Carrier oils, also known as carriers, are gentle plant oils that are used as a base or solvent to dilute essential oils or other concentrated ingredients. They are usually odorless or have a mild, pleasant aroma and are rich in nutrients and lipids.
Base oils are used in a variety of fields, including medicine, cosmetics, massage, aromatherapy, and skin care. They provide hydration, nourishment and protection to the skin while helping to dilute and distribute essential oils on the skin without diluting them too much. Carrier oils can also be used as a primary ingredient in massage blends, body lotions, creams, lip balms, and other cosmetic products.
Base oils are extracted from the most fatty parts of the plant, such as the nuts and seeds. Carrier oils are used to dilute essential oils, which can irritate or redden the skin if applied in concentrated form. Base oils have a structure very close to human fat tissue and therefore penetrate very easily. They help the skin to absorb the otherwise hard-to-absorb essential oils. Base oils do not have an unlimited life - due to their high fat content, they go rancid (oxidize) over time. Some base oils (such as cocoa, coconut, shea butter) solidify at lower temperatures - leave at room temperature or melt in a water 'bath' (not boiling) water to preserve their properties.
Some of the most commonly used carrier oils include jojoba, sweet almond, coconut oil, olive oil, avocado, grape seed, argan, apricot, peach, wheat germ, and others. Each type of carrier oil has its own unique properties and is preferred for certain skin types or certain cosmetic applications. For example, jojoba is a popular base oil for face and hair, and coconut oil is known for its moisturizing properties and is often used in body creams and lip balms.
Base oils are divided into refined - (cosmetic quality deodorized and decolorized) and unrefined.
Base (vegetable) oils are an essential element in natural skin and hair care. They are extracted from various parts of plants, such as seeds, fruits, flowers, roots or the fruit of trees. Depending on the type of plant and the part of the plant from which the oil is extracted, base oils provide different benefits and are used for different purposes.
