The Best Carrier Oils For Glowing Skin

Moisturisers are a quintessential part of skincare. Aside from giving you softer, plumper skin, they also reinforce your natural barrier to prevent irritation and damage. We know you already have your handy dandy moisturiser that you can’t live without, but allow us to amuse you with another dealbreaker: carrier oils. While you may have heard of other skincare oils, this one is on a different level.

Carrier oils come from plant oils, and you can mix them with other oils for other purposes. And here’s some good news: you can find a lot of them here in the UAE! There are a lot of carrier oils available here that you can add to your beauty regimen. Keep reading below to find the perfect one for your skin.

What are carrier oils?

Carrier oils are plant oils used to, well, carry essential oils. Essential oils are highly concentrated to be used directly on the skin, so carrier oils help dilute this to reduce skin irritation while also acting as a suspension vehicle, delivering a slew of powerful and nourishing effects. They create a physical layer that separates your skin cells from the essential oils to transfer the benefits safely into the skin. Plus, they absorb minerals and vitamins into your skin to improve your complexion and treat certain conditions. Just a side note: they are not as potent as essential oils, so they won’t affect nor interfere with it!

How can I find the best carrier oil for my skin type?

As with any skincare ingredient, not all carrier oils are made equal. They have different benefits, weights, and scents, so you need to know which would work best for your skin type. But as a rule of thumb, you can begin searching for carrier oils with high oleic content. They absorb faster and penetrate the deeper layers of your skin for better, longer-lasting hydration. Another thing to look out for are carrier oils that have essential fatty acids (like linoleic and punicic acid) and vitamins A, K, D, C, and E. These acids are known to provide skin radiance and a natural glow by locking in moisture.

Here are our top recommendations for you to try:

Rosehip

Rosehip oil has been a part of skincare routines since the Ancient Egypt era. This non-greasy oil is packed with nourishing, anti-ageing ingredients you could ever ask for. It has antioxidants, retinoic acid, and Omega 3, 6, and 9. The formulation makes it the perfect oil to fight wrinkles, fine lines, scarring, burns, inflammation, and dark spots.

Our pick: Trilogy Rosehip Oil Antioxidant+

Argan 

Since argan oil is not as heavy as other carrier oils, it is suitable for all skin types. It contains omega fatty acids, vitamin E, and linoleic acids, which moisturise your skin, soften dry patches, and soothe rosacea.

Our pick: The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Moroccan Argan Oil

Avocado

Filling and nutritious when in salads and wraps, but even better for the skin! Avocado oil is rich in fatty acids that provide long-lasting hydration. It also contains vitamin E, a potent antioxidant that treats cell damage and fights ageing. Also in the mix are potassium and lecithin, which nourish the skin’s surface.

Our pick: The Nature Lab Organic Avocado Oil

Jojoba

If you have oily or acne-prone skin, jojoba oil is your best bet. Since it is very similar to your natural oils, it helps balance your oil levels to prevent acne breakouts. It also contains vitamin E that blocks free radicals from the body and slows down the ageing process.

Our pick: Soil Organic Jojoba Oil