Best Carrier Oils for Perfume: 10 Picks to Lock in Fragrance

Do you want to know about the best carrier oils for perfume making? You are at the right place. Do you know in a perfume formulation we don’t just use essential oils and fragrant oils. We have to use carrier oil or perfume alcohol to dilute the fragrance and ensure that it doesn't evaporate too quickly. If you have decided to use Carrier Oil for your perfume making, it is important to choose the right one. Your chosen carrier oil will determine the quality and longevity of your perfume.

So now that you are aware of the importance of choosing the right carrier oils for perfume making, let’s dive deep into the world of carrier oils and explore the top 10 carrier oils that are best suited for perfume making. 

What are Carrier Oils? 

Carrier oils are extracted from the fatty portions of plants such as seeds, nuts or kernels through cold-pressed methods. Carrier oils are useful in diluting Essential Oils as essential oils are very potent in nature. Carrier oils are named carrier oils because they are mostly used to carry essential oils and other potent ingredients to the skin. When it comes to perfume making the carrier oils are used to carry the fragrance of other oils to the skin. Carrier oils are also used in product formulations like hair oil, body oil, face serum, body lotion, moisturiser, lip balm, makeup remover etc. 

How to Choose Right Carrier Oil for Perfume Making

To choose best carrier oil for perfume making, you should keep these two important factors in mind:

Your Skin Type: You should choose carrier oil for perfume making as per your skin type. If you have oily skin, you can opt for carrier oils like rosehip oil or moringa oil. If you have dry skin, carrier oils like castor and apricot seed oil are appropriate choices.

Carrier Oil’s Compatibility: Different carrier oils have unique properties, such as absorption rate, scent, and viscosity, which can influence how well they blend with essential or fragrance oils. Checking the compatibility earlier will help you in maintaining the effectiveness, aroma, and overall quality of your perfume. 

Keep these two deciding factors in mind when choosing the best carrier for perfume making. Now it’s the time to discover top 10 carrier oils that can be used as a perfume base. 

Top 10 Carrier Oils for Perfume Making

We have carefully curated this list of carrier oils for perfume by considering various factors. Which include the compatibility of each oil with other essential oils and fragrance oil, its ability to serve as a stable base, and its overall therapeutic benefits. Let’s explore each oil in detail:

1. Jojoba Oil

Jojoba oil is extracted from the seeds of jojoba plants by using the cold pressed method. Jojoba oil has a neutral scent, which makes it an excellent carrier oil for perfume making. Jojoba oil has a medium absorption rate, which will make scent last on the skin. Jojoba oil is non-comedongenic, so it will be suitable for all skin types. Since jojoba oil has a long shelf life, it helps maintain the integrity of your perfume, ensuring the notes remain consistent over time.

2. Fractionated Coconut Oil

Fractionated Coconut Oil, unlike coconut oil, is light and non-greasy in nature, and quickly absorbs into the skin. It is considered hypoallergenic in nature, which means it is less likely to cause skin irritation compared to other carrier oils. Fractionated coconut oil is lightweight and non-greasy, making it an excellent carrier oil for perfume creation, especially for those who prefer products that don’t leave a heavy residue. As fractionated coconut oil has a neutral scent, it won’t overpower the fragrance notes in your perfume. 

3. Pumpkin Seed Oil

If you're looking for a carrier oil that enhances your skin while complementing your perfume notes, pumpkin seed oil is an excellent choice. As suggested by name, pumpkin seed oil is extracted from pumpkin seeds through cold-pressing. Pumpkin seed oil is lightweight yet moisturising and absorbs relatively quickly into the skin. Pumpkin seed oil carries the fragrance notes of a perfume beautifully to the skin. As pumpkin seed oil has a very faint nutty scent, it mixes well with the fragrance and Essential oils for perfume making. 

