carrier oil

carrier oil (plural carrier oils)

1. An oil that is easily absorbed by the skin that is used to dilute an essential oil for use in cosmetics, massage or aromatherapy.
   • 2005, Kylie Thompson, Aromatherapy for the Emotions, page 18:

     Oil that is not suitable for use as carrier oil is baby oil or mineral oil, which is a petrolatum product and essential oils do not disperse well into these products nor do they sufficiently penetrate the skin, which disallows the aroma's molecules entry into the bloodstream.

   • 2011, Denise Whichello Brown, Healing Massage: Flash, page 3-36:

     Always blend them with a suitable carrier oil in the appropriate dilution when using them for massage.

   • 2013, Sandra Kynes, Mixing Essential Oils for Magic:

     In addition, pomegranate is connected with divination, and sunflower with wisdom. I have not settled on a specific one, yet. Trying a different carrier oil when repeating a blend is good way to experiment and extend your knowledge.

   • 2013, Miriam Kinai, Black Pepper Essential Oil, page 18:

     The specific choice of a carrier oil or the oil which carries the essential oil to the skin, depends on the therapeutic benefit being sought.

2. Any oil used to dissolve and carry an oil-soluble substance into or out of a compound.
   • 1985, A. Dorinson, K.C. Ludema, Mechanics and Chemistry in Lubrication, page 198:

     Stearic acid dissolved in a carrier oil can effect a strong reduction in the coefficient of friction for metal rubbed against metal.

   • 1989, Superfund Innovative Technology Evaluation:

     The technology uses a food-grade "carrier oil" to extract the oil-soluble contaminants (Figure 1).

   • 1995, International Association on Water Quality, Water Quality International, '94 PT. 7, page 162:

     The acidified manure is mixed up with a non-toxic biodegradable carrier oil with a boiling point far above that of water and a negligible solubility in water.