Nut & Seed Oils

Nut and Seed Carrier Oils: Foundational Lipids for Balanced, Healthy Skin

Nut and seed carrier oils are the backbone of natural skincare. Rich in essential fatty acids, vitamins, and phytosterols, they help restore the skin barrier, support hydration, and bring balance to a wide range of skin types. Here is how they work and how to choose the right oils for your skin.

What Are Carrier Oils?

Carrier oils are plant based oils pressed from nuts, seeds, and fruit kernels. Unlike essential oils, they are not aromatic and do not evaporate. They provide the bulk of nourishment in many skincare products and help dilute essential oils safely for topical use.

Biochemically, carrier oils contain triglycerides that hold key fatty acids such as oleic acid, linoleic acid, alpha linolenic acid, palmitic acid, and stearic acid. Studies show that these lipids play a critical role in skin barrier repair, hydration, inflammation modulation, and overall skin resilience.

How Carrier Oils Benefit the Skin

Research into skin lipid structure and barrier function highlights the importance of plant oils in restoring comfort, elasticity, and moisture levels. Each oil has a unique fatty acid profile that influences how it behaves on the skin.

  • Barrier repair: Fatty acids help replenish the lipid matrix of the stratum corneum, supporting smoother, stronger skin.
  • Hydration support: Oils slow moisture loss by strengthening barrier function.
  • Soothing action: Many oils contain anti inflammatory compounds such as phytosterols, squalene, and vitamin E.
  • Antioxidant protection: Natural tocopherols and polyphenols help buffer environmental stress.
  • Improved absorption of actives: Oils help carry fat soluble compounds deeper into the upper layers of skin.

Choosing Carrier Oils for Different Skin Types

Different skin types benefit from different fatty acid ratios. Here is a simple guide based on current dermatological and lipid chemistry research.

1. Dry or Dehydrated Skin

Dry skin often lacks both oil and water. Oils rich in oleic acid and soothing phytosterols help replenish softness and flexibility.

  • Avocado Oil - Rich, nourishing, ideal for dryness and rough texture.
  • Sweet Almond Oil - Softening, gentle, suitable for sensitive skin.
  • Apricot Kernel Oil - Lightweight but deeply hydrating.

2. Oily or Congested Skin

Oily or breakout prone skin often benefits from oils high in linoleic acid. Studies show that low linoleic acid in sebum is linked with clogged pores, so replenishing it can help rebalance the skin.

  • Hemp Seed Oil - High in omega 3 and omega 6, known to help calm reactive skin.
  • Rosehip Oil - Brightening, rich in trans retinoic acid precursors, helpful for uneven tone.
  • Evening Primrose Oil - High gamma linolenic acid supports inflammation prone skin.

3. Combination Skin

Combination skin typically needs balanced oils that hydrate without heaviness and help regulate moisture levels.

  • Jojoba Oil - Technically a liquid wax. Mimics the skin’s own sebum and helps balance oil production.
  • Squalane (plant derived) - Lightweight, fast absorbing, and excellent for maintaining softness.
  • Apricot Kernel Oil - Gentle and adaptable for most skin zones.
  • Meadowfoam Seed Oil - Highly stable, cushiony feel, helps lock in hydration without clogging.

4. Sensitive or Reactive Skin

Sensitive skin often responds well to oils with simple fatty acid profiles, low aroma, and high soothing compounds.

  • Camellia Seed Oil - Gentle, hypoallergenic, rich in oleic and omega 9.
  • Calendula Infused Oil - Known for calming irritation and aiding repair. See: https://zurma.co.nz/collections/extracts-infusions
  • Apricot Kernel Oil - Soft, mild, suitable for delicate or sensitised skin.
  • Hemp Seed Oil - Anti inflammatory, helps reduce redness and dryness.

5. Mature Skin

Mature skin benefits from oils rich in antioxidants, oleic acid, and plant sterols that support elasticity and softness.

  • Argan Oil - High tocopherols and antioxidants for resilience.
  • Rosehip Oil - Brightening and regenerative, popular for uneven tone.
  • Sea Buckthorn Oil (berry or CO₂) - Rich in carotenoids and omegas for radiance.

How to Use Carrier Oils Safely

  • Apply 2 to 4 drops on damp skin to improve absorption.
  • Use as a base for essential oil blends at safe dilutions.
  • Blend multiple oils to balance texture and benefits.
  • Store in cool, dark conditions to protect sensitive fatty acids.
  • Patch test if your skin is reactive or compromised.

Are Carrier Oils Right for You?

If you want a simple and effective way to support hydrated, resilient skin, nut and seed oils are a deeply practical choice. Their natural lipid chemistry aligns closely with the skin’s own structure, helping restore balance, softness, and comfort. At Zurma Botanical Oil Studio, our carrier oils are selected for quality, freshness, and traceability so you can work confidently with the oils that suit your skin’s unique needs.