How To Use Carrot Seed Oil For Hyperpigmentation – Live Well Zone

If you are looking for a natural, non-abrasive remedy for hyperpigmentation, look no further than carrot seed oil.

Derived from the seeds of wild carrots (different from the carrots we eat), carrot seed oil has a variety of compounds that nourish the skin while supporting skin renewal.

However, before you go looking for any old carrot seed oil, you should know that there are two types.

Each one has its pros and cons, so in this article we are going to see:

why carrot seed oil can help brighten uneven skin tone.
the benefits of each type of carrot seed oil.
ideas on how to use carrot seed oil for hyperpigmentation.

Note: This post contains some affiliate links and I earn a commission (at no additional cost to you) if you use them to make a purchase.

IS CARROT SEED OIL GOOD FOR HYPER PIGMENTATION?

closeup of carrot, oil and vegetable seeds

There are two types of carrot seed oils: a cold-pressed carrier oil and a steam-distilled essential oil. The former contains beta-carotene while the latter contains carotol. Both of these compounds can help even out skin tone, making carrot seed oil a remarkable remedy for hyperpigmentation.

Now, let’s explore these two oils in more detail so that you understand what each has to offer.

Here’s what you should know about cold-pressed carrot seed oil:

A carrier oil in the same way that jojoba or rosehip are carrier oils. Therefore, it can be used undiluted.

It has a yellow-orange color (occasionally with a green undertone) and an earthy aroma.

A natural source of beta carotene which is converted to preformed vitamin A (also known as retinol). Therefore, due to its beta-carotene content, carrot seed carrier oil can give you retinol-like results without the irritation that retinoids cause (a huge plus if you have sensitive skin). NOTE: there’s also macerated carrot oil, made from edible carrots. It most likely has more beta-carotene, but it’s not as readily available as carrot seed carrier oil.

One study showed a significant reduction in melasma-related hyperpigmentation when a beta-carotene lotion was used for 24 weeks (source).

Rich in fatty acids such as oleic acid, which constitutes 82% of its composition in fatty acids. In addition, this oil is a natural source of antioxidants such as vitamin E.

As for steam distilled carrot seed oil, here’s what you should know:

It is an essential oil which means that must be diluted before using.

It is light in color with an earthy and musky fragrance.

It is high in a powerful antioxidant and antifungal called carotol. In fact, there is approximately twice as much carotol in the essential oil compared to the base oil (66.78% vs. 30.55%).

It contains other antioxidants such as daucene, beta-bisabolene, and daucol. Since oxidative stress plays a role in the development of hyperpigmentation, these antioxidants can further help brighten the skin (source).

HOW TO USE CARROT SEED OIL FOR UNEVEN SKIN TONE

1. Make a brightening oil with carrot seed essential oil

Here is a simple face oil that you can make to even out your skin tone.

2 tablespoons of Kosmea rosehip oil – get a 10% discount code here
6 drops carrot seed essential oil – use this
3 drops Frankincense Frereana essential oil – use this
1 oz glass bottle – use this

When you prepare this recipe, you will benefit from the radiance-enhancing effects of rosehip, thanks to the beta-carotene, as well as its vitamin E and essential fatty acids.

As for frankincense oil, it supports cell renewal and as such is a welcome addition to any blend that claims to even out skin tone (source).

2. Make a Face Oil Using Cold-Pressed Carrot Seed Oil

If you prefer to skip essential oils altogether, use this nourishing blend instead.

It’s made with oils containing beta-carotene, anti-inflammatory essential fatty acids, and vitamin E. Basically everything you need to nourish, soothe, and rebalance your skin tone!

2 teaspoons cold-pressed carrot seed carrier oil – get it here
2 teaspoons of rosehip oil
2 teaspoons plum oil – get it here
1 ounce glass bottle

One thing to keep in mind with all of these recipes is that it is best to use rosehip oil derived from the whole rosehip (seed and outer flesh).

The outer pulp can have up to five times more beta-carotene than the seed. The rosehip oil linked in the recipes fits these criteria.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT CARROT SEED OIL FOR DARK SPOTS

How long does carrot oil take to lighten dark spots?

Unfortunately, there are no studies showing how long carrot seed oil takes to fade dark spots.

That being said, there is anecdotal evidence to suggest that you might notice a difference within a few weeks. But in some other cases it could take months.

CONCLUSION

While carrot seed oil is a natural way to treat hyperpigmentation, it is not as potent as prescription treatments.

Therefore, it is important to be patient while making sure you use it consistently.

In practical terms, the changes you will see will be influenced by:

consistency of use
the severity of hyperpigmentation/dark spots.
the quality of the oils. Always buy name brand products to avoid wasting your money and ruining your skin with adulterated oils.