What is a base oil or carrier oil?
A base oil, also known as a carrier oil, is a vegetable oil that can be used neat on the skin or as a base for a blend with essential oil. The oil makes a massage feel more comfortable and ensures that essential oil is applied in a more diluted form. For many people, it is a staple of their natural skincare routine. If you’re looking for a base oil like the ones you’d buy in a chemist’s, but want more choice in terms of how it feels on the skin, quality and application, then a specialist range is often much more practical. Do you use essential oils on the skin? Then read on Diluting essential oils safely for percentages and skin safety.
Which oil is best suited to your skin and your needs?
The best base oil depends mainly on what you want to use it for and how your skin feels. When choosing, bear the following points in mind:
How does it feel on the skin? – Would you prefer a light oil that absorbs quickly, or a fuller, richer oil?
Application – do you use the oil for massage, daily skincare or as a carrier oil for essential oils?
Skin type – sensitive, dry or normal skin often requires a different texture.
Scent – some oils are virtually odourless, whilst others have a slightly stronger natural scent.
Processing – cold-pressed or refined – makes a difference to the flavour and ease of use.
When looking for an all-round massage oil, many people opt for a gentle, neutral base. If you want extra comfort for skin that feels drier, a richer oil is often the better choice. If you’re using essential oils, it’s best to choose a carrier oil that spreads easily and doesn’t have an overpowering scent.
Can’t decide which oil to choose? Then use this handy guide Choosing a carrier oil for essential oils to choose according to skin type and application.
Cold-pressed or refined?
When it comes to base oils, you’ll often come across the terms ‘cold-pressed’ and ‘refined’. Cold-pressed oil is pressed at a low temperature. As a result, the oil’s aroma, colour and natural character are usually better preserved. Such oil often feels a bit purer and fuller, but may also have a more pronounced aroma or deeper colour. Would you like to understand the differences properly? Read Base oil: the difference between refined, cold-pressed and macerated.
Refined oil has been further purified. As a result, its scent is often more neutral, its colour lighter and the sensation on the skin somewhat more even. Many people prefer this when looking for a base oil for massage, for blending with essential oils or for use in a practice. Cold-pressed is therefore not automatically better for everyone. If you want an oil that is as natural as possible, then cold-pressed is the obvious choice. If, on the other hand, you’re looking for a mild, neutral base, then refined oil may be a better fit.
A guide to popular base oils
Oil | Often chosen for | How it feels on the skin |
|---|
Almond oil | All-round massage and daily care | Soft and supple |
Jojoba oil | Light skincare and blends containing essential oils | Light and smooth |
Apricot kernel oil | Caring for sensitive skin | Delicate and mild |
Avocado oil | A richer oil for extra comfort | Rich and nourishing |
Grape seed oil | A massage that leaves your skin feeling less greasy | Light and supple |
Not every oil is suitable for every purpose. You should therefore always read the product information carefully and choose based on your skin type, the texture of the oil and how you intend to use it. Are you looking for a plant-based infused oil with specific botanical properties? Then take a look at our Macerates as an alternative to standard base oil.