Cold pressed, virgin and unrefined oils are best when choosing oils to infuse botanicals.
Carrier oils are natural oils that don’t have much scent so when plant matter is placed in them they take on the botanical properties of the plant. AKA Macerated Oils. Cold-pressed, virgin, and unrefined oils are best when choosing oils to infuse botanicals. The most common to start with is Olive oil. Others you may already have in the kitchen are Sunflower and Grapeseed.
Almond Oil, which has a slightly nutty scent, which combined with the right botanical can be very nice. Almond oil also is very tolerable to temperature, so it will stay clear even when cold. It is safe for all skin types including babies and mature skin which makes it a great option for a carrier oil. It is a bit more expensive than Sunflower and Soybean, which is also a consideration. Vitamin A and B are high in Almond oil. Don’t forget about nut allergies when working with Almond oil, as many people are allergic to nuts.
Grapeseed Oil is a favorite here on The Butterfly Hill and I have used it combined with several different botanicals. I love its green color and light texture. And it blends so well with the dried Seaweed, that I don’t really use anything but Grapeseed with the Seaweed Oils I make. It is an anti-inflammatory, which means that it’s great to reduce puffiness or swelling. Antimicrobial, so it great for face oil, as it keeps pores clean and open. And has antioxidant properties, to keep your skin protected from pollutants and toxins! It helps existing Vitamin E and C in your skin be more effective. And is clinically been found to improve the skin’s moisture, softness, and ability to rejuvenate. It even has been found to protect your skin from absorbing the full damage of UV rays. A carrier oil superstar!
Jojoba is one of my favorites and I use it for the Rose Hip face oil here on The Butterfly Hill as it absorbs into the skin beautifully as it is closest to our skin’s PH and never feels oily. It has humectant properties which means that it acts as a barrier and keeps moisture in the skin. It is antibacterial and an antioxidant which means that it helps your skin fight everyday exposure to pollutants and toxins. And may even signal your body to produce collagen! It lasts for a long time in bottles and is high in Vitamin A. Interestingly, it is actually a wax and not an oil, which makes it act as a seal to your skin. It is one of the best oils for soothing eczema, psoriasis, and any dry skin ailments.
Kukui Nut oil is high in fatty acids like omega-3 which can help calm your skin and reduce inflammation. It is easily absorbed and helps relieve aches and pains in muscles and joints. Hawaiians use it for burns, fresh wounds, and sunburns, and psoriasis. It’s high in Vitamins C, D, and E and has been known to boost the immune system. And reduce wrinkles! Which is why we use it here on The Butterfly Hill for all our Wild Redwood Forest Fern oils. Kukui is also my personal favorite!
Olive Oil is a heavier oil and such is great for massage oils. It is also very high in antioxidents and also has Vitamin A and K. I find that it is a bit heavy for face oils. And does have a slight scent, which may or may not work for what you want. Think Garlic infused olive oil, in which the scent would add to the garlic hardy flavor of your cooking.
Soybean oil has been GMO’d so I do not use it. It is not easy to find and when you do it is expensive.
Triple-infused oils are basically extra-strength. Take the botanicals out and reinfuse oils with new plant matter. This can be done in a double strength or triple.
You can try adding Crystals into your jars to add a minerals and energy to your oils.
What do you do with the infused botanical oils you make? They are used in balms, ointments, creams, lotions butter,s and massage oils.
