Nourishing Carrier Oils for Autumn & Winter Skin

Carrier Oils for Cold Weather

As the air turns crisp and the leaves fall, our skin often reminds us that colder weather has arrived. Drier air, indoor heating, and wind all pull moisture from the skin, leaving it tight, itchy, or flaky. This is the perfect time to transition your skincare routine to richer, more nourishing oils that help restore balance and protect your skin through the cooler months.

When the heater comes on, that is a great time to switch to oils that are richer in long-chain fatty acids - oils that help repair and protect the skin's moisture barrier rather than just sitting on top.

Understanding the Skin’s Lipid Barrier

The outer layer of our skin is often compared to a brick wall:

• The “bricks” are dead skin cells (corneocytes)

• The "mortar" between them is made of lipids (ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids) that hold everything together and prevent water loss

When the air around us is cold and dry, it draws moisture out of the skin. Since the outermost layer of skin depends on balanced hydration to maintain its ‘brick-and-mortar’ structure, this loss disrupts the lipid mortar and weakens the skin’s barrier.

Over time, that steady moisture loss dehydrates deeper layers of skin, weakens the lipid ‘mortar,’ and leaves skin feeling rough, tight, or flaky. That is where carrier oils come in. They reinforce the lipid barrier and help seal in the skin's natural moisture, reducing water loss to the dry air.

How Carrier Oils Help

Oils with fatty acids that closely mimic our skin's natural sebum, such as oleic acid, linoleic acid, and omega fatty acids, penetrate well into the skin layers and help repair and strengthen the protective barrier from within. Oils like jojoba and meadowfoam seed take this even further. They are dominated by very long-chain fatty acids (carbon chains of 20+ carbons) that are exceptionally stable, resisting oxidation and rancidity. These oils absorb into the upper layers of the skin without feeling greasy, where they excel at preventing moisture loss and forming a protective barrier against cold, dry air.

The result? Less flaking, less tightness, and skin that can better withstand cold winds and indoor heat.

Favorite Winter Carrier Oils

Let me introduce you to some oils that are fabulous for winter formulations. Some are everyday workhorses, others are special-occasion splurges, but each brings something valuable to the table.

Jojoba Oil

Technically a liquid wax, jojoba is naturally rich in vitamin E and adds antioxidant support. Jojoba is my go-to base for many of my formulations. It is incredibly stable (long shelf life), absorbs beautifully without greasiness, and works for virtually all skin types as it closely resembles our skin's natural sebum. It is also budget-friendly enough to use as the base oil in your formulations. If you are new to making your own body care products, consider starting with jojoba as your sole carrier oil.

Best for: All skin types, face oils, scalp treatments, salves

Rosehip Seed Oil

A favorite for winter facial blends, rosehip is rich in antioxidant vitamins A, C, and E. It is thick, non-greasy, and deeply nourishing, brightening dull winter skin while reducing the look of fine lines and uneven tone. It has a shorter shelf life (6-12 months), so buy it in smaller quantities and store it in the refrigerator. This oil is exceptional for mature skin, dry patches, and promoting skin regeneration. Its color varies from pale gold to deep red depending on extraction and refinement; if highly pigmented, dilute with oils like plum kernel or almond oil.

Best for: Face oils, mature, scarred, or damaged skin

Plum Kernel Oil

Light, quickly absorbed, and rich in oleic and linoleic acids, plum kernel oil is a versatile all-purpose oil suitable for all skin types. It is similar to sweet almond oil but with a more elegant feel and a moderate shelf life (1-2 years). Naturally aromatic and rich in vitamin E, plum oil leaves skin soft, smooth, and radiant.

Best for: Face oils, body oils, massage oil, body cream

Pomegranate Seed Oil

This oil is rich in antioxidants and contains a unique fatty acid called punicic acid. Despite being thick and viscous, it is absorbed quickly, deeply moisturizing, and has excellent skin-regenerating properties. Pomegranate seed oil is definitely a splurge oil, but when blended with more affordable carriers, it elevates the entire formula. It has good shelf stability (1-2 years). This unique conjugated fatty acid supports elasticity, encourages regeneration, and helps calm dryness and irritation. It’s an excellent addition to facial oils for mature or delicate skin. Because of its thickness and cost, use it in small amounts (10–20%) blended with lighter oils for the best texture and absorption.

