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
• Grapeseed
• Avocado
• Olive
• Sesame
• Evening primrose
• Sunflower
• Jojoba
• Nuts:
  • Walnut
  • Peanut
  • Pecan
  • Macadamia nut

Sweet almond oil and grapeseed oil are the most popular carrier oils.