If you are one of those who prefer natural remedies to combat any beard problems or maintaining them, knowing the best carrier oil is a must.
Carrier oil is the main ingredient in beard oils or used as a moisturizing agent in most products.
People usually buy products by watching celebrity advertisements or on someone’s recommendation. But how long are you going to continue this way of purchasing beard care products?
You must know what you are applying. Here, we will discuss the nitty gritty of the best carrier oil for beard you must consider while purchasing products or for natural oil remedies.
Table of Contents
What is carrier oil?
Each beard product or commonly beard oil is a blend of essential oils and carrier oil.
Essential oils are the concentrated extract of plants that can cause irritation and redness if applied directly to the skin. So instead of using it like that, we dilute it with carrier oils.
Carrier oil not only dilutes the essential oil but also enhances its properties without getting reacted with it.
The fatty portion of specific plants helps to extract base oils by the cold-pressed method. They are unscented or lightly scented that can be used alone or mixed with some essential oils.
The most common carrier oils are :
- Coconut oil
- Jojoba oil
- Apricot kernel oil
- Sweet almond oil
- Olive oil
- Argan oil
- Rosehip oil
- Black seed oil
- Grape seed oil
- Avocado oil
- Sunflower oil
But here, we will only discuss the best base oil which benefits beard growth.
How to select the best base oil for beard growth?
There are thousands of varieties available in the market when you ask for base oils or carrier oils. Finding the right one is already a task. So here I have listed a few points you must consider before buying any carrier oil for your beard.
Odor:
When you see the label of the product, try to find the unscented oil. There are two benefits of choosing an unscented or lightly scented carrier oil.
Firstly, if the product is over-scented, it may contain chemicals or artificial fragrances, which may react with your skin.
Second, an unscented oil will never mix with the essence of essential oil and will not disturb the fragrance.
Skin type:
Carrier oils are different for different skin types. Some are for sensitive skin or, some are for dry to normal skin. Try to choose the right base oil according to your skin type or, it may cause irritation, redness, or acne.
Absorption:
When you check the consistency of the oil, notice if the oil is absorbing to your skin or not. If it is absorbed deep into your skin, it will provide more moisturization and keep your skin hydrated.
Shelf life:
If you won’t need to use the base oil regularly, then you should go for one with a long shelf life. Some carrier oils stay as it is for a longer duration without getting rancid.
Cold-pressed quality:
The best carrier oil for beard growth is the one that comes from the cold pressing technique. In this technique, the oil undergoes minimal heat or no heat. In this way, the nutrients and vitamins are not damaged and provide more benefits.
It would be best to go with cold-pressed base oils.
Best Carrier Oil for Beard Growth
The following list includes popular carrier oils used to dilute essential oils for beard care:
1. Jojoba Oil:
Jojoba oil has proven as the best carrier oil for beard growth. It comes from the nuts of jojoba plants. This oil is gentle enough to use with essential oils or without it. It comes with a pack of vitamins, proteins, and nutrients that makes it the best base oil.
It has no odor and high absorption capacity that gives it proper hydration and keeps it irritation-free.
Aroma: Almost non-existent
Benefits:
- Nourish your skin and keep it hydrated
- Relief itching
- It gives shine to the hair
- Antibacterial and antioxidant properties
- It’s non-comedogenic
- It helps to control sebum production
- It cures eczema, psoriasis, and other drying skin conditions
- It’s hypoallergenic
Side effects:
- As jojoba oil is hypoallergic, it may not react to the skin. But in some cases, it causes an allergic reaction. Symptoms include itching or hives.
2. Apricot Kernel Oil :
Apricot kernel oil comes from the kernel of the apricot found in Armenia. This oil has a healthy amount of fatty acids and Vitamins Like vitamins A, C, E.
The fatty acid maintains the moisture found within the skin and your hair. Also, it fills the gaps between skin cells that make the skin smooth and hydrated.
Vitamin E helps to reduce and slow down the signs of aging by making cells tight and toned. Vitamin C helps to produce collagen, increasing skin stability and flexibility. Vitamin A reduces and repairs UV damage.
Apricot oil is a blessing if you are suffering from beard itching. It soothes the beard and prevents irritation.
Aroma: Lightly sweet
Benefits:
- Balance the moisture found within the hair and skin of your face
- It makes the skin hydrated, tight, and toned
- Reduce and slow down the signs of aging
- It helps to soothe skin and reduce redness and itchiness
- Absorb deeply in the skin that allows it to lock the moisture
- Promotes healthy hair growth
Side effects:
- It is unsafe when taken by mouth. It has a toxic chemical known as amygdalin that can cause damage to your body.
