You already know carrots are good for you—the stuff of 90s lunchboxes, juice bar cleanses and your grandmother's eyesight-enhancing hack. But somewhere between soup season and salad bowls, carrots have sprouted a new identity in beauty. Not as a food, but as an oil. Or rather, two.
Meet carrot seed oil and carrot root oil—golden-hued extracts that are quietly showing up in face oils, sun drops, supplements and even DIY skin elixirs. Both promise skin-deep benefits, from calming acne and eczema to softening fine lines and supporting your summer glow. Some go as far as claiming UV protection and detoxifying magic.
But what’s the difference between the seed and the root? Are these oils truly as multitasking as they sound, or just another ingredient riding the wellness wave? Ahead, we decode what makes them tick—and what to know before adding either to your beauty routine.
Carrot oil vs carrot seed oil
Carrot seed oil, often pale yellow, is derived from wild carrot seeds and prized in skincare for its purported anti-ageing, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial benefits. It’s been used to soothe acne, eczema, and psoriasis, and some even claim it offers natural UV protection (though it’s not a replacement for sunscreen).
Carrot oil, on the other hand, is extracted from the root and has a deeper orange tint. It's rich in beta-carotene, antioxidants, and vitamins B, C and E—making it a multitasking ingredient that helps boost radiance, support tanning, and combat early signs of ageing. It’s often used topically in massage oils to stimulate circulation, or even taken as a supplement for its detoxifying benefits.
While the science behind some of the bolder claims is still evolving, both versions offer nutrient-rich support for skin and body. If you're adding it to your routine, look for cold-pressed, organic options—and always patch-test first.
What is carrot oil used for?
Carrot seed oil is used for a lot of things—you may see it used as a fragrance ingredient in soaps, creams, lotions, and perfumes, or even as a flavouring agent in beverages, condiments, and desserts. Carrot seed oil is also used in aromatherapy.
Carrot oil, on the other hand, is primarily used in cosmetics and especially in sunscreen. Due to its high beta-carotene content, it’s also used as a source of beta-carotene and vitamin A in beauty products, food products, and supplements.
The benefits of carrot seed oil
Carrot seed essential oil—or CSEO, for short—is particularly impressive. It contains beneficial plant compounds, especially caratol and terpenes like α-Pinene, sabinene, myrcene, limonene, and bisabolene, which contribute to its anti-inflammatory properties and signature scent. “The aroma of this essential oil is mildly sweet with the presence of the earthy and herbaceous hints,” one scientific study notes. “In traditional medicine its tonic properties were used for treatment of digestive complaints. What is more, analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties of CSEO were very efficient in healing the joint conditions. The antimicrobial and antioxidant activity of CSEO has also been reported.”
When applied topically, carrot seed oil has been shown to have antifungal properties for plants and skin. Additionally, it has been shown to fight skin bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus as well as food poisoning-causing Listeria monocytogenes. It may also be somewhat effective against E-coli and Salmonella.
Like carrot oil, carrot seed oil may also help block sunlight. It might also help with hyperpigmentation thanks to a compound called umbelliferone (7-hydroxycoumarin), which is known to absorb UVB rays. Additionally, some studies suggest that carrot seed essential oil may be helpful for preventing skin ageing.
Carrot seed oil for the skin
As mentioned, carrot seed oil can be used to fight skin ageing and may protect the skin from UV damage. The antioxidant, antibacterial and antifungal properties of carrot seed oil may make it a helpful treatment for soothing sensitive skin and skin conditions such as dermatitis, psoriasis, eczema and acne.
Look for beauty products such as face wash, face oil, serums, and dark spot treatments that contain carrot seed oil, or use carrot seed oil with a carrier oil to massage directly into the skin of the face and body for an antioxidant treatment that helps stimulate circulation. In the case of eczema or skin rashes, apply the oil gently to avoid adding extra stress to the epidermis. You can also try adding a bit of carrot seed oil to your shampoo or conditioner to nourish and treat the scalp.
Is carrot seed oil safe for sensitive skin?
Carrot oil can be regarded as a safe, natural remedy when applied to the skin; however, it’s important to note that any essential oil can be irritating to some people. To avoid irritation, mix carrot seed essential oil with a fatty carrier oil before applying—we like coconut oil, almond, or grapeseed oil.
This article first appeared on Vogue.it
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