Comprehensive Guide to Carrier Oils: Properties, Applications, and Selection for Botanical Product Formulations
At Botanic Biosciences, we are a leading plant wellness biosciences company specializing in the development, formulation, manufacturing, and distribution of high-quality botanical-based health and wellness products. Our turnkey B2B solutions support bulk ingredient suppliers, private label and white-label clients, and retail brands with custom formulations, precision manufacturing, regulatory compliance, and full-service distribution. From our state-of-the-art facility in Colorado, we leverage proprietary extraction technologies and source USA-grown botanicals from exclusive farms to deliver sustainable, high-quality products across categories including tinctures and liquids, edibles (gummies, confections, infused foods), functional beverages, capsules and tablets, topicals (balms, salves, creams), smokeables, powders, and more.
Carrier oils are foundational in these formulations, providing a stable lipid base for incorporating botanicals, terpenes, essential oils, and other actives. They influence texture, shelf stability, absorption, and sensory qualities. This guide covers a full list of carrier oils, organized by availability: widely available (ideal for cost-effective, high-volume production), moderately available (specialty suppliers for differentiated lines), and exotic/rare (niche sources for premium innovation). Each carrier oil features a description of composition and properties, recommended applications across product types, approximate shelf life (cool, dark storage; refrigeration noted where beneficial), and comedogenic rating (0-5 scale, where 0 is lowest pore-clogging potential). Information draws from lipid research, industry standards, and formulation best practices.
Common Carrier Oils
Olive Oil (Olea europaea)
Olive oil, cold-pressed from olive fruit, is a monounsaturated-rich oil with high oleic acid content (typically 55-83%) that provides excellent oxidative stability and a smooth, versatile texture, further enhanced by natural phenolic antioxidants like hydroxytyrosol that help protect against rancidity over time. Its classic fruity-to-neutral profile and proven reliability make it a staple in industrial and artisanal formulations alike. It is well-suited for herbal tinctures and liquid extracts, capsule fillings, edible infusions, topical balms and salves, blended topicals, and products requiring long-term stability and broad compatibility. Shelf life: 1-2 years. Comedogenic rating: 2.
Coconut Oil (Cocos nucifera)
Coconut oil, extracted from mature coconut meat, is dominated by saturated medium-chain fatty acids (primarily lauric acid at ~50%), giving it a solid consistency at room temperature (or liquid in fractionated form) and exceptional resistance to oxidation. It delivers a smooth melt, protective barrier, and clean sensory feel in finished products. It excels in topical balms and salves, edible confections and gummies, functional beverages (especially fractionated), smokeable blends, and infusions needing robust texture and stability. Shelf life: 2 years. Comedogenic rating: 4.
Sunflower Oil (Helianthus annuus)
Sunflower oil, pressed from sunflower seeds, features high linoleic acid (standard varieties) or enhanced oleic content (high-oleic versions), paired with natural vitamin E (tocopherols) for built-in antioxidant protection. This lightweight, neutral oil absorbs readily and acts as a clean, non-interfering base that lets other actives shine. It is ideal for tinctures and liquids, capsules, edible blends, functional beverages, lightweight topicals, and functional foods. Shelf life: 1 year (longer for high-oleic variants). Comedogenic rating: 0-2.
Sweet Almond Oil (Prunus dulcis)
Sweet almond oil balances oleic and linoleic acids with emollient phytosterols, providing a soft, nourishing feel, mild nutty aroma, and excellent glide. Its hypoallergenic profile and smooth incorporation make it a favorite for enhancing user experience. Suitable for massage oils, topical blends, tinctures, capsule bases, edible products, and smokeable infusions. Shelf life: 1 year. Comedogenic rating: 2.
Grapeseed Oil (Vitis vinifera)
Grapeseed oil is a lightweight polyunsaturated oil rich in linoleic acid and proanthocyanidins, offering fast absorption, neutral scent, and sustainable sourcing as a winemaking byproduct. It provides a refined, non-greasy finish. It fits tinctures, serums, lightweight topicals, edible oils, beverages, and capsules. Shelf life: 6-12 months. Comedogenic rating: 1.
