About a Carrier oil

Carrier oils also known as base oils or vegetable oils, are used to dilute essential and absolute oils before applying them to the skin in massage and aromatherapy.They are so named because they bring essential oils to the skin.Diluting essential oils is an important safety measure when using essential oils.Individual essential oils are volatile; once applied, they begin to dissipate.Dispersion rate will vary depending on the weight of the carrier oil.Unlike essential oils, carrier oils do not contain a strong aroma, although some essential oils, such as olive oil, have a mild, distinctive smell.They also do not evaporate as much as more volatile essential oils.The base oils used should be as natural and pure as possible.Many people believe that organic oils are of higher quality.Cold pressing and maceration are the two main methods of producing carrier oils.

There are a range of different carrier oils, each with different therapeutic properties.The choice of oil will depend on the area being massaged,presenting conditions and the client's sensitivities and requirements.For massage, viscosity is a major consideration; grapeseed oil, for example, is usually very thin, while olive oil is much thicker.The viscosities of sunflower, sweet almond, and grapeseed oils lie between these two extremes.Carrier oils can be easily blended to combine their properties of viscosity, acceptability, lubricity, absorbency, aroma, etc.Infused oils are a combination of carrier oils and plant materials,which can be prepared commercially or domestically.Put the base oil (usually sunflower) in an airtight container with suitable plant material for a period of time.This is how calendula and carrot oils are produced.

Good oils for cooking are usually excellent for massage use and are economical; those obtained by cold pressing are preferred.All carrier oils should be kept cool and away from bright light to delay rancidity.Rancid oils should be avoided.Refrigerating oils helps preserve their freshness, but some oils should not be refrigerated (such as avocados).Very cold oils may appear cloudy, but will return to clearness when brought to room temperature.Sources strongly disagree with the suitability of mineral oil as a carrier oil.In the United States, food-grade mineral oils are highly refined and purified to meet the stringent requirements of the Food.