The Benefits of Carrot Seed Essential Oil

Carrot seed oil is a form of essential oil obtained by steam distillation of the seeds of the Daucus carota plant.

This flowering species, notable for its white umbels and carrot-like aroma from its roots, is often referred to as wild carrot or Queen Anne’s lace.

People sometimes confuse carrot seed essential oil with carrot oil, which is produced by macerating crushed carrot roots in a carrier oil such as olive or coconut oil. That product is a vegetable oil, not an essential oil.

There is also cold-pressed carrot seed oil, extracted from the seeds by cold pressing; this too is not an essential oil and is commonly used in cosmetic formulations for its anti-aging properties.

Carrot seed essential oil has demonstrated antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities in various studies. It does not supply the vitamins and nutrients found in edible carrots, because it is not intended for internal consumption.

As with other essential oils, carrot seed essential oil should not be ingested. This distinguishes it from carrot vegetable oil, which is a culinary oil used in cooking.

Benefits and uses

When diluted into a carrier oil, carrot seed essential oil can be applied to the skin. Laboratory research and anecdotal reports suggest several potential benefits from topical use.

Antibacterial

A recent study found that carrot seed essential oil can inhibit multiple bacterial strains.

These included Listeria monocytogenes, the agent behind listeriosis, and Staphylococcus aureus, which causes staph infections. It showed more limited action against Escherichia coli and Salmonella.

Investigators linked this antibacterial activity to the presence of alpha-pinene in the oil. They also noted that variations in the concentrations of active compounds can influence the oil’s antibacterial strength.

Antifungal

Research indicates that carotol, a constituent of carrot seed essential oil, can decrease the activity of fungi that impair plant development.

Other work suggests carrot seed essential oil may have some effectiveness against yeasts like Candida albicans and molds such as Aspergillus.

Antioxidant

An animal study conducted on rats suggests carrot seed essential oil may act as an antioxidant. That same research indicated potential protective effects against liver injury.

Pro-aging support

Investigations into the oil’s antioxidant capacity propose that carrot seed essential oil could be useful in cosmetic products aimed at rejuvenating aging skin.

Gastroprotective

Alpha-pinene was observed to lower the frequency of gastric ulcers in a mouse study.

Anti-inflammatory

Anecdotal evidence reports that carrot seed essential oil can reduce inflammation and provide soothing effects for the skin and scalp.

Risks

Because essential oils are not intended for internal use and many studies on carrot seed essential oil are in vitro or in animals, you should consult a healthcare professional before using it to treat infections or medical conditions.

It’s also recommended to dilute carrot seed essential oil in a carrier oil before applying it to the skin or scalp to reduce irritation risk.

Other treatments

There are alternative home remedies that may be as effective—or more effective—than carrot seed essential oil for moisturizing and calming the skin. Examples include:

• Lavender essential oil: applied topically as an anti-inflammatory and for promoting wound repair.
• Tea tree oil: possesses anti-inflammatory effects and can be used for various skin irritations.
• Rosehip seed oil: a fixed (nonessential) oil that helps relieve eczema symptoms.
• Argan oil: enhances skin elasticity, hydrates, and can help manage infections.
• Avocado oil: protects and moisturizes the skin and offers some protection from ultraviolet exposure.

The takeaway

Carrot seed essential oil shows potential as an antibacterial and antifungal agent and may be helpful for persistent infections and wound care.

It’s frequently mistaken for carrot vegetable oil, but the two products have different compositions and uses.

As with all essential oils, carrot seed essential oil should be diluted with a carrier oil before topical application and should not be consumed.

Shop for carrot seed oil and carrier oils online.