Carrier oil

From ArticleWorld

Carrier Oil (also referred to as vegetable oil or base oil) is a special type of oil used to dilute absolutes and essential oils. This is done before applying it on the skin. The name itself derives from its usage: to “carry” essential oil on the skin. Many people have the wrong idea that carrier oil is a synonym for essential oil when in fact it does not evaporate nor does it have concentrated aroma in the composition.

Carrier oils are mostly used in aromatherapy. Different types and aroma are used depending on the needed effect. Also, each carrier oil will present dissimilar properties, making it difficult to choose what to use unless properly prepared. One special category is given by infused oils (a mixture of specific herbs and carrier oils). Its usage is becoming more popular each year, standing in close connection with alternative medicine methods developing at an all time high rate.

Carrier Oils are usually extracted and processed from:

• Olives
• Avocado
• Grape Seeds (Grape seed and Sweet almond carrier oils are the two most popular at the moment)
• Sunflower
• Sesame
• Jojoba
• Different types of nuts (walnuts, peanuts, pecan and others)