DMSO with Carrier Oils & Essential Oils – A Practical Mixing Guide
Oils are often blended with DMSO for topical use only. They slow absorption, reduce irritation, and add their own therapeutic benefits for skin, hair, and overall wellness. The same DMSO percentages apply as when mixed with water (≈20% for face/thin skin, up to 70% for thicker skin or body use).
Always use pure, food-grade, cold-pressed carrier oils and pure, therapeutic-grade essential oils.
Carrier Oils
Carrier oils are mild plant-based oils used to dilute DMSO. They moisturise, protect, and bring their own skin and hair benefits.
Castor Oil
General Benefits: Anti-inflammatory, deeply moisturising, supports lymphatic flow.
Skin & Hair: Softens scars, soothes irritated skin, stimulates hair follicles, improves scalp health.
With DMSO: Enhances penetration of ricinoleic acid, potentially improving detox and anti-inflammatory effects. Commonly used for joint pain, scars, and abdominal packs.
Jojoba Oil
General Benefits: Closest to human sebum; stable and non-comedogenic.
Skin & Hair: Balances oily skin, hydrates without clogging pores, nourishes scalp and hair shafts.
With DMSO: Provides a gentler vehicle on delicate skin such as the face (20–30% DMSO).
Coconut Oil (Virgin, cold-pressed)
General Benefits: Antibacterial, antifungal, deeply moisturising.
Skin & Hair: Protects against dryness, softens skin, improves hair shine, may reduce dandruff.
With DMSO: Combines DMSO's penetration with coconut's antimicrobial properties, useful for skin conditions and general moisturising.
Olive Oil (Extra virgin)
General Benefits: Rich in antioxidants and vitamin E.
Skin & Hair: Improves elasticity, hydrates, and supports scalp health.
With DMSO: May enhance delivery of olive oil's antioxidants. Popular for musculoskeletal blends and dry, inflamed skin.
Sweet Almond Oil
General Benefits: Lightweight, easily absorbed, rich in vitamin E and fatty acids.
Skin & Hair: Soothes irritation, improves skin tone, strengthens hair, reduces dryness.
With DMSO: Often used for facial or hand/foot blends, combining softness with penetration.
Argan Oil
General Benefits: High in vitamin E and essential fatty acids; known as "liquid gold."
Skin & Hair: Promotes elasticity, reduces fine lines, protects from environmental stress. Excellent for hair repair.
With DMSO: On the face (≈20% DMSO), enhances antioxidant delivery for rejuvenation and hydration.
Essential Oils (⚠️ Safety First)
Essential oils are highly concentrated and must be used sparingly. When blended with DMSO, they penetrate far deeper than normal, which makes them powerful but risky. They must never exceed 4% of the total blend.
- Topical use only. Never oral, nebulised, or injected.
- Patch test first. Some oils can cause irritation or allergic reactions.
- Avoid sensitive areas. Do not apply near eyes, mucous membranes, or broken skin.
Peppermint Oil
Benefits: Cooling, circulation support, reduces itching.
With DMSO: Deepens the cooling and stimulating effect. Useful for sore muscles and tension relief.
Lavender Oil
Benefits: Calming, soothing, anti-inflammatory.
With DMSO: Enhances skin-soothing effects. Blends well for relaxation or scar care.
Frankincense Oil
Benefits: Skin rejuvenation, anti-inflammatory.
With DMSO: May enhance delivery of boswellic acids, making it popular for scars and anti-ageing.
Tea Tree Oil
Benefits: Antimicrobial, antifungal, antibacterial.
With DMSO: Increases penetration of antifungal compounds, useful for acne and nail fungus — but must be kept under 4%.
Rosehip Oil (carrier/essential hybrid)
Benefits: Rich in vitamin A and essential fatty acids. Supports collagen production, scar healing, and anti-ageing.
With DMSO: May amplify vitamin A's effects on skin renewal. Use sparingly to avoid irritation.