What Is The Difference Between An Essential Oil and A Carrier Oil

When we talk of oils we are almost always talking about carrier or base oils. This is the difference between carrier/base oils and essential oils.

Source

Carrier oils are normally vegetable oils derived from the fatty parts of a plant, such as the seed, kernels or nuts; essential oils usually come from non-fatty areas such as bark, roots, stems, leaves and the aromatic portions of the plant

Potency

Carrier oils are not very potent or concentrated, this is to say they will not normally burn or irritate your skin if applied directly. Essential oils, on the other hand, are very potent and should never be applied to skin directly as they can burn right through it or cause very severe skin irritation! They have to be diluted in a carrier oil. 

Lavender is one of the milder essential oils for skin but even then, direct application is NOT recommended.

Quantity needed

Carrier oils are used for a wide variety of functions for skin and hair so even for regular usage a large volume is needed. As essential oils are highly potent you only ever need a few drops at a time. This is why they are sold in such minute volumes.

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Packaging

Carrier oils for consumer use are normally sold in clear, plastic bottles of 60 ml (2 0z ) at a minimum and frequently much larger volumes. Essential oils for consumer use are normally sold in 10 ml (0.35 oz) dark glass bottles.

Properties

Carrier oils don't easily degrade and evaporate. Essential oils degrade and evaporate rapidly when exposed to light; they also eat into plastic - this is why they are sold in glass bottles. That said, all oils should be kept in a cool dark place to make them last longer.

Essential oils are thin oils with strong aromas whilst carrier oils are thicker (more oily) and have a   much milder aroma when they have one at all.

Top Carrier Oils For Hair vs. Top Essential Oils for Hair

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Carrier Oils
Argan oil
Avocado oil
Castor oil
Coconut oil
Jojoba oil
Sweet almond oil

Essential Oils
Cedarwood
Lavender
Thyme
Rosemary
Peppermint
Ylang ylang

The top 4 essential oils oils are found in Neno Natural's Hair Growth Stimulator.

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Ref:
Carriel Oils (Wikipedia)
What Are Carrier Oils (Aromaweb)
Essential Oils (Wikipedia)

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