Castor Oil (Ricinus communis)
Castor oil is uniquely viscous due to its high ricinoleic acid content (a hydroxy fatty acid), delivering humectant properties and exceptional thickening power, often used in small percentages for texture control. This thick oil penetrates deeply while providing a distinctive feel. Excellent for thick topicals, balms, hair care blends, diluted tinctures, and capsules. Shelf life: 5 years. Comedogenic rating: 1.
Sesame Oil (Sesamum indicum)
Sesame oil offers strong stability through sesamol antioxidants and balanced fatty acids, with a characteristic warming, nutty aroma that adds sensory depth. It integrates well in warming or traditional-inspired formulations. It suits body oils, blended topicals, edible infusions, functional products, and smokeables. Shelf life: 1-2 years. Comedogenic rating: 3.
Avocado Oil (Persea gratissima)
Avocado oil is thick and nutrient-dense with high oleic acid and vitamins (A, D, E), allowing deep penetration and rich moisturization. Its green tint and creamy texture suit indulgent products. It is perfect for intensive topicals, balms, edible oils, capsules, and rich edibles. Shelf life: 1 year. Comedogenic rating: 3.
Soybean Oil (Glycine soja)
Soybean oil is polyunsaturated with linoleic acid and isoflavones, providing a mild, economical base (allergy considerations apply). It blends seamlessly for cost-effective production. It works in topicals, infusions, edibles, and capsules. Shelf life: 1 year. Comedogenic rating: 4-5.
Safflower Oil (Carthamus tinctorius)
Safflower oil (high-linoleic variants) absorbs quickly with supportive fatty acids, offering a light, neutral profile for subtle formulations. It is ideal for lightweight tinctures, topicals, beverages, and capsules. Shelf life: 1 year. Comedogenic rating: 0.
Intermediate Carrier Oils
Jojoba Oil (Simmondsia chinensis)
Jojoba oil is technically a liquid wax ester that closely mimics human sebum, offering superior stability, non-greasy absorption, and exceptional shelf life due to its natural resistance to oxidation. Its golden color and silky feel make it highly versatile. It excels in tinctures, topicals, capsules, smokeables, and long-shelf-life blends across categories. Shelf life: 2-5 years. Comedogenic rating: 2.
Argan Oil (Argania spinosa)
Argan oil is packed with tocopherols and polyphenols, providing a luxurious nutty profile and high antioxidant value. Sourced sustainably, it adds premium appeal. It enhances premium topicals, serums, specialty edibles, and capsules. Shelf life: 2 years. Comedogenic rating: 0.
Rosehip Seed Oil (Rosa canina)
Rosehip seed oil contains high levels of vitamins A and C (including trans-retinoic acid forms), with an earthy aroma that conveys natural potency. It requires careful handling to preserve its delicate profile. It boosts anti-aging topicals, tinctures, capsules, and functional blends. Shelf life: 6-12 months (refrigerate). Comedogenic rating: 1.
Apricot Kernel Oil (Prunus armeniaca)
Apricot kernel oil is gentle with oleic/linoleic acids and a subtle sweet note, offering light absorption and soothing qualities. It provides a delicate touch for refined products. It suits sensitive topicals, bath oils, tinctures, and light edibles. Shelf life: 6-12 months. Comedogenic rating: 2.
Evening Primrose Oil (Oenothera biennis)
Evening primrose oil stands out for its high gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) content, making it valuable for specialized blends requiring essential fatty acid support. It has a mild profile but benefits from cold storage. It is suited for specialized topicals, capsules, tinctures, and functional products. Shelf life: 6-12 months (refrigerate). Comedogenic rating: 2-3.