Best for: Face oils, anti-aging blends, dry skin, damaged skin

Meadowfoam Seed Oil

If you have not tried meadowfoam seed oil, you are in for a treat. It's one of the most stable oils available (shelf life of 3+ years!), has a silky texture, and acts as a natural preservative when blended with other oils. It is wonderful for locking in moisture without clogging pores. Meadowfoam is rich in very long-chain fatty acids (97% are 20 carbons or longer), making it extremely stable against oxidation and wonderfully protective on the skin. It seals in moisture, shields against dehydration, and lends a silky finish to blends. It can be a bit pricey; jojoba and argan are reasonable substitutions for meadowfoam oil.

Best for: All skin types, extending shelf life of blends, and hair treatments

Moringa Oil

High in oleic acid and behenic acid, moringa oil is deeply nourishing and has excellent cleansing properties, and can be used as a makeup remover. It absorbs well and is deeply moisturizing. Moringa brings a lovely, luxurious feel to blends. Shelf life is great (3-5 years). Moringa oil contains very-long-chain fatty acids, including behenic acid, that mimic the skin’s own ceramides. This makes it highly stable, resistant to rancidity, and deeply supportive of the skin’s barrier repair and health. It’s an excellent oil for dry, mature, or sensitive skin.

Best for: Cleansing oils, body oils, face oils, hair care, mature skin, all skin types

Note: As with all skincare ingredients, patch-test new oils before full use, especially if you have sensitive skin or nut allergies

Blending Carrier Oils for Winter Skin Care

Now for the fun part, putting these oils to work! Just like blending with herbs or essential oils, blending carrier oils is an art.

• Balance texture: Combine lighter oils (like jojoba or meadowfoam) with richer ones (like pomegranate or rosehip) for a blend that feels smooth, not heavy

• Apply to damp skin: After bathing, gently pat dry and apply your oil blend to help lock in moisture

• Infuse with herbs: Optionally, infuse your carrier oil with skin-nourishing herbs like calendula, plantain, or lavender for extra soothing benefits

• Protect your oils: Store in dark glass bottles, away from light and heat, to preserve freshness.

Winter Face Oil

A soothing, lightweight daily blend for November through March

• 70% jojoba oil (optionally infused with calendula)

• 25% meadowfoam seed oil

• 5% rose hip seed oil

To Use: After cleansing, apply a few drops to damp skin morning and evening

Moisturizing Body Oil

For those days when your skin is crying out for help

• 50% jojoba oil (optionally infused with plantain and lavender)

• 30% moringa oil

• 20% plum kernel oil

To Use: Apply to slightly damp skin right after showering to seal in moisture

Cuticle and Dry Skin Rescue

Perfect for keeping in your purse or by your bedside. Fill a 10ml roller bottle with:

• 80% jojoba or meadowfoam oil (optionally infused with calendula or elder flowers)

• 20% pomegranate oil

• 2 drops lavender essential oil (optional)

• 1 drop patchouli essential oil (optional)

To Use: Massage into cuticles, knuckles, or any stubborn dry patches

Winter Hair & Scalp Treatment

For dry, static-prone winter hair

• 50% meadowfoam oil

• 50% moringa oil

• 5 drops rosemary essential oil per ounce of oil blend (optional, great for scalp health)

To Use: Apply to scalp and work through hair. Leave on for at least 30 minutes, then shampoo as usual. Use weekly or as needed

Storage & Shelf Life

These oils are investments in your health, so let's make them last:

• Store all oils away from heat and light

• Consider keeping oils with shorter shelf lives in the refrigerator

• Always label your bottles with the oils used and the date created

• Add meadowfoam seed oil or vitamin E oil (5% of total volume) to extend shelf life

• Trust your nose—if an oil smells "off" or rancid, it's time to let it go

Making It Work for Your Budget

I know some of these oils can feel like a splurge

Build Gradually: Start with jojoba and one specialty oil that addresses your biggest concern. You do NOT need all of them at once!

Blend Strategically: Use expensive oils at 5-20% of your blend; they will still provide benefits without breaking the bank

Buy Small Quantities: Especially for oils with shorter shelf lives

Final Thoughts

As we head into the colder months, experiment with nourishing carrier oils. Your skin has different needs in winter, and these oils can make a remarkable difference. Start simple, and have fun. May your skin stay healthy, hydrated, and happy this winter season!