The ideal carrier oil changes with the season. In winter, rich, nourishing oils are favored: cold, wind, and dry indoor air deplete the skin, and heavier oils keep the skin soft longer and help retain moisture.
In summer, it’s all about lightness. In warm weather, the skin naturally produces more oil, making heavy or greasy products quickly feel unpleasant. Customers look for care that is light and absorbs quickly during this period.
For you as a maker, this means you want to work with light carrier oils in the summer.
In this guide, we explain what makes an oil "light," list five suitable oils, and provide a concrete product idea for each oil. This way, you can choose specifically what fits your formulation, even if you are just starting out.
What is a carrier oil?
A carrier oil is a plant-based base oil that you use as a carrier for your product. You incorporate other ingredients into it, such as essential oils or active substances, or you use the oil purely as a care product. The carrier oil largely determines how your final product feels on the skin.
What makes a carrier oil "light"?
Whether an oil feels light or rich mainly depends on the fatty acid profile. Fatty acids are the building blocks of an oil, and two of them determine the behavior on the skin:
- Linoleic acid (an omega-6 fatty acid): the more linoleic acid, the lighter the oil. These oils absorb quickly and leave a dry, non-greasy afterfeel. Pleasant for oily and combination skin, and ideal for summer products.
- Oleic acid (an omega-9 fatty acid): the more oleic acid, the richer and more nourishing the oil. It stays on the skin a bit longer and is nice for dry skin, but feels less light.
By "a dry afterfeel" we mean this: after applying the oil, the skin quickly feels dry and soft again, without a shiny or sticky film. An oil with a lot of oleic acid leaves a nourishing, slightly oily layer for longer.
A second useful gauge is the comedogenic scale. This is a scale from 0 to 5 indicating the likelihood that an oil will clog pores. A 0 means: very low chance, suitable for almost every skin type. A 5 means: higher chance, less suitable for oily or blemish-prone skin. Light oils usually score a 0 or 1. The six oils below all fall into that light category.
Five light carrier oils in a row
1. Grape seed oil (refined)
One of the lightest carrier oils: fast-absorbing and naturally rich in linoleic acid, with a comedogenic rating of 1. The refined variant is extra neutral in scent and color, has a longer shelf life, and is affordably priced. A nice and affordable base that suits oily and combination skin well. Product idea: a mattifying facial oil for oily skin, or a smooth massage oil.
2. Hemp seed oil
Light and fast-absorbing, with a high linoleic acid content and a good balance of omega fatty acids. Comedogenic rating 0, making it suitable for almost every skin type. An oil that has become increasingly popular in natural care in recent years. Product idea: a soothing serum for sensitive skin, a beard oil, or a restorative hair oil.
3. Apricot kernel oil
Light to medium weight, soft and versatile. Absorbs quickly and feels pleasant, even on sensitive skin. Comedogenic rating 2. Product idea: a gentle facial cream, mild baby care, or a cleansing oil.
4. Sunflower oil
An accessible, light base oil widely used due to its favorable price and high linoleic acid content. Odorless and versatile, also available in larger volumes. Product idea: an affordable body lotion or massage oil, or a base oil for soap and balm.
5. Jojoba
Strictly speaking, jojoba is not an oil but a liquid wax ester. A wax ester is a substance structurally similar to sebum, the fat the skin produces itself. Because of this, jojoba absorbs nicely, does not feel greasy, and is suitable for almost every skin type (comedogenic rating 2). Additional benefit: jojoba is very stable and therefore has a long shelf life. Product idea: a facial oil for every skin type, a makeup remover, a lip balm, or a hair and beard serum.
Which oil for which product?
| Application | Strong choices |
|---|---|
| Facial oil or serum (oily, combination skin) | Grape seed, hemp seed |
| Facial and body care (sensitive skin) | Apricot kernel, jojoba |
| Hair and beard oil | Jojoba, hemp seed |
| Massage and larger volumes | Sunflower, grape seed |
| After-sun care | Apricot kernel, grape seed |
Processing tips for summer
- Store cool and dark. Light oils high in linoleic acid, such as grape seed, hemp seed, and raspberry seed, can oxidize faster (meaning spoil due to contact with air and light). Cool, dark storage extends shelf life.
- Add vitamin E. A small amount of natural vitamin E (tocopherol) acts as a natural antioxidant and keeps your formulation fresh longer.
- Combine smartly. Mix a light oil with a slightly richer oil if you want a nourishing but non-greasy final result.
- Work with smaller batches. In warm months, it is best to make your product in smaller quantities so it is always fresh.
Getting started with light carrier oils
Now that you know which light oils are suitable for summer formulations and which oil fits which product, you are ready to try it yourself. Whether you are developing a fresh facial oil, want to make a fast-absorbing hair oil, or want to expand your summer line, it all starts with a high-quality, certified organic oil. At Oliemeesters, you will find a carefully selected range that suits your needs, whether you are testing small batches or buying in large volumes. Unsure about your choice? We are happy to help and will send you a free sample.