Hazelnut Oil (Corylus avellana)
Hazelnut oil features astringent tannins and oleic acid, delivering a refined texture and tightening feel. Its gourmet aroma adds sophistication. It works for clarifying topicals, tinctures, and edible blends. Shelf life: 1 year. Comedogenic rating: 0-1.
Macadamia Nut Oil (Macadamia integrifolia)
Macadamia nut oil is rich in palmitoleic acid, mimicking mature skin lipids for excellent compatibility. Its creamy consistency suits luxurious applications. It excels in rich topicals, massage blends, and capsules. Shelf life: 1-2 years. Comedogenic rating: 2-3.
Rice Bran Oil (Oryza sativa)
Rice bran oil contains ferulic acid and oryzanol for added stability and a smooth feel. It absorbs evenly and supports balanced formulations. It is appropriate for mature topicals, sun-protective blends, and edibles. Shelf life: 1 year. Comedogenic rating: 2.
Hemp Seed Oil (Cannabis sativa)
Hemp seed oil offers a balanced omega-3/6 ratio (no cannabinoids), with a green hue and nutty flavor that appeals to sustainable brands. It supports broad-spectrum blends. It fits inflammatory-focused topicals, tinctures, edibles, and capsules. Shelf life: 6-12 months (refrigerate). Comedogenic rating: 0.
Exotic, Niche, and Rare Carrier Oils
Sea Buckthorn Oil (Hippophae rhamnoides)
Sea buckthorn oil is vibrant orange and carotenoid-rich (high beta-carotene), with palmitoleic acid for regenerative support. Its bold color and profile suit standout products. It enhances premium topicals, specialty tinctures, and capsules. Shelf life: 1 year (refrigerate). Comedogenic rating: 1.
Tamanu Oil (Calophyllum inophyllum)
Tamanu oil has an earthy, nutty scent and traditional Pacific heritage, with calophyllic acid contributing to its distinctive properties. It is ideal for targeted topicals, balms, and infusions. Shelf life: 1-2 years. Comedogenic rating: 2.
Black Seed Oil (Nigella sativa)
Black seed oil is thymoquinone-rich with a spicy, pungent aroma, offering a bold character for distinctive formulations. It fits unique tinctures, topicals, and capsules. Shelf life: 2 years. Comedogenic rating: 2.
Neem Oil (Azadirachta indica)
Neem oil features a strong, characteristic scent and robust antimicrobial notes from azadirachtin. It is used in specialized topicals, smokeables, and protective blends. Shelf life: 1-2 years. Comedogenic rating: 1-2.
Borage Seed Oil (Borago officinalis)
Borage seed oil has the highest natural GLA content among common oils, with a mild profile. It supports specialized topicals and capsules. Shelf life: 6 months (refrigerate). Comedogenic rating: 2.
Pomegranate Seed Oil (Punica granatum)
Pomegranate seed oil contains punicic acid (conjugated linolenic acid), with a rich, fruity undertone. It enhances premium topicals and edibles. Shelf life: 1 year. Comedogenic rating: 1.
Raspberry Seed Oil (Rubus idaeus)
Raspberry seed oil is ellagic acid-rich, offering antioxidant support and a subtle berry note. It suits protective topicals and tinctures. Shelf life: 1-2 years. Comedogenic rating: 0-1.
Baobab Oil (Adansonia digitata)
Baobab oil balances omega-3/6 with sterols, providing excellent barrier support. Its “tree of life” origin adds storytelling appeal. It is ideal for dry topicals and capsules. Shelf life: 2 years. Comedogenic rating: 2.
Camellia Seed Oil (Camellia oleifera)
Camellia seed oil is lightweight and oleic-rich, similar to olive but finer in texture. It works for hair care, topicals, and light blends. Shelf life: 2 years. Comedogenic rating: 1.
Kukui Nut Oil (Aleurites moluccanus)
Kukui nut oil absorbs quickly with linoleic/alpha-linolenic acids, offering a non-greasy finish. It suits lightweight topicals and blends. Shelf life: 1 year. Comedogenic rating: 2.
