Oils with DMSO

Before you blend

Oils with DMSO are for the skin only. They can slow how fast it goes in and ease dryness. Strengths are the same map as water: about 20% on the face or thin skin, up to 70% on thicker skin. The numbers and the mixing order live on How to use.

Carrier oils

Mild plant oils used to dilute or to layer. Aloe, magnesium, and hydrosols are not oils — those sit on the how-to carriers section.

Castor oil

Thick, slow-drinking oil pressed from castor beans. Most of it is ricinoleic acid, which gives it the heavy, cushioning feel. It has been traditionally used in warm packs (the Edgar Cayce tradition) and is now hugely popular for the scalp, brows, and beards. It does not stay mixed with DMSO, so most people layer the two rather than blend them.

Choosing castor oil

• Cold-pressed and hexane-free. Hexane is a solvent used in cheaper extraction. You do not want solvent traces carried in with DMSO.
• In glass. Amber or clear glass, not soft plastic. Pharmacy “castor oil BP” meant as a laxative is not the grade for skin work.
• Plain. No added fragrance or “blend” oils you cannot name.

Two ways people use castor with DMSO

These are educational descriptions of what practitioners teach, not a dosing protocol. Strength and amounts stay on How to use.

A. Layering — DMSO first, then castor. Diluted DMSO goes on clean skin and is left to soak in. Castor is then smoothed over the top to seal in moisture and ease the dryness DMSO can leave. This is the quick, everyday method; the steps are under castor layering.

B. Warm castor pack, then DMSO. Amandha Vollmer describes a castor oil pack over the area — a cotton or flannel cloth soaked in castor, covered, with gentle heat for about 20 minutes — then wiping off and applying diluted DMSO afterwards. She discusses this mainly for old scar tissue, and it is also traditionally used over the abdomen and stiff joints. Keep the heat comfortable, not hot, and use clean cloth that is only for packs.

Not on bleeding wounds. Vollmer is clear that DMSO goes on only once bleeding has stopped and the skin has closed — it increases blood flow. Skip packs on broken, infected, or freshly shaved skin, and during pregnancy unless a clinician says otherwise.

Where people use it

• Scalp and hair — a little massaged into the scalp, often mixed with a lighter oil because castor is sticky.
• Scars — older, closed scars, with the pack or layering method above.
• Joints — knees, hands, shoulders, usually as a layer over DMSO.
• Abdomen — the classic warm castor pack.

Castor is not a detox, and nothing here is a treatment for growths or lumps. Anything new or changing should be seen by a doctor.

Jojoba

Close to skin oil, stable, and light. A common choice on the face. Keep DMSO low there — the dilution map starts around 20–30%.

Coconut oil

Virgin, cold-pressed. Used for dryness, shine, and a flaky scalp. Same cleanliness rules as any other blend.

Olive oil

Extra virgin. Antioxidants and vitamin E. Mentioned for dry or worked muscle and skin. Mixing order is the same as the rest of the how-to page.

Sweet almond

Light, vitamin E. Used on face, hands, and feet when someone wants a softer feel.

Argan

Vitamin E and fatty acids. On the face, keep DMSO low so the oil is doing the moisturising.

Fractionated coconut oil

Coconut oil with the solid fats removed, so it stays liquid, light, and clear. It does not go rancid quickly or set in the cold. A good all-round carrier for roll-on blends and essential oils.

Black seed oil

From Nigella sativa. Traditionally used on dry, irritable skin and the scalp. Strong, peppery smell, and it can sting on sensitive skin — use a small amount and patch-test.

Rosehip

A carrier, not an essential oil. Used for scars and dry skin. The vitamin A content can sting more with DMSO — use little, and patch-test.

Essential oils

These are concentrated. DMSO carries them further than a normal massage oil, so the ceiling is low.

4% of the finished blend, on the skin only. Never by mouth, in a nebuliser, or by injection. Patch-test first. Keep them off eyes, mucous membranes, and broken skin. For rosemary or peppermint character, prefer a hydrosol.

Peppermint

Cooling. Mentioned for sore muscle. Stay under 4%, or use a peppermint hydrosol.

Lavender

A calmer skin feel, including around scars. Still under 4%, still a patch test.

Frankincense

Sometimes chosen around scars. The 4% ceiling still applies. This is not an anti-ageing claim.

Tea tree

Discussed for blemishes and nails. Under 4%. Not on broken skin.

Rosemary

Popular for the scalp, often alongside castor. Still within the 4% ceiling, or use a rosemary hydrosol. Avoid if you have epilepsy or are pregnant.

Citrus oils

Lemon, lime, bergamot, and other cold-pressed citrus can burn skin in the sun. Do not use them where the skin will be in sunlight within 12 hours.

Which oil for what

A quick way to choose. How strong the DMSO should be, mixing order, and patch testing live on How to use — this table only picks the oil.