4. Camellia Oil 

If you are looking for a carrier oil for perfume making for sensitive skin, then you are going to love camellia oil. This oil is loved for its mild floral aroma. Camellia oil is a non-greasy, fast absorbing moisturizing carrier oil that’s why it has earned the place in this list of top 10 best carrier oils for perfume making. Camellia oil is considered a high-quality, luxurious oil that is rich in antioxidants, such as vitamins A, B, and E. This oil will add a touch of sophistication to your perfume, making it a premium product.

5. Rosehip Seed Oil 

Do you know that rosehip oil, the widely celebrated oil in the skincare niche, can also be used as a carrier oil for perfume making. Rosehip oil is extracted from rosehip seeds, which are the byproduct of rose plant, making rosehip oil an eco-friendly choice for perfume making compared to other more resource-intensive oils. If you are a brand that promotes sustainable practices, rosehip seed oil will be the best carrier oil for perfume making for you. Rosehip oil is not just sustainable, it also blends well with fragrance oils and absorbs into the skin fast, naturally carrying the fragrance of the oil to the skin. It harmonizes with both floral and woody notes, making it versatile for different kinds of perfumes.

6. Marula Oil 

Marula oil is extracted from the seeds of marula tree by cold-pressing and exudes luxury, nourishment, and elegance. Its lightweight texture makes it so easy to absorb, a requirement for oil-based perfumes. One unique quality of marula oil is its high content of monounsaturated fatty acids, particularly oleic acid. This makes it incredibly nourishing for the skin while being lightweight. If you're looking for a best carrier oil for perfume making that not only enhances your fragrances but also offers a range of skincare benefits, marula oil is the perfect choice.

7. Apricot Oil 

Apricot oil has a very mild aroma, so it won’t interfere with the notes of your perfume. Its emollient properties help slow down the evaporation of fragrant elements, making the scent last longer. Apricot oil is a rich source of vitamins A and E. The skin nourishing properties of apricot oil makes it the best carrier oil for roll-on and body perfumes.

8. Moringa Oil 

Moringa oil stands out among other carrier oils for perfume making because it has oxidative stability, which surpasses even jojoba and argan oil. In simple words we can say that moringa oil doesn’t get rancid for extended periods of time and preserves the fragrance compositions without altering the scent over time.

Another special trait of Moringa Seed Oil is its high behenic acid content. Behenic acid is a long-chain fatty acid that creates a luxuriously smooth texture. The smooth texture of moringa oil will allow the perfumes to glide effortlessly onto the skin while providing a subtle, velvety feel, something most carrier oils don’t offer.

9. Pomegranate Seed Oil

Pomegranate seed oil is a hidden gem in the world of perfume-making. Unlike conventional carrier oils, it has punicic acid, a rare omega-5 fatty acid, which gives it a rich yet lightweight texture. This allows it to hold onto scent molecules effectively without leaving a greasy residue, making it an excellent choice for high-end, skin-friendly perfumes. Not just that, pomegranate seed oil subtly complements floral and citrus notes with its naturally mild fruity aroma. Unlike heavier oils that can overpower delicate fragrance profiles, it enhances rather than muting them. 

10. Castor Oil

If you want to make a perfume that is very long-lasting then you can opt for castor oil as a perfume base. You might be wondering how such a thick oil can be used as a base for a perfume but here is the twist. Castor oil is a perfect choice for solid perfumes that are popular nowadays. Castor oil can also be blended with other light carrier oils like jojoba and apricot seed oil to prepare a perfume base that is not just smooth but also rich in emollient properties. The emollient properties of castor oil help in holding the scent and ensure that the fragrance stays on the user for a very long time.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to creating the perfect perfume, choosing the right carrier oil is the first step to ensure that the fragrance lasts longer, remains stable, and feels luxurious on the skin. The top 10 carrier oils for perfume making we explored, offer a wide range of benefits, from enhancing the scent to nourishing the skin. Whether you’re looking for a lightweight option like fractionated coconut oil or a more luxurious choice like marula oil, there’s an oil to suit every need and skin type. By selecting the best carrier oils for perfume making out of the options listed above, you can create a high-quality, long-lasting fragrance that truly complements your unique scent profile.

 

Written By: Neetu Sharma