Sacha Inchi Oil (Plukenetia volubilis)
Sacha inchi oil is omega-3 dominant with tocopherols, supporting vegan and hair-focused products. Shelf life: 1 year. Comedogenic rating: 0-1.
Marula Oil (Sclerocarya birrea)
Marula oil is oleic-rich with amino acids for stability and nourishment. It provides deep hydration for topicals and capsules. Shelf life: 1-2 years. Comedogenic rating: 3-4.
Moringa Oil (Moringa oleifera)
Moringa oil features behenic acid for conditioning, with a versatile profile. It suits dry topicals and multi-use blends. Shelf life: 1-2 years. Comedogenic rating: 3-4.
Cacay Oil (Caryodendron orinocense)
Cacay oil offers retinol-like properties with linoleic acid. It is used in premium topicals and serums. Shelf life: 1 year. Comedogenic rating: 0-1.
Pracaxi Oil (Pentaclethra macroloba)
Pracaxi oil is behenic acid-rich for smoothing and conditioning. It excels in hair products and topicals. Shelf life: 1 year. Comedogenic rating: 2.
Abyssinian Oil (Crambe abyssinica)
Abyssinian oil is jojoba-like with erucic acid, providing lightweight hydration and shine. Shelf life: 1-2 years. Comedogenic rating: 1.
Acai Oil (Euterpe oleracea)
Acai oil is omega-9 rich with superfruit antioxidant appeal. It enhances mature topicals and capsules. Shelf life: 1 year. Comedogenic rating: 2.
Amla Oil (Phyllanthus emblica)
Amla oil is tannin-rich with traditional Ayurvedic roots. It suits hair/scalp blends and topicals. Shelf life: 1 year. Comedogenic rating: 1.
Babassu Oil (Attalea speciosa)
Babassu oil is lauric-rich and lighter than coconut. It works for calming topicals and edibles. Shelf life: 2 years. Comedogenic rating: 1-2.
Bakuchiol Oil (Psoralea corylifolia)
Bakuchiol oil serves as a plant-based alternative with palmitic acid. It is used in gentle topicals and serums. Shelf life: 1 year. Comedogenic rating: 0.
Blueberry Seed Oil (Vaccinium corymbosum)
Blueberry seed oil is antioxidant-packed with omegas. It supports protective topicals and blends. Shelf life: 1 year. Comedogenic rating: 0-1.
Cranberry Seed Oil (Vaccinium macrocarpon)
Cranberry seed oil balances tocotrienols for barrier support. It enhances topicals and capsules. Shelf life: 1 year. Comedogenic rating: 2.
Passion Fruit Seed Oil (Passiflora edulis)
Passion fruit seed oil is linoleic-rich for balance. It suits calming topicals and edibles. Shelf life: 1 year. Comedogenic rating: 1-2.
Perilla Seed Oil (Perilla frutescens)
Perilla seed oil is alpha-linolenic dominant. It fits specialized topicals and tinctures. Shelf life: 6 months (refrigerate). Comedogenic rating: 2.
Plum Kernel Oil (Prunus domestica)
Plum kernel oil blends oleic/linoleic for moisture. It works for dry topicals and hair products. Shelf life: 1 year. Comedogenic rating: 1-2.
Pumpkin Seed Oil (Cucurbita pepo)
Pumpkin seed oil is zinc-rich. It supports mature topicals and capsules. Shelf life: 1 year. Comedogenic rating: 2.
Watermelon Seed Oil (Citrullus lanatus)
Watermelon seed oil is light with cucurbitacin. It is ideal for clarifying topicals and blends. Shelf life: 1 year. Comedogenic rating: 1.
Conclusion
Carrier oils are essential for achieving desired performance in botanical products, from stability in tinctures and edibles to texture in topicals and smokeables. At Botanic Biosciences, our experts can guide carrier oil selection, sourcing, and integration into your custom formulations. Contact us to learn more about powering your brand with plant-based innovation.