3. Sweet Almond Oil :
Sweet almond oil comes from sweet almonds produced by the tree – Prunus dulcis, var. Amygdalus.
We are much aware of the almond oil benefits for cooking, skincare, haircare, cosmetics, and home remedies. But now, it is showing various advantages in the beard community.
Sweet almond oil is rich in potassium, magnesium, zinc, protein, vitamins A, E, Omega3 fatty acids, stearic acid, and palmitic and palmitoleic acids.
All the vitamins and minerals that it contains help keep the beard hydrated and nourished without making it sticky and heavy.
Aroma: Strongly Nutty
Benefits:
- It has the potential of softening or soothing the skin
- It maintains the absorption of moisture and water loss
- It nourishes the skin with vitamins A, B, C, and E.
- Reduces inflammation and bacteria
- Prevent redness, heat, itching, sensitivity, and swelling
- Reduce breakage, splits, and knots
- Non-comedogenic
- Promote Hair Growth
Side effects:
- If you have sensitive skin or nut allergies, you may face redness, rashes, and skin allergies.
4. Sunflower Oil :
The seeds of a sunflower undergo a cold-pressed mechanism to obtain sunflower oil. There is various kind of sunflower present that provides different oils.
The main components of this oil are oleic acid, vitamin E, sesamol, linoleic acid. It promotes hair growth, rejuvenates your facial skin, and does a miracle at treating mild skin conditions like seborrheic dermatitis.
Also, this is the only oil that can boost testosterone in the body when consumed.
Most people avoid using them because of their unpleasant smell. But if you use it in small quantities, this oil can do wonders.
Aroma: Mild fatty odor
Benefits:
- It is non-comedogenic
- It is beneficial for healing wounds.
- Great moisturizer
- Prevent acne and mild skin conditions.
- It can boost the levels of testosterone which promotes hair growth.
- It has antioxidants.
- Prevent wrinkles and premature aging.
Side effects:
- If you have an allergic reaction on your face, you should avoid using it. It may enhance the issue.
5. Castor Oil :
Castor oil is a multi-purpose vegetable oil that helps in making medicines and skincare products. Now it is proving its benefits in the beard care industry.
It comes from the seeds of the Ricinus communis plant also, known as castor beans. It contains a toxic component called ricin, but the heating process that castor oil undergoes deactivates it, making it safer to use.
If you are looking for castor oil as a carrier oil, you are on the right path. It is a fantastic moisturizer for your beard that gives it a shine, prevents irritation, and promotes hair growth. It has a mild aroma that mixes with the best essential oil without disturbing its smell.
Aroma: Mild earthy smell
Benefits:
- It is beneficial for healing wounds.
- Great moisturizer
- It has anti-inflammatory properties
- Prevent acne and mild skin conditions.
- Promote Hair Growth
- Prevent irritation and fight against fungus
- Tolerable smell
Side effects:
- It may cause an allergic reaction in some people when applied to the beard.
- It can cause diarrhea if taken by mouth.
6. Vitamin E Oil:
Vitamin E oil is different from vitamin E capsules. Some people pop open the capsule and apply it. But this is the wrong way to use it. It is a highly concentrated oil that can cause damage to your skin.
First, you should mix it with some essential oils like lavender or hazelnut to improve its benefits. Then apply it.
Vitamin E is a common component in skin care products, especially those are promising anti-aging effects. But now they are used by the beard community too.
It keeps the beard healthy and hydrated. Also, it has antioxidant properties that help to fight inflammation and reduce the effects of free radicals. Its moisturizing property nourishes the skin deeply.
Aroma: Nearly odorless
Benefits:
- Prevent skin itching
- It is beneficial for healing wounds.
- Great moisturizer
- It has antioxidant properties
- Fight against eczema and psoriasis
- Minimize the scar appearance
- Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
- Sunburn prevention
Side effects:
- It may cause an allergic reaction.
7. Olive oil
Olive oil is a natural oil extracted from the fruit of olive plants. Nowadays, its use is not limited to the kitchen but is used in skincare, haircare, eyelashes, and now on beards.
Olive oil has antioxidants, and vitamins and prevents bacteria. Also, it helps to reduce acne. It has a fruity aroma that might interfere with the essential oil scent.
Aroma: Fruity smell
Benefits:
- It has fatty acids and plant sterols that cleanse and moisturizes the skin
- Used for massage, facial cleansers, hair care
- It has antioxidant properties, anti-inflammatory properties, and antibacterial properties
- It can be consumed by mouth also.
Side effects:
- It may cause allergic reactions to those who have an olive allergy.
- Its aroma might interfere with the essential oil scent.
