Carrier oil
Olive oil as a carrier for essential oils
Olive oil is the kitchen-cupboard carrier: it works, but it’s heavy and its own aroma can clash with delicate essential oils. It shines in balms, salves and soap-making rather than in perfume or roller blends.
Best for
- Balms & salves
- Soap-making
- Rich hand or foot oils
- A carrier in a pinch
Using it with essential oils
For a simple balm, melt beeswax into olive oil (about 1:4), cool slightly, then stir in essential oils at 1–2%.
Need a different size or strength? The free dilution calculator gives exact drops, and the dilution chart covers every common bottle.
Pairs well with
Things to watch
Its strong scent and heaviness make it a poor match for facial blends and fine fragrances. Patch-test as usual.
Common questions
- Can I use olive oil as a carrier oil?
- Yes, especially for balms and salves — but it’s heavy and strongly scented, so lighter carriers like FCO or jojoba suit most essential-oil blends better.
Typical makeup figures are commonly published ranges; real oils vary with origin and processing. Always patch-test, and dilute essential oils for the person and the use. Compare all carrier oils →