Choosing the Best Carrier Oil for Herbs

December 28, 2025 •

4 min read

Herbalists have steeped herbs in oils for centuries to create powerful topical remedies and flavorful culinary ingredients. However, selecting the right base oil is critical, as its properties directly influence the final product's texture, shelf life, and therapeutic benefits.

Quick Summary

This guide examines popular carrier oils for herbal infusions, including their unique benefits, ideal applications, and considerations for storage and stability. It explores how to select the right oil for culinary, topical, or personal care use.

Key Points

Start with Dried Herbs: To prevent mold and spoilage, always use thoroughly dried herbs for oil infusions, as moisture can cause bacterial growth.
Match Oil to Application: The 'best' oil depends on the remedy's purpose; use lighter, non-comedogenic oils like jojoba for face serums and heavier oils like olive for culinary infusions or body balms.
Understand Carrier Properties: Carrier oils vary in texture, absorption rate, and shelf life; for example, coconut oil is great for balms, while jojoba provides a lightweight, non-greasy feel.
Be Mindful of Allergies: For herbal products intended for sensitive skin, avoid potential allergens like sweet almond oil, especially if nut allergies are a concern.
Choose the Right Infusion Method: Solar infusions offer a gentle, low-heat approach over several weeks, while a double boiler can create a quicker infusion.
Store Infused Oils Properly: Always store finished infused oils in a cool, dark place, preferably in a dark glass bottle, to maintain potency and prevent the oil from going rancid.

What is a Carrier Oil?

Carrier oils, also known as base or fixed oils, are vegetable oils pressed from the fatty portions of plants like seeds, nuts, or kernels. Unlike essential oils, they are not volatile and do not evaporate quickly. They serve as a medium for infusing the beneficial compounds from herbs, making them safe for topical application and more readily absorbed by the skin. The final choice depends on several factors, including the intended use, skin type, shelf life, and personal preference.

Popular Carrier Oils for Herbal Infusions

There is no single “best” carrier oil for herbs; instead, the ideal choice is determined by the end goal. Here are some of the most popular options and their characteristics.

Coconut Oil: The Versatile Infusion Base

Often praised for its versatility, coconut oil is an excellent choice for a wide range of herbal preparations.

Key properties: Rich in medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are known for their ability to absorb herbal compounds efficiently.
Virgin coconut oil: Solid at room temperature, it is a fantastic base for salves, balms, and rich body butters. It has a distinct coconut scent that may not be suitable for all herbs.
Fractionated coconut oil: A liquid version that is odorless and non-greasy. Its long shelf life and quick absorption make it perfect for massage oils, facial serums, and lotions.
Culinary use: Virgin coconut oil is great for infusing herbs for cooking, such as with basil or rosemary.

Jojoba Oil: The Skin-Balancing Liquid Wax

Technically a liquid wax, jojoba oil is revered for its similarity to the skin's natural sebum, making it highly compatible with all skin types.

Key properties: Exceptionally stable with a long shelf life, and virtually odorless, it won't interfere with the herb's natural aroma.
Best for: High-performance skincare, including facial serums and hair treatments. It is non-comedogenic and leaves a luxurious, non-greasy feel.
Herbal pairings: Works well with delicate herbs like calendula and chamomile for soothing and calming infusions.

Sweet Almond Oil: The All-Purpose Lightweight Oil

A classic, affordable, and readily available carrier oil, sweet almond oil is a reliable all-purpose choice.

Key properties: Light to medium texture with a faint nutty scent. It is nourishing and high in oleic acid, making it good for dry and sensitive skin.
Best for: Massage oils, body care products, and formulations for mature or baby skin.
Allergy warning: Individuals with nut allergies should avoid sweet almond oil.

Olive Oil: The Traditionalist's Choice

Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) is a traditional and accessible option for herbal infusions, especially for culinary purposes.

