My Top 5 Carrier Oils for Dry, Irritated Skin

Living in Montana, my skin is accustomed to dry air—feeling parched, undernourished, and even irritated. I’ve spent years experimenting with different carrier oils, finding the perfect blends to soothe, nourish, and restore balance to my skin. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: oils don’t technically hydrate the skin (since they contain no water), but they do set the stage for skin to retain moisture. They also strengthen the skin barrier, repair damage, smooth the complexion, and deliver essential nutrients that support softness, elasticity, and overall resilience. 

In this post, I’m sharing 5 of my favorite carrier oils for dry and irritated skin.

Each brings something special to the table—a silky touch to seal in moisture, support deep repair, and lend a touch of nature’s magic. None of those I’m sharing here are known to clog pores, and all have subtle, delicate aromas that aren’t overpowering (an important quality if you’re applying these to your face.)

Let’s dive in.

1. Argan Oil (Argania spinosa)

Often called "liquid gold," argan oil is a lightweight, silky oil full of antioxidants, vitamin E, and essential fatty acids (Lizard, Filali-Zegzouti & Midaoui 2017). It helps restore elasticity, soothes irritation, protects the skin barrier, and supports hydration without feeling greasy. Argan oil has even been shown to encourage wound healing (Lin, Zhong & Santiago 2017). Most argan oil comes from Morocco, where it’s handmade by women in a traditional method. It has a delicately warm, nutty aroma.

Ideal for both face and body, argan oil is not known to clog pores. It’s one of my go-tos for soft, supple skin. Learn more about argan oil here on our blog.

2. Baobab Oil (Adansonia digitata)

Baobab seed oil is a powerhouse of skin repair! It’s cold-pressed from the seeds of the baobab tree—sometimes known as the “upside-down tree,” due to its branches resembling roots—in Australia and the southern nations of Africa. Rich in omega fatty acids (particularly the super-nourishing oleic acid), it supports cell regeneration and healing (Cardoso et al. 2011). Baobab oil is perfect for dry, damaged, or sensitive skin. 

Baobab seed oil absorbs beautifully, providing long-lasting moisture without clogging pores. It has a warm, mild nutty aroma with light earthy undertones.

3. Jojoba Oil (Simmondsia chinensis)

Jojoba is my favorite carrier oil to blend essential oils into! Jojoba is technically a liquid wax, but it’s usually referred to as an oil to avoid confusion. Its delicate, barely there aroma allows the scents of your essential oils to shine (or try infusing it with other natural ingredients, like vanilla). Jojoba also closely mimics the skin’s natural oil (known as sebum). This makes it an excellent choice for balancing oil production while calming irritation. 

Jojoba has been shown to support wound healing (Ranzato, Martinotti & Burlando 2011), calm inflammation, and soothe skin affected by issues like dermatitis and eczema (Lin, Zhong & Santiago 2017).

Whether your skin is dry, oily, or somewhere in between, jojoba oil promotes a healthy, nourished complexion. Those with sensitive skin often have an excellent experience with this oil.

4. Pomegranate Seed Oil (Punica granatum)

Pomegranate seed oil is chock full of powerful antioxidants that fight free radicals and support skin repair. It’s been shown to calm inflammation by reducing COX-2, and inhibit enzymes that break down your skin’s hyaluronic acid, elastin, and collagen (Hamouda & Felemban 2023). It also contains punicic acid, which may support collagen production (Zielińska et al. 2022). This rich, deeply penetrating oil is excellent for mature or extremely dry skin, offering intense nourishment and protection against environmental stressors. 

Pomegranate seed oil may be a little thick for skin types that feel oily or acne-prone, but it’s not known to cause breakouts. Try blending it with other carriers for a silkier feel. Its aroma is subtly earthy with hints of fruit.

5. Rosehip Seed Oil (Rosa canina)

Another antioxidant-rich oil, rosehip seed is beloved for its ability to promote skin regeneration. It’s packed with vitamin C and essential fatty acids. It helps reduce the appearance of scars, supports collagen production, and leaves skin with a youthful glow (Lin, Zhong & Santiago 2017). Its delicate orange hue is a sign of its nutrient-rich composition, and its scent is light with earthy and woody hints.

Like pomegranate seed oil, rosehip seed has a slightly thicker, luxurious texture. However, I have never experienced it clogging pores.

How to Use These Carrier Oils

• As a Facial Oil: Apply a few drops of carrier oil directly to damp skin after cleansing and applying your moisturizer. You can choose one of your favorites, or blend several together.

• Targeted Care: Dab a small amount of a luxurious carrier oil—or a DIY customized blend—over delicate areas like the under-eyes, or to help fade scars and even skin tone.

In your daily skincare routine, a facial oil would be applied after your moisturizer. Along with nourishing your skin, it will help seal in that crucial hydration delivered by your lotion, cream, or moisturizing gel. I recently shared a post with natural aromatherapy skincare solutions, which you can use these carrier oils for.

Choosing the right carrier oil can transform dry, irritated skin into a soft, hydrated, and radiant complexion. Experiment with different oils or blend them to find your perfect match!

Get Your Free Guide:
Glowing Skin Naturally – Your 7-Day Aromatherapy Skincare Routine

Want to take your skincare to the next level? Download our complimentary PDF guide, Glowing Skin Naturally: Your 7-Day Aromatherapy Skincare Routine! This guide offers a gentle, soul-nourishing approach to revitalizing your skin and spirit. Over the next seven days, you'll follow a carefully crafted routine that includes deep hydration, a skin detox, lymphatic massage, and more.

Each step is designed to hydrate, balance, and restore your skin while promoting deep self-care. You’ll also learn about daily skincare basics, understanding your skin type, safety considerations, and key natural ingredients (including my favorite natural sunscreen options!).

Ready to transform your skin naturally? Download your free guide now and start your journey to a glowing, healthy complexion!

Glowing Skin Naturally

Your 7-Day Aromatherapy Skincare Routine!

GET YOUR GUIDE!

My Takeaway

Skincare, at its heart, is a conversation between you and your skin—one that grows richer with time, patience, and the right ingredients. Over the years, these carrier oils have become staples in my routine. 

They protect, restore, and create the perfect conditions for lasting moisture and resilience. 

If you’ve been searching for a way to soothe dryness, to soften rough edges (both literal and metaphorical), or simply to infuse your daily rituals with a touch of nature’s wisdom, I hope you’ll explore these oils. Blend them, experiment, and most of all—listen to your skin. It knows what it needs. When you find that perfect match, there’s nothing quite like it.