'Carrier oil', also known as 'base oil' or 'vegetable oil', is used to dilute
essential oils and
absolutes before they are applied to the skin. They are so named because they ''carry'' the essential oil onto the skin. Carrier oils do not contain a concentrated aroma, unlike essential oils, nor do they
evaporate like them.
There are a range of different carrier oils each with their own individual properties and suitability towards different treatments in
aromatherapy. ''Infused oils'' are a combination of a carrier oil and various
herbs.
True carrier oils are generally cold-pressed vegetable oils taken, amongst others:
★ Sweet almond
★
Grape seed
★
Avocado
★
Olive oil
★
Sesame
★
Evening primrose
★
Sunflower
★
Jojoba oil
★ Nuts:
★
★
Walnut
★
★
Peanut
★
★
Pecan
★
★
Macadamia nut
★
★ Fractionated
coconut oil
Sweet almond oil and
grapeseed oil are the most popular carrier oils.