Carrot oil

Fatty-acidInfused oilBest with a meal

What is it

Carrot oil refers to either a carotenoid-rich infusion of carrot root in vegetable oil or cold-pressed carrot seed oil. Carrot oil supplements typically focus on carotenoid (beta-carotene, alpha-carotene) and vitamin E content.

Evidence for 1 use

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Carotenoid / vitamin A intake

Good Evidence

Carrot-derived carotenoid oils support vitamin A status, particularly in those with low intake of orange/yellow vegetables.

How it works

Carrot infusion oil delivers fat-soluble carotenoids that the body partially converts to vitamin A. Cold-pressed seed oil is mostly fatty acids with terpenes (carotol). The carotenoid-rich form is used for vitamin A support; the seed oil is more often used topically. Absorption of carotenoids is enhanced by dietary fat, making oil-based delivery efficient.

Dosage

There is no RDA for carrot oil. Standard servings are small (a teaspoon or less). DSLD does not provide a median dose for this entry.

When and how to take it

Take with a meal containing fat to support carotenoid absorption. No specific time of day required.

2 commercial forms

Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.

Carrot root infusion oil

Used as a culinary supplement and topical cosmetic.

Carotenoids absorb well in oil; carotenoid concentration varies by source.

Carrot seed oil

More commonly topical than dietary.

Mostly fatty acids and terpenes.

Safety

Very well tolerated as a food. Excessive intake of carotenoid-rich foods can cause carotenemia (harmless yellow-orange skin tint).

Who should be cautious

No specific population concerns at culinary doses. Pregnancy: dietary carotenoid intake is preferred over high-dose retinol.

Interactions

No significant interactions reported.

Food sources

Carrots, cooked

Amount
1 cup (~128 g)
%DV
—

Frequently asked questions

Is carrot oil the same as carrot seed oil?⌄

Not necessarily. Carrot root infusion oils deliver carotenoids; cold-pressed seed oil is mostly fatty acids and aromatic terpenes.

Will it tan my skin?⌄

Eating large amounts of carotenoid-rich foods can cause carotenemia (yellow-orange tint), but this is not tanning and does not protect from UV.

References

Carrot oil on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Carrot oil (PubMed search) — PubMed link

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.