Carrier Oils = Nut & Seed Oils
Carrier oils can be used for all manner of beneficial applications. However, with so many carrier oils currently available in the UK, selecting the best carrier oil for your needs, has become a reasonably complex process.
This brief article has been written to take some of the pain out of your research. It is presented in list format for easy reference. This allows you to locate the best oils for your needs.
Once you have created a refined list of carrier oils, the next step is equally straightforward…
Links are provided so that you can easily visit the individual carrier oil product pages that you are interested in. Following these links will permit you to perform more in-depth research.
Other Resources:
Carrier Oils UK – provides a general overview of the 40+ carrier oils available in the UK from Wild As The Wind
10 Carrier Oils We Need In Our Bathroom Cabinet – explains which oils are best kept on hand as part of your natural first aid kit
Wild As The Wind UK Carrier Oils
Wild As The Wind is a leading supplier of UK Carrier Oils. With over 40 carrier oils to choose from, the Wild As The Wind UK Carrier Oils Range is one of the most extensive in the UK.
All Wild As The Wind UK Carrier Oils are cold pressed. This means that Wild As The Wind UK Carrier Oils are extracted at low temperatures.
Keeping the extraction process as cool as possible is extremely important. Cold pressing carrier oils is the only way to preserve the vitally important nutrients within the oils. It is a lot more time-consuming to produce cold pressed oils, which significantly increases the cost of production.
Wild As The Wind Carrier Oils are some of the most affordable cold pressed carrier oils in the UK.
UK carrier oils being sold at considerably lower prices will be, in almost all cases, inferior oils. They will have been extracted at high temperatures, which destroy the benefits of the carrier oils. Sadly, this makes the cheaper oils a false economy.
Key:
Comedogenic Rating Scale: refers to how easily an oil is absorbed. A comedogenic rating of zero denotes the most absorbent oils, and a comedogenic rating of five relates to the least absorbent oils.
Ingestion: Only food grade oils are safe for ingestion, and must be stated as such. Carrier oils are otherwise unsafe for ingestion, as they are cosmetic grade oils. This does not mean that they are inferior. It simply means that the extraction process used to extract carrier oils is usually designed to preserve all of the constituents in the oils.
Alternatively, food grade oils may have been processed to remove certain constituents which are difficult to digest, or that are toxic when ingested. Nevertheless, these constituents may be perfectly safe for topical application. In some cases, these constituents will be tremendously beneficial for the skin.
Best Carrier Oils For Diluting Essential Oils
You can dilute essential oils in almost all carrier oils, but some oils are better than others for specific applications. This list is comprised of the most popular carrier oils used for diluting essential oils. Factors influencing this are; cost, absorbancy, and direct benefits of topical application.
Organic Sweet Almond Oil
Organic Sweet Almond Oil is the most popular carrier oil for diluting essential oils.
*Highly recommended for full body application.
- Low cost
- Easily absorbed
- Very versatile: Can be used on face, hair & body
- Antioxidant & anti-inflammatory
- Long shelf life: 2 years, if stored correctly
- Few contraindications: Must be avoided by those with a tree nut allergy
- Safe for all age groups, including babies
- Safe to ingest if the oil is food grade rather than cosmetic grade
- Comedogenic Rating: 2
Organic Sweet Almond Oil Profile
- Oleic acid: c. 62% – 86%
- Linoleic acid: c. 20% – 30%
- Linolenic acid: c. 0.4%
- High in vitamin A, vitamin E and B vitamins
Organic Apricot Kernel Oil
*Highly recommended for leg application.
- Low cost (even more affordable than Organic Sweet Almond Oil)
- Easily absorbed, but, leaves high sheen on skin after application – ideal for legs and body
- Can be used anywhere on the body
- Whilst absorbent, it is not suitable for a good number of people for face and hair
- Antioxidant, antibacterial & anti-inflammatory.
