The Carrier Oil Palette
Fixed oils, butters, herbal oils and CO2 extracts.
Authors: Jade Shutes & Sherilyn Siegmund-Roach
Carrier Oil Directory:
Properties, Uses and Profiles
Carrier oils, also known as vegetable oils, base oils or fixed oils, are used to dilute essential oils, CO2 extracts and absolutes before topical application.
They also offer their own properties and benefits for skin and hair care. AromaWeb's Carrier Oil Directory provides links to more than 26 detailed carrier oil and vegetable butter profiles.
Explore the Carrier Oil Directory
Choose the path that best matches what you want to find:
Browse Carrier Oil ProfilesUse the searchable A-Z directory to find individual carrier oil profiles by common name.
Explore Carrier Oil GuidesLearn about virgin oils, fatty acids, infused oils, aromatic blending and related carrier oil topics.
Browse Vegetable Butter ProfilesExplore firmer plant-derived carriers including cocoa butter, shea butter and virgin coconut oil.
Explore Other Types of CarriersView profiles for other bases that may be used when diluting essential oils for topical use.
Carrier Oil Guides & Reference Information
Use these guides to learn more about carrier oil terminology, composition, selection and related topics.
Introduction to Carrier OilsLearn what carrier oils are, why they are used with essential oils and how they differ from concentrated aromatic oils.
What are Virgin Carrier Oils?Learn what the term virgin means when it is used to describe vegetable and carrier oils.
Best Carrier Oils for Aromatic BlendingExplore carrier oils that are especially useful when aroma, texture and blending characteristics are important.
Are Carrier Oils Gluten Free?Review AromaWeb's guidance regarding gluten and the carrier oils commonly used in aromatherapy and skin care.
What are Essential Fatty Acids?Learn about essential fatty acids and why fatty acid composition matters when comparing carrier oils.
Fatty Acids Found in Carrier OilsBrowse a reference list of fatty and essential fatty acids typically found in carrier oils.
What are Infused Oils?Learn how infused or macerated oils differ from plain vegetable oils and how they are prepared.
Why Mineral Oil is Not a Suitable Carrier OilRead AromaWeb's explanation of why mineral oil is not recommended as a carrier oil for essential oils.
Browse Carrier Oil Profiles A-Z
Browse AromaWeb's carrier oil profiles by common name or use the search field to quickly filter the directory.
Showing all directory entries.
Choosing a carrier oil name opens its detailed AromaWeb profile.
No directory entries match that search. Try a shorter or alternate oil name.
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Vegetable Butter Profiles
Vegetable butters are much firmer in texture than fluid carrier oils. They can be used alone or incorporated into topical formulations and aromatic blends.
Other Types of Carriers for Diluting Essential Oils
Carrier oils are not the only bases that may be used for topical essential oil applications. These profiles cover two additional options.
Related AromaWeb Resources
Continue exploring ingredients and guidance for using carrier oils with essential oils.
Important Information
The information provided on AromaWeb is for educational purposes only. This data is not considered complete and is not guaranteed to be accurate.
General Safety Information
Use caution when trying any new ingredient, including carrier oils on the skin or in the hair. Those with nut allergies should consult their medical practitioner before coming into contact with nut oils, butters or other nut products.
Do not take any oils internally without consultation from a qualified aromatherapy practitioner. Safety information can be found by visiting the Safety Information page. For very in-depth information on oil safety issues, read Essential Oil Safety by Robert Tisserand.
Carrier Oil Book Suggestions
Three references that provide additional information about carrier oils, vegetable butters and related ingredients.
Power of the Seed: Your Guide to Oils for Health & Beauty
Author: Susan M. Parker
Carrier Oils for Aromatherapy & Massage
Authors: Len Price with Ian Smith & Shirley Price
