<Table> <Tr> <Td> </Td> <Td> This article needs additional citations for verification . Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources . Unsourced material may be challenged and removed . (September 2014) (Learn how and when to remove this template message) </Td> </Tr> </Table> <Tr> <Td> </Td> <Td> This article needs additional citations for verification . Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources . Unsourced material may be challenged and removed . (September 2014) (Learn how and when to remove this template message) </Td> </Tr> <P> 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 in massage and aromatherapy . They are so named because they carry the essential oil onto the skin . Diluting essential oils is a critical safety practice when using essential oils . Oils alone are volatile because they begin to dissipate as soon as they are applied . The rate of dispersion will vary based on how light or heavy the carrier oil is . Carrier oils do not contain a concentrated aroma, unlike essential oils, though some, such as olive, have a mild distinctive smell . Neither do they evaporate like essential oils, which are more volatile . The carrier oils used should be as natural and unadulterated as possible . Many people feel organic oils are of higher quality . Cold - pressing and maceration are the two main methods of producing carrier oils . </P> <P> There is a range of different carrier oils, each with a various therapeutic properties . Choosing an oil will depend on the area being massaged, the presenting conditions and the clients sensitivity and requirements . For massage, viscosity is a major consideration; for example, grapeseed oil is typically very thin, while olive oil is much thicker . Sunflower, sweet almond and grapeseed oils have viscosities midway between these extremes . Carrier oils can be easily blended to combine their properties of viscosity, acceptability, lubrication, absorption, aroma and so forth . </P>

What can be used as a base oil