- Midrange shelf life: Up to 1 year, if stored correctly
- Few contraindications: Should be avoided by those with a nut allergy
- Unsafe to ingest
- Comedogenic Rating: 2
Organic Apricot Kernel Oil Profile
- Oleic acid: c. 70%
- Linoleic acid: c. 23%
- Linolenic acid: c. 0.22%
Organic Castor Oil
*Highly recommended for whole body use. Great for making antifungal & insect repellant formulations.
**Excellent for liver detoxification when used in castor oil liver heat packs.
- Very low cost
- Easily absorbed – but very viscous
- Very versatile: Can be used on face, hair & body
- Antifungal, antibacterial, insecticidal & anti-inflammatory
- High in vitamin E
- Midterm shelf life: 1 year, if stored correctly
- Few contraindications: Must be avoided by those with a tree nut allergy
- GRAS status: generally recognised as safe
- Safe for all age groups, including babies
- Comedogenic Rating: 1
Organic Castor Oil Profile
- Ricinoleic acid: c. 90%
- Linoleic acid: c. 4%
- Oleic acid: c. 4%
Calendula Oil
*Excellent for angry, sore skin, rashes, skin healing, nappy rash & eczema
- Low cost
- Easily absorbed – macerated oil with Sunflower Oil base
- Can be used on face & body
- Antifungal, antibacterial & anti-inflammatory
- High in vitamin A, C, D & E
- Long shelf life: 2 year, if stored correctly
- Safe for all age groups, including babies
- Comedogenic Rating: 0
Wild As The Wind also carry an Organic Calendula Oil
Organic Grapeseed Oil
*A fantastic all-rounder for mature & problem skin *Protects against free radicals & is deeply moisturising
This beautiful oil is easily absorbed, reduces the signs of ageing and helps to diminish scarring. It is profoundly protective and helps to keep the skin hydrated.
- Potent antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant oil.
- Easily absorbed
- Can be used anywhere on the body
- Whilst absorbent, it remains one of the most nutritive, antioxidant oils available
- Midrange shelf life: Up to 1 year, if stored correctly
- Suitable for all skin types
- Unsafe to ingest
- Comedogenic Rating: 1
Organic Safflower Oil
*Excellent for rollerball applications & makeup removal
Organic Safflower Oil is possibly the best oil for strong dilutions of essential oils, designed to be applied to pulse points and Vagal points.
- Low cost
- Easily absorbed
- Can be used on face & body
- Antioxidant & anti-inflammatory
- Safe for all age groups, including babies
- Comedogenic Rating: 0
Carrier Oils For Facial Care
Not all carrier oils are suitable for facial application. The comedogenic value of a carrier oil is a good indication of how our facial skin will tolerate and absorb carrier oils. A low comedogenic value determines which carrier oils are best to use for facial application.
There are certain carrier oils which are tremendously beneficial for facial use, especially for those with mature and problematic skin:
Raspberry Seed Oil
*Sun protection
Raspberry Seed Oil is the go-to carrier oil for protection in the sun. It has an unofficial SPF of 28 – 50. Raspberry Seed Oil is a non-greasy oil, which means that it absorbs beautifully.
The benefits of using this oil are further enhanced when used with the Wild As The Wind Sun Tanning Essential Oil Blend.
Wild As The Wind carry two Raspberry Seed Oil oils:
Comedogenic rating: 1
Organic Rosehip Oil
*Aftersun
Organic Rosehip Oil is the best oil for using after periods of sun exposure. It is profoundly restorative. It is also suitable for facial application.
Wild As The Wind carry two Rosehip Oil options:
Comedogenic rating: 1
Bakuchiol Oil
*Turning back the years & acne
Lauded as the equivalent to retinol, Bakuchiol Oil provides an ideal accompaniment to Wild As The Wind Facial Oil No. 2 and Facial Oil No. 8.
It is excellent for mature skin, and problem skin conditions.
Comedogenic rating: Bakuchiol Oil, also known as Bauchi Oil, and Bakuchi Oil, is considered non-comedogenic.