8. Argan oil:
Argan oil comes from the trees of argan found in Morocco. The seeds of argan fruit are peeled, dried, and roasted, then pressed to extract oil from it.
If you are looking for a carrier oil for sensitive skin, argan oil would be a good choice. It has Vitamin E, omega fatty acid, and anti-aging properties that give your beard proper nutrition and promote beard growth. Also, it has a nutty aroma and contains vitamins A and E and monounsaturated fatty acids.
Aroma: nutty smell
Benefits:
- It helps to treat skin inflammation.
- Prevent beardruff
- Great moisturizer
- Reduce irritation
- Prevent split-ends
- Reduce patchiness
Side-effects:
- It has no side effects. Argan is available in cosmetics, as well as it is consumables. It rarely reacts.
9. Avocado oil:
Avocado oil is an oil pressed from avocado fruits. It contains oleic acid, polyunsaturated fats, carotenoids, and other antioxidant-rich nutrients that help to improve heart, skin, and eye health.
Avocado oil is a heavy, thick, edible oil with a nutty aroma that reduces dryness and damaged skin.
Aroma: Nutty smell
Benefits:
- Rich in antioxidants.
- It is beneficial for healing wounds.
- Great moisturizer
- Reduces dryness
- Heal damaged skin
Side-effects:
- It may increase sebum production. If you have acne-prone skin, consult your dermatologist before use.
How to mix carrier oil with essential oils
If it is possible, purchase organic, cold-pressed carrier oils from the store. Cold-pressed oils have more nutritional value than others. Although most carrier oils are hypoallergic, you should always do a patch test before using them.
To perform a patch test:
- Apply a small amount of carrier oil to the less visible area.
- Cover the oil with a gauze piece/bandage.
- Leave the covered area for 24 hours.
- If irritation or redness occurs, rinse thoroughly, and discontinue the use.
If you’re allergic to nuts, avoid using sweet almond oil, argan oil, and apricot kernel oil for your beard.
Follow the below dilution guidelines to avoid skin issues:
| Dilution | Essential oil | Carrier oil |
| 2.5% | 15 drops | 6 Tbsp |
| 3% | 20 drops | 6 Tbsp |
| 5% | 30 drops | 6 Tbsp |
| 10% | 60 drops | 6 Tbsp |
How to Make Your Own Beard Oil: DIY
If you are here finding some best carrier oils for beard growth, there might be two reasons. First, you are tired of purchasing beard products that give you undesired results. And want to make your beard oil?
Second, you have sensitive skin that gets irritated easily, and you want to go pure and natural.
Here, I will share the best beard oil recipe. It not only gives the best results but saves a lot of money.
INGREDIENTS:
1-ounce jojoba oil
1/2 ounce avocado oil
1/4 ounce almond oil
1/4 ounce apricot oil
16–20 drops of Texas Cedarwood essential oil
7 drops of orange essential oil
7 drops of tea tree essential oil
- Add all the carrier oils to a dropper bottle
- Add the essential oil of your choice to the carrier oil solution
- Mix it up until they blend!
conclusion:
Carrier oil is the best option when you want to dilute essential oils. The oil is not only used as base oil but enhances the overall nutritional value.
I know it is hard to find the best carrier oil for beard growth, especially when dealing with skin allergies, acne, and sensitivity. But if you consider my point of view, you can go with jojoba oil and apricot kernel oil.
Both are providing their best results for beard growth and nutrition. If you are still confused, mix 2-4 carrier oil and try the desired mix. But before trying any oil on your skin, try doing a patch test to avoid skin issues and side effects.
FAQs:
Is grapeseed oil good for your beard?
Yes, grapeseed oil has proven many benefits especially, in improving hair texture and preventing hair loss in men. It helps to block the production of the hormone DHT which, is responsible for hair loss.
Is Avocado oil good for the beard?
Yes, Avocado oil is the best carrier oil you must try for your beard. It contains oleic acid, polyunsaturated fats, carotenoids, and other antioxidant-rich nutrients that help to improve heart, skin, and eye health.
Avocado oil is a heavy, thick, edible oil with a nutty aroma that reduces dryness and damaged skin.
What oil is best for beard oil?
Jojoba oil and apricot kernel oil are the best oil for the beard. Both are providing their best results for beard growth and nutrition.
Can castor oil grow a beard?
If you are looking for castor oil as a carrier oil, you are on the right path. It is a fantastic moisturizer for your beard that gives it a shine, prevents irritation, and promotes hair growth. It has a mild aroma that mixes with the best essential oil without disturbing its smell.
Kayden is an entrepreneur, writer, hairstylist working in a professional salon. He specializes in men’s grooming. He loves to blog about beards, hairstyles, and skincare.