturizing yet non-pore clogging, this soothing, healing oil can be easily integrated into most anyone's skin care routine.
Avocado
SKIN TYPE: Dry, Mature, Irritated
COMEDOGENIC RATING: 2-3
FATTY ACID CONTENT: Linoleic 10-15 / Oleic 60-65
NOTES: A rich, nourishing, and soothing oil that does not absorb well into the skin when used alone. Best used in combination with other oils. Good for dry, irritated, mature skin and in baby skin formulations.
Baobab
SKIN TYPE: Mature, Dry
COMEDOGENIC RATING: 2
FATTY ACID CONTENT: Palmitic 18-30 / Linoleic 24-34 / Oleic 30-40
NOTES: This well balanced oil is rich, yet relatively light with a silky skin feel. It's high palmitic acid content makes this ideal for mature skin as we tend to produce less and less of this fatty acid ourselves as we age.
Blackberry
SKIN TYPE: Oily, Mature
COMEDOGENIC RATING: 0-1
FATTY ACID CONTENT: Linoleic 53-63 / Oleic 7-15
NOTES: This beautiful oil is rich, yet light and quick to absorb with a tart, fruity scent. Rich in antioxidants and some less common fatty acids, this oil is often used in anti aging and healing formulations due to its regenerative properties.
Black Cumin
SKIN TYPE: Acneic, Oily, Irritated
COMEDOGENIC RATING: 2
FATTY ACID CONTENT: Linoleic 53 / Oleic 22
NOTES: This ancient cure-all, often referred to as black seed oil, has been used for centuries to help alleviate nearly any malady that may befall a poor soul, from apathy to swine flu. Specifically for the skin, black cumin oil is traditionally known for its myriad curative properties and uses: anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anti-fungal, scar-fading, acne fighting, pigmentation issues, redness reduction, moisturization, and more. The oil does have a potent scent to it and can be a bit harsh on the skin when used alone, but is perfect in healing and acne fighting blends.
Evening Primrose Oil
SKIN TYPE: Oily, Mature, Irritated, Acneic
COMEDOGENIC RATING: 2-3
FATTY ACID CONTENT: Linoleic 87 / Oleic 8-11
NOTES: This oil is typically appropriate for even the most sensitive skin. This incredibly mild and soothing oil is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and is thought to help treat skin conditions such as acne, eczema, rosacea, and psoriasis. A deeply moisturizing oil, evening primrose is often used in anti aging formulas as it's believed to help reduce fine lines and wrinkles and rejuvenate tired and aging skin in general.
Grape Seed
SKIN TYPE: Oily, Acneic, Mature
COMEDOGENIC RATING: 1-2
FATTY ACID CONTENT: Linoleic 65-85 / Oleic 16-22
NOTES: Grape seed oil is a light, quick absorbing oil often used for skin, hair, and scalp. With its anti-inflammatory properties, it's a perfect choice for acne prone skin, as it's thought to help diminish existing pimples and is not pore clogging. It's also great for applying to the scalp to help combat dandruff and impart some moisture and sheen to hair. This oil is also often used in anti aging formulations.
Hemp Seed
SKIN TYPE: Oily, Acneic, Irritated
COMEDOGENIC RATING: 0
FATTY ACID CONTENT: Linoleic 30-65 / Oleic 5-18
NOTES: This very dry oil absorbs quickly into the skin leaving nearly no residue. This nutritional powerhouse carries a strong, grassy or herbal scent, but is amazingly soothing, healing, and perfect for acneic or troubled skin in general.
Jojoba
SKIN TYPE: All
COMEDOGENIC RATING: 2
FATTY ACID CONTENT: Linoleic 5 / Oleic 10
NOTES: Jojoba is actually a wax not an oil, but is liquid at room temperature. This incredibly stable oil is often used in conjunction with other oils to help extend the overall shelf-life of the mix, but the beneficial properties of this extremely well absorbing, non-greasy oil will work perfectly for nearly any skin care application. Equally helpful for scalp, hair, and skin care products in general, jojoba oil closely matches the skin's own oils and is a natural fungicide, with anti-inflammatory and anit-bacterial properties making it perfect for acne, troubled skin, and healing in general. This powerful moisturizer is a natural emollient that will easily absorb into the skin leaving you feeling soft and nourished.