Buriti Oil
*Turning back the years & acne
Drop for drop, this magical oil has even more beta-carotene content than Bakuchiol Oil.
This makes Buriti Oil of equal benefit to Bakuciol Oil for mature and acne prone skin. Again, this oil is an ideal accompaniment to Wild As The Wind Facial Oil No. 2 and Facial Oil No. 8.
Wild As The Wind carries two Buriti Oils:
Comedogenic rating: 2
Prickly Pear Seed Oil
*Turning back the years & problem skin *Scarring
One of Nature’s super foods, Prickly Pear Seed Oil is lauded for its ability to prevent dermal moisture loss, and for being a powerful emollient. It is hydrating, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant.
It is especially beneficial for discoloured, blemished skin.
It is rich in tocopherols that promote collagen production, which is the connective tissue within our skin which maintains skin integrity. Prickly Pear Seed Oil also contains several amino acids, which are the building blocks of the body, which accounts for its restorative effects and improved skin elasticity.
It is especially beneficial for those with dry, damaged and problem skin.
Comedogenic rating: Non-comedogenic
Wild As The Wind carry two Prickly Pear Seed Oils:
Tamanu Oil [Organic]
*Scarring
Organic Tamanu Oil is one of the best oils to use for scarring. This is why Organic Tamanu Oil is the main ingredient in Bath & Body Oil No. 8, which has been formulated to reduce the appearance of scarring.
Comedogenic rating: 2
Organic Jojoba Oil
*Makeup removal
Whilst Safflower Oil is excellent for makeup removal, especially for those with delicate skin, Organic Jojoba Oil is my preferred alternative, as it shares practically the same chemistry of the sebum of the skin. This permits Organic Jojoba Oil to provide a very deep cleanse to the skin.
Organic Jojoba Oil is particularly beneficial when paired with Witch Hazel Toner. These two products form the Wild As The Wind Makeup Removal Protocol.
Carrier Oils For Body Care
Moringa Seed Oil
*Problem skin & dry skin
As well as being deeply moisturising, Moringa Seed Oil is antiseptic, antibacterial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. This means that it’s got all of our bodily needs covered!
Wild As The Wind Moringa Seed Oil is an unrefined oil, making it even more nutrient dense than the average oil. This is a beautiful non-greasy oil.
Comedogenic rating: 2
Organic Borage Seed Oil
*Reduces redness *Problem skin & dry skin
Organic Borage Seed Oil is anti-inflammatory and anti-thrombotic. It is another oil which is very high in essential fatty acids and nutrients. This means that it is deeply moisturising and supportive of skin health. Borage Seed Oil absorbs incredibly well and doesn’t leave a greasy after touch.
It is an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant oil. It is also known as Organic Starflower Oil.
Comedogenic rating: 2
Organic Baobab Oil
*Cleansing *Problem skin & dry skin
Organic Baobab Oil has a cleansing and rejuvenating influence on the skin. It helps to restore collagen, the connective tissue which keeps our skin looking plump and youthful.
Organic Baobab Oil has an excellent vitamin profile, and is an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant oil.
Comedogenic rating: 2
Organic Blackcurrant Seed Oil
*Sensitive, problem skin
Organic Blackcurrant Seed Oil possesses powerful antioxidant properties which, when used regularly, improves the condition of dry, ageing skin.
It is an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, vitamin-rich oil.
Comedogenic rating: 0 – 1
Wild As the Wind also carries an Ethically Sourced Blackcurrant Seed Oil.
Organic Avocado Oil
*Flaky, problem skin
Organic Avocado Oil is anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and emollient, helping to detox our skin and reduce oxidative damage, whilst also helping to maintain its youthful appearance and texture.
It is also fungicidal and antibacterial.
Comedogenic rating: 3
Organic Marula Oil
*Excellent for cold weather & environmental pollutants *Stretch marks
Organic Marula Oil is antimicrobial, antioxidant and deeply anti-ageing. It creates a protective barrier against harsh weather and environmental pollutants. It can also help to reduce the amount of water which is lost from our skin by forming a lightweight, non-greasy, protective film on the surface of our skin.
