Blending carrier oils is a simple way to adjust the feel of an oil you already enjoy. Start with two oils, make a small amount and write down the proportions. You can always change the next batch after trying it.
The three recipes below are oil-only starting points for personal cosmetic use. They contain no essential oils, fragrance, water or hydrosols. Individual preferences vary; test each oil on a small area before trying a blend more widely.
Before you begin
- Use clean, completely dry tools and a clean, dry container with a secure lid.
- Check each ingredient label and avoid ingredients you know you react to.
- Measure consistently. In the examples below, one part is one quarter teaspoon; use the same measure for both oils.
- Keep a note of the ingredient names, proportions and date mixed.
- Make a small trial quantity. These recipes do not have a tested shelf life and are not finished formulas for products you intend to sell.
1. A simple face-oil blend
Ratio: two parts Golden Jojoba Oil to one part Argan Oil.
Small trial: mix one half teaspoon of jojoba with one quarter teaspoon of argan. Stir or gently turn the closed container to combine.
How to use: begin with one or two drops in your existing facial routine. If the finish feels too rich, use less. The simple face-oil routine offers more application guidance.
2. An after-shower body-oil blend
Ratio: two parts Sweet Almond Oil to one part Apricot Kernel Oil.
Small trial: mix one half teaspoon of sweet almond oil with one quarter teaspoon of apricot kernel oil. This gives you a small amount to test for slip and finish.
How to use: smooth a little onto slightly damp body skin after bathing. Keep oil away from the bath or shower floor because it can make surfaces slippery. If almond is unsuitable for you, choose a different oil you already tolerate rather than assuming a blend removes an allergy concern.
3. A blend for dry-looking hair ends
Ratio: two parts Golden Jojoba Oil to one part Argan Oil.
Small trial: mix one half teaspoon of jojoba with one quarter teaspoon of argan. The same simple pairing can fit more than one routine; the application amount makes the difference.
How to use: spread a single drop between your palms and lightly smooth over the ends. Add more only if needed. If your hair feels coated, use the blend as a small pre-shampoo application next time. Browse the hair-care oil guide for other textures.
How to adjust a blend
Change one thing at a time. First try less product. If you still want a different feel, adjust the ratio in a new small batch or substitute an oil you have tried separately. Our guide to light and rich carrier-oil textures explains why a fast-absorbing label cannot predict everyone's experience.
Can I add rose water or lavender water?
Keep them in a separate step. Water and oil do not form a stable blend simply by shaking them together, and introducing water changes the preservation requirements. These oil-only recipes are not designed to include water, floral water, aloe juice or other water-based ingredients.
For a floral-water routine, follow the directions for your chosen product and read the hydrosol guide. Do not pour it into your stored oil blend.
How should I store my blend?
Keep the container tightly closed, away from heat and direct sunlight, and avoid introducing water. Follow the most restrictive storage and expiry guidance of the ingredients you used. Mixing oils does not reset their age, and the result has no independently established shelf life.
Stop using a blend if its smell, texture or appearance changes unexpectedly, or if it causes irritation. For larger batches or products for sale, get formulation and quality-testing advice appropriate to your product.
Find the oils for your first blend
Explore the carrier oil guide or find your starting oil. Once you know what works for your project, compare wholesale oils and refill sizes.