Kukui
SKIN TYPE:
COMEDOGENIC RATING: 2
FATTY ACID CONTENT: Linoleic 40 / Oleic 25
NOTES: Kukui nut oil is a light-weight and somewhat quick absorbing oil that is ideal for sensitive, troubled, and irritated skin. Often thought to help soothe burns, ease the symptoms of psoriasis and eczema, alleviate acne, treat scalp conditions, kukui nut oil is an all around healer and soother.
Macadamia
SKIN TYPE: Dry, Mature
COMEDOGENIC RATING: 2-3
FATTY ACID CONTENT: Linoleic 2 / Oleic 53-67 / Palmitoleic 15-25
NOTES: Macadamia nut oil is particularly high in palmitoleic acid which is known to slow down, or even reduce the signs of aging. Palmitoleic acid is naturally produced by our own bodies, however our own production diminishes with age. Macadamia nut oil is also a wonderful moisturizer and is known for its healing properties. This fine oil closely matches your skin's own sebum, and while a rather rich oil, it is easily absorbed by those with dry skin.
Pomegranate
SKIN TYPE: All, Mature, Irritated
COMEDOGENIC RATING: 1
FATTY ACID CONTENT: Punicic 75 / Linoleic 8 / Oleic 6
NOTES: This thick, rich, and incredibly soothing oil will leave a bit of a residue on your skin. Pressed from the seeds of 'Nature's Power Fruit,' this oil is often used in anti aging skin care and is especially useful for plumping and revitalizing dry, mature, and weathered skin. Especially high in punicic acid, it is thought to have anti inflammatory properties and may be useful in eczema and psoriasis applications and skin repair in general.
Prickly Pear
SKIN TYPE: Oily, Mature, Acneic, All
COMEDOGENIC: 1-2
FATTY ACID CONTENT: Linoleic 55-65 / Oleic 20-30
NOTES: This light, dry oil is deeply penetrating and appropriate even for oily and acne prone skin. Often used in anti aging, healing, and restorative formulations in general, prickly pear oil is high in vitamin E and essential fatty acids. This fine oil is thought to help reduce the appearance of wrinkles, brighten skin tone, improve skin elasticity, and tighten pores, while leaving the skin feeling soft, smooth, and thoroughly moisturized.
Rosehip
SKIN TYPE: Oily, Mature, Scarred, Acneic
COMEDOGENIC RATING: 1
FATTY ACID CONTENT: Linoleic 44 / Oleic 14
NOTES: Rosehip seed oil has been used throughout human history as a means of combating dry, weathered, sun-damaged skin. Often used to reduce scars, wrinkles, and face blemishes in general. Rosehip is a very dry oil which absorbs into the skin extremely quickly leaving almost no residue.
Sea Buckthorn Berry
SKIN TYPE: Mature, Irritated
COMEDOGENIC RATING: 1
FATTY ACID CONTENT: Linoleic 6 / Oleic 28 / Palmitic 31 / Palmitoleic 29
NOTES: This deeply hued oil is rich in carotenes and will stain your skin if applied directly, though the color tends to fade soon enough. Best when diluted in other oils, sea buckthorn is often used in healing and anti aging formulations.
Tamanu
SKIN TYPE: Acneic, Scarred, Irritated
COMEDOGENIC RATING: 2
FATTY ACID CONTENT: Linoleic 30-38 / Oleic 41
NOTES: This extremely healing and cleansing oil has a powerful scent to it, which seems fitting given its medicinal properties. This rich oil is thought to have powerfully anti bacterial, anti inflammatory, and regenerative properties.