Frequently Asked Questions

Essential oils are highly concentrated aromatic plant extracts obtained through steam distillation or cold pressing. They contain the volatile compounds responsible for a plant’s characteristic aroma, which means they are potent and should always be diluted before topical use. They are commonly used in aromatherapy, diffusion, and diluted massage or body blends.

Carrier oils are cold-pressed vegetable oils derived from seeds, nuts, or kernels. Unlike essential oils, they can be applied directly to the skin and are valued for their nourishing, skin-conditioning properties. They are also used to dilute essential oils for safer topical application.

Key characteristics:

· Mild and nourishing

· Safe for direct topical application

· Rich in fatty acids and skin-supporting nutrients

How to use them:

· Apply directly to face, body, or hair

· Use as a base for essential oil dilution

· Incorporate into massage blends

Carrier oils help:

· Support skin barrier function

· Improve moisture retention

· Enhance glide during massage

· Reduce the risk of irritation from essential oils

The Core Difference (Simple Summary)

· Еssential oil = concentrated botanical extract → must be diluted → external use only.

· Carrier oil = nourishing base oil → can be used directly → safely dilutes essential oils.

Tamanu oil (Calophyllum inophyllum), sometimes called "Green Gold," is a cold-pressed carrier oil with a distinctive strong aroma and a medium absorption rate. It is traditionally associated with promoting skin clarity and elasticity, making skin appear smoother and firmer. It also hydrates dry or damaged hair. It can be applied directly to the face or hair in small amounts, or blended into skincare formulations.

Black Seed oil, also known as Nigella sativa or Black Cumin oil, is a cold-pressed botanical oil with a naturally rich texture and distinctive aroma. In skincare, it is valued for its nourishing properties and is often used to help support softer, smoother, and more balanced-looking skin. It can also enhance the skin’s natural radiance and overall comfort.

Calendula oil (Calendula officinalis) is not cold-pressed directly from the flower - it is produced by infusing dried calendula flowers into a base carrier oil (typically sunflower oil), a process called flower infusion. This captures the oil-soluble compounds from the flower, including carotenoids and flavonoids, which are known for calming and soothing irritated skin. It is one of the gentler carrier oils and is well suited to sensitive, reactive, or delicate skin. It can also be applied to the scalp to support hair follicle health.

Pomegranate Seed oil (Punica granatum) is cold-pressed from pomegranate seeds and contains punicic acid (omega-5), a rare fatty acid not commonly found in other plant oils. It is rich in antioxidants and Vitamin C. Applied to skin, it is associated with supporting the appearance of firmness and elasticity, reducing the visible effects of inflammation, and improving the look of damaged or scarred skin. It is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive and acne-prone skin.

Chia Seed oil (Salvia hispanica) is a lightweight carrier oil particularly high in omega-3 fatty acids (alpha-linolenic acid). On skin it provides hydration without heaviness and supports the skin barrier. On hair it adds nourishment and shine. Its light texture makes it suitable for blending into serums, face oils, or used alone on oily skin types.

Rice Bran oil (Oryza sativa) is cold-pressed from the outer bran layer of rice grains. It is a light-to-medium weight oil with good spreadability and a mild aroma. It contains Vitamin E, ferulic acid, and squalene, making it suitable for a wide range of skin types including mature or dull skin. It is also used in hair care formulations to add shine and reduce frizz.

Sacha Inchi Seed oil (Plukenetia volubilis) is cold-pressed from the seeds of a plant native to the Amazon rainforest. It has an exceptionally high omega-3 fatty acid content, making it one of the richest plant sources of alpha-linolenic acid. In skincare it is used to hydrate and soften skin and to support the skin's natural barrier. Its lightweight texture makes it suitable for most skin types.

Shea Butter (Butyrospermum parkii) is a fat extracted from the nuts of the shea tree. Unrefined Shea Butter retains its natural ivory color, nutty aroma, and full profile of fatty acids, vitamins A and E, and triterpenes. Refined Shea Butter is white and odorless but has had many of these compounds removed in processing. For skincare, unrefined Shea Butter is more nutrient-dense and better suited as a standalone moisturizer, in balms, or as a base for DIY formulations.

Bulgarian Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) grown at altitude in Bulgaria produces an oil with a more complex, rounded fragrance than lavender grown in lowland areas. Topically always diluted in a carrier oil it is used in massage blends for muscle and joint discomfort, added to skincare products for its toning and soothing action on oily or blemish-prone skin, and blended into shampoos to support scalp circulation.

In diffusion it is widely used for relaxation and sleep support. It blends well with rose, pine, rosemary, ylang-ylang, and citrus oils.

Bergamot (Citrus bergamia) is a cold-pressed citrus peel oil with a fresh, uplifting scent and soft floral-spicy nuances. It is widely used in perfumery as a bright top note and in aromatherapy for its refreshing character. In skincare, it is typically used in diluted form in cleansing or aromatic formulations.
Bergamot oil is best used with care in leave-on topical products, as it may increase the skin’s sensitivity to sun exposure. If applied to the skin, it is recommended to avoid direct sunlight afterward.

Blue Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) is steam-distilled from the yarrow plant and gets its distinctive deep blue color from chamazulene, the same compound responsible for the blue color of German Chamomile. It has a complex herbal, slightly medicinal scent. In skincare it is used topically (diluted) for its traditionally calming and skin-balancing properties, particularly on sensitive or reactive skin. It is a niche oil valued by formulators for both its color and its aromatic character.

Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis) is a Mediterranean herb with a sharp, herbal, and slightly camphoraceous scent. Its essential oil is used in aromatherapy diffused or in diluted topical blends for its invigorating and clarifying effect. It is a potent oil and should be used in low dilutions. It is not suitable for use during pregnancy.

Pine Needle oil (Pinus sylvestris sibirica), distilled from Siberian pine needles, has a clean, fresh, resinous forest scent. It is used in aromatherapy diffusers for its invigorating and air-purifying qualities, and in massage blends (diluted in a carrier oil) to support muscle recovery and a sense of invigoration. It blends well with lavender, cedarwood, rosemary, and citrus oils.

Some essential oils are best avoided during pregnancy due to their concentrated nature. If you are pregnant or nursing, it is recommended to consult your healthcare provider before using essential oils topically or in aromatherapy.

As a precaution, certain essential oils are generally not recommended during this time.

Essential oils are highly concentrated and should always be kept out of reach of children. Some essential oils are not considered suitable for use on or around young children, so extra care is important.

Carrier oils are generally milder, but for infants and children it is always best to consult a healthcare professional before topical use. As a precaution, all products should be stored safely and used according to label directions.

Store oils in dark glass bottles in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat. Keeping bottles tightly closed helps reduce exposure to air, light, and warmth, which can affect freshness over time.

Some carrier oils - especially those rich in delicate fatty acids, such as pomegranate, chia, and sacha inchi - are more sensitive and are best used within a reasonable period after opening.

Essential oils generally keep well when stored properly, although citrus oils tend to be more delicate. If an oil develops an unusual, stale, or unpleasant scent, it may no longer be at its best.

Yes, these oils are widely used as ingredients in homemade skincare.

Carrier oils can serve as the base for facial oils, serums, massage oils, balms, and hair treatments. Essential oils are added to formulations in small amounts (typically 0.5–3%) for fragrance and their topical properties.

When combining multiple oils, consider how their absorption rates and aromas interact.