Winter can be harsh on your skin. The cold air, indoor heating, and lack of humidity all contribute to dry, flaky, and sometimes even itchy skin. The good news? Nature offers a rich variety of plant-based oils that can restore hydration, strengthen your skin barrier, and keep your complexion looking healthy and vibrant all season long.
Here are six of the best carrier oils to use during winter — each one packed with nutrients that support deep nourishment and skin resilience.
Avocado Oil (Crude/Unrefined)
Avocado oil is a winter essential for very dry or damaged skin. Naturally rich in oleic acid, vitamins A, D, and E, and essential fatty acids, it penetrates deeply into the skin without clogging pores. The crude version is especially potent, as it’s less processed and retains more nutrients.
Best for: Very dry, cracked, or mature skin
Tip: Use it as a night-time facial oil or mix into your body cream for an extra moisture boost.
Trick: Warm a teaspoon between your palms before applying to damp skin for better absorption.
Sweet Almond Oil
Sweet almond oil is a gentle, lightweight carrier oil that works well on all skin types, especially sensitive or irritated winter skin. It’s packed with vitamin E, which helps soothe inflammation and restore the skin’s barrier.
Best for: Sensitive or itchy skin
Tip: Add a few drops to your bath water to moisturise as you soak.
Trick: Use it as a makeup remover that won’t strip your skin — ideal when your face is already dry and tight.
Jojoba Oil
Jojoba oil is technically a liquid wax, and it mimics the natural oils your skin produces. This makes it a great choice for both dry and combination skin types. It forms a protective layer that prevents moisture loss while keeping the skin breathable.
Best for: Flaky, combination, or breakout-prone winter skin
Tip: Apply a few drops before your moisturiser to seal in hydration.
Trick: Mix with a hydrosol or water-based serum to create a lightweight winter facial oil.
Rosehip Oil
Rosehip seed oil is often used for its regenerative properties. It’s high in essential fatty acids and antioxidants like vitamin C and beta-carotene. If your skin looks dull or uneven in winter, rosehip oil can help bring back a healthy glow.
Best for: Dull, uneven, or ageing skin
Tip: Use it as a brightening serum before your moisturiser, especially at night.
Trick: Avoid using on very active breakouts — it’s better suited to healing and fading marks once inflammation has gone down.
Olive Oil
Olive oil is a classic that has stood the test of time. It’s high in squalene and antioxidants, and works particularly well on rough patches. Because it’s heavier, a little goes a long way.
Best for: Extremely dry areas (elbows, knees, hands)
Tip: Apply to damp skin straight after a shower to lock in hydration.
Trick: Combine with sugar for a DIY body scrub that exfoliates and moisturises at the same time.
Macadamia Nut Oil
Macadamia oil is rich in palmitoleic acid, a compound naturally found in youthful skin but which declines as we age. It absorbs beautifully and leaves the skin soft, nourished, and protected — without feeling greasy.
Best for: Ageing, dry, or sun-damaged skin
Tip: Use around the eye area as a gentle winter eye oil.
Trick: Mix with rosehip oil for a rejuvenating facial blend that’s rich in both hydration and repair.
A Simple DIY Winter Skin Rescue Oil
This facial oil blend is deeply nourishing but still absorbs easily. It’s perfect for dry, dull, or tight skin that needs some love during winter.
Ingredients:
- 15ml jojoba oil
- 10ml rosehip seed oil
- 10ml avocado oil
- 2 drops frankincense essential oil
- 2 drops lavender essential oil
Method:
- Combine all ingredients in a dark glass dropper bottle.
- Shake gently to blend.
- Use 3–5 drops on clean, damp skin in the evening. Follow with your regular moisturiser if needed.
- Storage: Store in a cool, dark place and use within 3 months.
Winter doesn’t have to mean dull, dry, or irritated skin. By incorporating the right carrier oils into your routine, you can maintain a soft, healthy glow all season long. These oils are easy to work with, customisable, and safe for most skin types — especially when sourced in their purest form.
At Holistic Emporium, we offer all of these carrier oils in a variety of sizes for both personal and professional use. Whether you’re blending for yourself, your family, or your clients, we’ve got everything you need to keep skin happy in the colder months.
Explore our full range of natural oils here
