Carrier or vegtetable OIL.
DEFINITION
What is
Carrier or vegetable oil ?
Carrier oils are generally cold-pressed vegetable oils derived from the fatty portions of the plant usually from the seeds, kernels or the nuts. Unlike essential oils that evaporate and have a concentrated aroma, carrier oils do not evaporate or impart their aroma as strongly as essential oils. Essential oils do not go rancid. Carrier oils, however, can go rancid.
Carrier oils are named so because they are used in order to carry essential oils onto the skin. They refer to base oils that are used to dilute essential oils prior to topical application. Very few essential oils can be applied directly on the skin because they can cause severe irritation or reactions in some individuals.
But we consider this denomination as restrictive and often wrong. Indeed, many of the carrier oils have also properties and therapeutic characteristics. The choice of carrier oil can depend on the therapeutic benefit being sought but also on their physical and organoleptic characteristics.
Natural lotions, creams, body oils, bath oils, lip balms and other moisturizing skin care products are also made using vegetable (carrier) oils. From a simple essential oil/carrier oil blend to a more complex natural lotion, the choice of carrier oil can make a difference in the therapeutic properties, colour, overall aroma and shelf life of the final product.
We are at your disposal to help you to choose the carrier oil that will match your efficiency expectations.