Key properties: Rich, heavy, and full of antioxidants, it is deeply moisturizing and protective. It has a distinct herbal and earthy scent that will influence the final product.
Best for: Rich body balms, hair treatments, and edible infusions with robust herbs like rosemary, basil, or oregano.
Note: Because it's heavy and mildly comedogenic, it may not be the best choice for acne-prone facial skin. Use dry herbs to extend shelf life and prevent mold.

Comparison of Popular Carrier Oils for Herbs


Feature	Coconut Oil (Virgin)	Jojoba Oil	Sweet Almond Oil	Olive Oil (EVOO)
Best For	Salves, balms, edibles	Facial serums, hair, all skin types	Massage, body care, sensitive skin	Culinary, balms, dry skin
Texture	Solid, semi-solid	Liquid wax, light	Light to medium	Heavy, thick
Scent	Distinct coconut aroma	Mild, almost neutral	Light, nutty	Herbal, earthy
Absorption Rate	Average	Average	Fairly fast	Average
Shelf Life	Long (2-3 years)	Very long (2-3 years)	Moderate (1-2 years)	Moderate (1-2 years)
Comedogenic Rating	High (4)	Low (2)	Low (2)	Moderate (2)
Allergy Risk	Low (not a tree nut)	None	High (tree nut)	None

Infusion Methods and Safety

Regardless of the carrier oil you choose, proper preparation is essential for a safe and effective infused oil.

Use dried herbs: To prevent bacterial and mold growth, always use thoroughly dried herbs. Fresh herbs contain moisture that can spoil the oil.
Solar infusion: A traditional, gentle method that uses the sun's warmth over 4 to 6 weeks to extract herbal properties.
Double boiler/Slow cooker: A faster method that involves gentle heat to speed up the infusion process, typically taking a few hours. Keep temperatures low (below 140°F) to avoid damaging the herbs and oil.
Storage: Store the finished infused oil in a cool, dark place in a dark-colored glass bottle to prevent oxidation and extend shelf life.

Conclusion

The best carrier oil for herbs truly depends on the desired outcome. For rich, soothing balms and topical applications with a long shelf life, coconut oil is an excellent choice. If you are creating high-end, non-greasy facial products or prefer a neutral scent, jojoba oil is the superior option due to its stability and skin compatibility. For traditional culinary infusions and deeply moisturizing body oils, olive oil is a classic that delivers. Ultimately, understanding each oil's unique properties allows you to select the perfect base to harness the power of your chosen herbs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Using fresh herbs for infusions is generally not recommended because their moisture content can lead to bacterial growth, mold, and spoilage. It is safer and more reliable to use dried herbs for longer-lasting, stable infusions.

No, they are different. Fractionated coconut oil is a refined, liquid form that is odorless and non-greasy, ideal for light facial and body care. Regular virgin coconut oil is solid at room temperature and has a distinct coconut scent, making it suitable for richer body products like salves and balms.

For beginners, an oil like sweet almond oil or sunflower oil is a great all-purpose option. Both are relatively affordable, have a balanced consistency, and are widely available. Sweet almond oil is particularly gentle on sensitive skin.

The shelf life of an infused oil depends on the carrier oil's stability. Oils like jojoba and fractionated coconut have longer shelf lives (2-3 years), while others like sweet almond oil or grapeseed oil may last 1-2 years or less. Proper storage in a cool, dark place in a dark glass bottle is crucial for longevity.

Excessive heat can damage the delicate compounds in both the herbs and the oil, reducing their potency. For this reason, low-heat methods like a double boiler or slow cooker with temperature control are recommended, keeping the oil below 140°F.

If you have a nut allergy, you should avoid using nut-based carrier oils like sweet almond oil. Safer, nut-free alternatives include jojoba oil, olive oil, sunflower oil, and fractionated coconut oil.

Cloudiness in an infused oil is often a sign of water contamination from fresh herbs or temperature fluctuations. If you notice cloudiness or any unusual smells, it is best to discard the batch to prevent mold and rancidity.