Comedogenic rating: 3 – 4
Organic Wheatgerm Oil
*Stretch marks & dry, damaged skin
Organic Wheatgerm Oil is extremely high in vitamin E, making it an excellent oil for damaged and dry skin. It is also excellent for mature skin. However, it must not be used facially.
Organic Wheatgerm Oil is anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, and has the highest vitamin D content of all carrier oils. It is also high in vitamin B content, which is vitally important for healthy skin.
Comedogenic rating: 5
Carrier Oils For Haircare
There a good number of carrier oils which are beneficial for haircare, but there are certain carrier oils which truly excel. The following oils are all thought to help with:
- Keeping the scalp healthy
- Protecting against damaged hair & split ends
- Moisturising hair
- Reducing hair loss
Organic Argan Oil
Organic Argan Oil has been used in hair preparations for centuries. It is a great oil to use as a base for any of the following:
Pumpkin Seed Oil
Recent scientific evidence suggests that Pumpkin Seed Oil is more effective than certain hair loss drugs for female pattern hair loss.
Organic Jojoba Oil
Organic Jojoba Oil can be added to hair oil blends to make them lighter for those with finer hair.
Organic Broccoli Seed Oil
Organic Broccoli Seed Oil is an important oil for hair care. It contains a natural silicone alternative that provides profound hair conditioning, and protective benefits. It increases sheen and manageability, whilst also protecting against environmental damage.
Organic Broccoli Seed Oil is used in many natural hair care formulations, imparting a non-greasy sheen and lustre. It is especially beneficial for dry, damaged, frizzy and unmanageable hair.
Organic Broccoli Seed Oil can be added to shampoo and conditioner in small quanties… up to 5% for best results. It can also be blended with other restorative carrier oils to make hot oil hair treatment oils.
Organic Marula Oil
Organic Marula Oil can be found in a good number of high-end hair care products. Originating from South Africa, it especially present in hair care products designed to provide high benefit levels for afro-textured hair.
Organic Marula Oil helps to tame frizzzy, unmanageable hair. it also helps to restore dry, damaged, brittle hair. As with Organic Broccoli Seed Oil, is highly protective against environmental pollutants.
In addition, Organic Marula Oil is also very restorative and soothing and for agrivated and dry scalps.
When blended with Organic Broccoli Seed Oil and Organic Pumpkin Seed Oil, it makes for a very potent hair and scalp treatment oil. It can also be added to a conventional conditioner if desired.
Organic Buriti Oil
Organic Buriti Oil shares many of the benefits of Organic Marula Oil, and is very well recognised for the many important constituents it brings to restorative hair care treatments.
As with other oils containing good levels of vitamin E, Organic Buriti Oil helps to protect hair colour from environmental discolouration.
Wild As The Wind also carry an Ethically Sourced Buriti Oil.
Organic Sea Buckthorn Oil
Organic Sea Buckthorn Oil is incredibly nutrient dense, and can be added to Organic Argan Oil to provide a super-nutrient boost.
Medical Oils
All of the following oils are used medically across the globe.
Organic St. John’s Wort Oil
*Burns & neuralgia
Organic St. John’s Wort Oil is a popular remedial oil used for a number of healing purposes in Eastern Europe, particularly in the Balkan region. It is variously used to treat myalgia, neuralgia, minor wounds and burns (including sunburn), as well as abrasions, bruises, contusions, ulcers etc.
Calendula Oil
*Angry, sore skin, rashes, dry skin, nappy rash & eczema
Calendula oil is also excellent for varicose veins, redness, hyperpigmentation and bruises.
Wild As The Wind also carry an Organic Calendula Oil
Arnica Oil
*Painful, eruptive skin, prone to bruising
Arnica Oil is an infused oil. It is excellent for significantly reducing the appearance of bruising. It also exerts an impressive analgesic effect.
Wild As the Wind also carries two Arnica Oils:
