Top 13 Fast Absorbing, Non-Greasy Carrier Oils for Skin & Hair
Sometimes when you are creating DIY skincare recipes, certain carrier oils are too heavy and leave a greasy feeling on the skin. The good news is, there are plenty of great skincare oils that absorb quickly, won't clog your pores and leave your skin with a silky feel.
Today I'm sharing 13 fast absorbing oils that are also non-comedogenic & anti-aging!
You are definitely going to want to add a few of these lovely oils to your skincare routine!
When I call an oil fast absorbing, I'm describing how it feels after you spread a little on your skin: less slippery or greasy, with a lighter finish. It doesn't mean the oil disappears instantly into your skin. Fatty-acid composition, viscosity (how thick the oil is), spreadability, the amount you apply, the rest of your formula, and your individual skin all influence that feel.
What is a carrier oil?
Carrier oils are used as a base in many skin & hair care recipes and help to dilute essential oils before they are applied to the skin.
Carrier oils also help to moisturize and nourish the skin and hair.
Carrier oils can be extracted from a variety of plants, including nuts, seeds, and fruits. Some carrier oils are better for certain skin types than others.
Do carrier oils clog pores?
There are definitely skincare oils that can clog pores and cause breakouts.
However, the oils that I am sharing today are all non-comedogenic, which means they should not clog your pores.
If you are concerned about oils clogging your pores, you should check out our post on the comedogenic ratings of oils and butters! You will find all of the comedogenic ratings for over 70 skincare oils and butters.
Use comedogenic ratings as a starting point, not a promise that an oil will never clog pores. Ratings can vary by source, and the concentration, overall formulation, and your own skin response all matter. A light finish alone doesn't tell you whether a product will suit your skin.
If you have sensitive skin or are prone to breakouts, you may want to test out each oil on a small patch of skin before using it in a recipe.
Are carrier oils anti-aging?
Yes & no... Not all carrier oils have anti-aging properties, but all of the oils I'm sharing today are anti-aging!
So not only are they safe to use on your skin because they won't cause breakouts, but they will also help to keep your skin looking young and healthy!
A fast-absorbing oil can be useful in both facial and body formulas. For your face, start with a small amount and choose the finish your skin enjoys; a body oil may call for a little more richness or glide. Skin type, personal preference, the other ingredients, and how much you apply matter more than a single absorption label. Every oil on this list won't be the right fit for every face.
More about absorption rates
When I talk about absorption rates, I like to categorize them as:
- 1 - Very Fast
- 2 - Fast
- 3 - Average
- 4 - Slow
- 5 - Very Slow
The oils we're sharing today have either an absorption rate of 1 or 2. So they are rated as very fast or fast absorbing carrier oils.
A few examples of carrier oils that are slow to absorb would be:
These carrier oils are great for deep moisturizing skincare products like body butters or balms, but they may not be the best choice for products that you will be applying to your face or using in body oils and facial oils.
If you do choose to use slower absorbing oils in your skincare recipes, I would use them in smaller amounts.
Now, I'm sure you're excited to learn all about these fast absorbing, non-comedogenic, anti-aging carrier oils, so let's get to it!
13 Fast Absorbing, Non-Greasy Carrier Oils that are Non-Comedogenic & Anti
Compare the 13 carrier oils
These are practical starting points for comparing skin feel, not a scientific ranking or a guarantee for sensitive or breakout-prone skin. Try a small amount in your intended formula before deciding.
| Oil | Skin feel / relative richness | Good fit for / common uses |
|---|---|---|
| Abyssinian Oil | Light, silky slip | Hair oils and light body blends |
| Blackberry Seed Oil | Light with a soft finish | Facial and body blends for dry skin |
| Blueberry Seed Oil | Light with a nourishing feel | Facial oils and richer-feeling blends for dry skin |
| Camellia Seed Oil | Silky and easy to spread | Facial oils, hair oils and scalp blends |
| Cucumber Seed Oil | Light and spreadable | Light facial and body blends |
| Grapeseed Oil | Light, fluid texture | Everyday facial or body oil blends |
| Hazelnut Oil | Light with good glide | Facial and body blends with a less-heavy finish |
| Kiwi Seed Oil | Light, dry-feeling finish | Facial blends for dry or mature-looking skin |
| Meadowfoam Seed Oil | Light, smooth slip | Facial, body and hair blends |
| Rosehip Seed Oil | Light, dry-feeling finish | Facial oils for dry or mature-looking skin |
| Safflower Oil | Light, fluid texture | Light facial and body blends |
| Strawberry Seed Oil | Light with a soft finish | Facial and body blends for dry skin |
| Watermelon Seed Oil | Light, fresh-feeling finish | Light facial and body blends |
1. Abyssinian Oil
Abyssinian oil, a light, non-greasy natural seed oil, has amazing moisturization capabilities and is recommended for use by all skin types.
Abbyssinian oil has many skin benefits including its ability to dissolve excess sebum, making it perfect for helping with acne and blemishes. It can help skin feel softer and look smoother. Abyssinian oil is not sunscreen, does not provide reliable SPF, and should not replace sun protection.
Because of its non-greasy feel, it is very popular for haircare recipes.
Abyssinian oil has a comedogenic rating of 0 and a very fast absorption rate.
2. Blackberry Seed Oil
Blackberry Seed Oil is a luxurious and skin-healthy oil that can be used in many different cosmetic applications.
It contains vitamins C, A & E as well as other important nutrients like phytosterols which help repair damage to your skin!
Another Blackberry oil skin benefit is its emollient feel. It can add softness to facial and body blends for dry or mature-looking skin. If your skin feels sensitive, try a small amount first rather than assuming a botanical oil will suit you.
Blackberry seed oil has a comedogenic rating of 0-1 and a very fast absorption rate.
3. Blueberry Seed Oil
Blueberry Seed Oil is a rich and penetrative moisturizer that deeply moisturizes your skin without weighing it down or clogging the pores.
It has antioxidant properties to help protect against environmental stressors, improves barrier integrity for problem-prone skin while reducing fine lines and wrinkles. As you can see, Blueberry seed oil skin benefits are incredible!
Blueberry seed oil has a comedogenic rating of 0-1 and a very fast absorption rate.
4. Camellia Seed Oil
Camellia Seed Oil is packed full of antioxidants that help protect your skin and reduce irritation from environmental damage.
Camellia seed oil has a lightweight, silky feel and an oleic-acid-rich fatty-acid profile. As an emollient, it helps soften skin and adds slip to facial and hair oils; it does not physically close or tighten pores.
This oil can also be used on hair and helps protect and hydrate your skin and scalp!
Camellia seed oil has a comedogenic rating of 1 and a fast absorption rate.
5. Cucumber Seed Oil
Cucumber Seed Oil is a great addition for any skin type, especially mature and aging.
Cucumber seed oil adds emollience to skincare blends, helping dry skin feel softer and more comfortable.
Its light, spreadable feel can be useful in facial and body oils. For sensitive-feeling skin, start with a small amount and judge the finished formula by your own response; it is not a treatment for a skin condition.
Cucumber seed oil has a comedogenic rating of 1 and a fast absorption rate.
6. Grapeseed Oil
Grape Seed Oil is a popular, low cost carrier oil that contains high levels of linoleic fatty acid which actually promotes ceramides on the surface of the skin.
Not only does grape seed oil help prevent dryness but also helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles by acting as an occlusive to seal water into our cells.
This oil is light in texture and absorbs quickly into skin, making it the perfect choice for anyone looking for an easy to use skincare oil!
Grape seed oil has a comedogenic rating of 1 and a fast absorption rate.
7. Hazelnut Oil
Hazelnut oil is a versatile and affordable carrier oil that can be used in many different formulations. It contains vitamins A, E & F which are great for anti-aging purposes as well as moisturizing sun damaged or dry skin.
Hazelnut oil spreads easily and has a relatively light feel. It can be useful in facial and body oil blends when you want a less-heavy finish, especially when used in small amounts. That skin feel is not the same as tightening pores or controlling how much oil your skin makes.
Hazelnut oil has a comedogenic rating of 1 and a very fast absorption rate.
8. Kiwi Seed Oil
Kiwi Seed Oil contains 60% Omega 3 Alpha Linolenic Acid as well as 10 percent linoleic acid which can be very beneficial to dry or damaged skin!
It also contains Vitamin C which makes it perfect for anti-aging skin care products. Its highly nourishing properties are great at moisturizing all types including aging, or dry damaged skin.
Kiwi Seed Oil absorbs quickly and is great for redness and sensitive skin.
Kiwi seed oil has a comedogenic rating of 1 and a fast absorption rate.
9. Meadowfoam Seed Oil
Meadowfoam Seed Oil is an incredible skin moisturizer, as well as being balancing and protecting. This oil, with its low comedogenic rating, is perfect for those looking for an oil that will easily absorb and won't clog pores.
Meadowfoam Seed Oil is light and very easily absorbed, it’s easy to spread evenly on skin and won’t leave an oily residue.
It is also great for dry skin conditions, reducing inflammation, smoothing fine lines, and protecting your skin from sun damage due to its deep moisturizing properties.
It can also serve as a conditioner for your hair, adding moisture and healthy shine to your scalp.
Meadowfoam seed oil has a comedogenic rating of 1 and a fast absorption rate.
10. Rosehip Seed Oil
Rosehip Seed Oil is an excellent choice for anyone looking to step up their skincare routine!
Rosehip oil brings a fatty-acid and carotenoid profile to facial oil blends. Its emollient qualities help support the skin barrier and leave dry skin feeling softer and looking smoother. For separate skincare recipe ideas, explore our Vitamin C serum or eye serum.
It also contains vitamins A and E and essential fatty acids. Rosehip seed oil is considered a dry oil since it absorbs so quickly.
Additional Rosehip oil skin benefits include, helping soothe inflamed skin, reduce the appearance of scars and wrinkles, and skin discoloration.
Rosehip seed oil has a comedogenic rating of 1 and a very fast absorption rate.
11. Safflower Oil
Safflower Oil is a light and non-greasy moisturizer that can be used on any skin type. It's said to contain antioxidants, which help prevent wrinkles as well as promote elasticity in your skin!
Safflower oil has been known for its ability to soothe irritation from acne or dryness while hydrating it at the same time.
Safflower seed oil has a comedogenic rating of 0 and a fast absorption rate.
12. Strawberry Seed Oil
Strawberry Seed Oil is a gentle oil that can be used on the face and body. It's well suited for sensitive skin because it doesn't generally cause breakouts or rashes like some other oils.
The high level of fatty acids present within this versatile oil will moisturize without feeling greasy while stimulating new collagen production.
Strawberry Seed Oil also prevents chapping and is a great choice for aging skin.
Strawberry seed oil has a comedogenic rating of 1 and a fast absorption rate.
13. Watermelon Seed Oil
Watermelon Seed Oil can help make your skin appear younger by protecting it from environmental damage. This oil can also keep your skin deeply hydrated while leaving your skin feeling dry and fresh!
Watermelon Seed Oil helps even your skin tone and balance your complexion.
One of the most popular uses for Watermelon Seed Oil is as a moisturizer to keep skin hydrated and happy.
Another skin benefit of watermelon seed oil is, it is also used to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, while protecting skin from aging.
This oil can be used in toners to help balance skin and even complexion.
Watermelon seed oils has quickly become one of my new favorites!
Watermelon seed oil has a comedogenic rating of 0-1 and a fast absorption rate.
Keeping your oils fresh
Give oxidation-sensitive oils such as kiwi, blackberry, and cucumber seed oil a little extra storage care. Keep bottles tightly closed in a cool, dark place, away from warm windowsills, and follow the supplier's storage and shelf-life guidance for the exact oil you purchased. Buy amounts you can use while fresh and replace an oil that develops a rancid or noticeably off smell. Oxidation makes oils go rancid; it is a different issue from microbial preservation in a water-containing formula.
Fast-absorbing carrier oil FAQs
What does fast absorbing mean for a carrier oil?
It describes a relatively light, less-greasy finish after application, not an oil instantly disappearing into skin. Fatty-acid composition, viscosity, spreadability, the amount applied, the complete formula, and your skin all affect the result.
Are fast-absorbing oils automatically non-comedogenic?
No. A light feel does not guarantee that an oil or finished product will never clog pores. Comedogenic ratings vary by source and are only a starting point; concentration, formulation, and individual response matter.
Can fast-absorbing oils work for oily or acne-prone skin?
Some people enjoy a small amount of a lighter-feeling oil, while others prefer an oil-free product. Start small and pay attention to your skin over time. No oil on this list is universally suitable for oily or acne-prone skin, and the finished formula matters as much as the individual oil.
How do these compare with coconut or marula oil?
Coconut and marula can feel richer or leave more noticeable slip than the lighter oils listed here. That can be useful in a balm or body product. Use less, or blend for the finish you want; a heavier feel does not automatically make an oil unsuitable for a face.
Do some carrier oils need more careful storage?
Yes. Oxidative stability varies, so give oils such as kiwi, blackberry, and cucumber seed oil extra care: tightly closed bottles, a cool, dark spot, and the supplier's storage guidance. Rancidity is an oxidation issue, not the same as microbial spoilage. An antioxidant such as vitamin E may help slow oxidation, but it is not a broad-spectrum microbial preservative.
Wrapping things up
So, if you are looking for an oil that will easily absorb and won't clog pores, one (or more) of these carrier oils may be perfect for you!
All of the oils on this list have a comedogenic rating of 1 or less, and a fast absorption rate. Whether you are looking for an oil to use on your skin or hair, one of these oils is sure to fit the bill!
If you've enjoyed learning about fast-absorbing oils for your skincare recipes, please pin this post and share!
