Carrier oils are the foundation of most DIY aromatherapy projects. This category includes both plain carrier oils and botanical-infused oils, all used to dilute essential oils and create simple bath, body, and home blends. Here you’ll find guides, recipes, and inspiration for everyday, non-medical use.
What Are Carrier Oils?
Carrier oils are plant-based base oils extracted from the fatty portions of nuts, seeds, or kernels.
They get their name from their primary function: they “carry” essential oils onto the skin and into your DIY aromatherapy creations.
Essential oils are highly concentrated and potent, which is why they’re rarely used undiluted.
Carrier oils provide the gentle, stable base that makes essential oils practical and pleasant to use. They dilute the intensity of essential oils while adding texture, spreadability, and moisture to your finished products.
You’ll find carrier oils in almost every DIY aromatherapy recipe, from roll-on perfumes and massage blends to body scrubs and bath oils. They are neutral, mild, and versatile, allowing you to create personalized blends for your home and lifestyle.
Common carrier oils include sweet almond oil, jojoba oil, coconut oil, and grapeseed oil. Each brings its own texture and absorption rate to your projects.
Learn the fundamentals: what are carrier oils in our Aromatherapy Basics guide.
What Are Infused Oils?
Infused oils are carrier oils that have been infused with dried botanicals such as herbs, flowers, or plant materials. The base remains a carrier oil, which takes on qualities from the botanical material steeped within it.
An infused oil starts with a carrier oil, such as coconut, jojoba, or sweet almond oil, which is infused with dried herbs or flowers over time. The plant material is eventually strained out, leaving behind a beautifully enriched oil that carries the essence of the botanical. The infused oil is still a carrier oil, but one that has taken on the color, aroma, and character of the botanicals used.
Infused oils are commonly used in:
- Traditional-style DIY body oils
- Balms and salves (non-medical)
- Bath and body recipes where botanical character is desired
An infused oil is not an essential oil. It is a carrier oil that has absorbed properties from plant material through infusion.
Common Infusion Methods
There are two main approaches to making infused oils at home:
Slow or Cold Infusion
Dried botanicals are combined with carrier oil in a glass jar and left in a warm, sunny spot for 2-6 weeks. The warmth gently draws the plant compounds into the oil over time.
Fast or Warm infusion (stovetop or slow cooker method)
The oil and botanicals are gently heated together for several hours, speeding up the infusion process. This method produces usable oil in a single day.
Both methods result in a carrier oil that’s been naturally enhanced with botanical goodness—perfect for adding depth and character to your DIY bath and body projects.
Popular infused oils include calendula, arnica, rose, lavender, and chamomile.
Carrier Oils vs Infused Oils: What’s the Difference?
While both are used in aromatherapy DIY projects, there are key differences between plain carrier oils and infused oils.
Carrier Oils
- Plain, uninfused base oils
- Neutral in color and scent
- Used directly to dilute essential oils
- Provide a blank canvas for essential oils
- Offer full control over scent and blend strength
- Examples: Jojoba Oil, Sweet Almond Oil, Grapeseed Oil
Infused Oils
- Carrier oil infused with dried herbs or flowers
- Adds plant character, color, and subtle aroma
- Still functions as a base oil in DIY recipes
- Brings traditional herbal qualities to your blends
- Examples: Calendula Infused Oil, Rose Infused Oil, Lavender Infused Oil
The key thing to remember: An infused oil is still a carrier oil that has been enriched with botanical material.
You can use infused oils anywhere you’d use a plain carrier oil, and you can still add essential oils to them.
Both types of oils belong in the same category because both serve the same foundational purpose in aromatherapy: diluting essential oils and creating beautiful, personalized products for everyday enjoyment.
Types of Carrier Oils You’ll Find in This Category
Plain Carrier Oils
Plain carrier oils are your versatile, everyday bases for aromatherapy blending. Each oil has its own texture, absorption rate, and subtle character.
Popular Plain Carrier Oils:
- Sweet Almond Oil – Light, smooth, and perfect for all-purpose use
- Jojoba Oil – Stable, silky, and wonderful for roll-ons and facial blends
- Coconut oil – Tropical and nourishing, available as fractionated (liquid) or solid
- Grapeseed Oil – Very light and fast-absorbing; ideal for summer blends
- Apricot Kernel Oil – Gentle and refined; lovely for delicate projects
- Avocado Oil – Thick, luxurious, and deeply moisturizing
- Olive Oil – Rich and protective; beautiful for soaps and winter body care
Each oil has a slightly different texture, absorption speed, and feel, which makes them suitable for different DIY uses.
Lighter oils such as grapeseed are perfect for roll-ons and everyday body oils, while richer oils like avocado shine in intensive hand creams and body butters.
Explore individual carrier oil profiles to learn which ones best suit your DIY style.
Botanical Infused Oils
Infused oils add a layer of botanical richness to your aromatherapy projects. They’re especially popular in traditional-style recipes and body care blends where you want more than just a neutral base.
Popular botanical-infused oils:
- Calendula Infused Oil – Golden and soothing; beloved for gentle body care
- Arnica Infused Oil – Deep amber color; traditionally used in massage blends
- Rose Infused Oil – Romantic and fragrant; luxurious in facial oils and perfumes
- Lavender Infused Oil – Soft purple hue; calming and aromatic
- Chamomile Infused Oil – Pale and mild; gentle for sensitive skin blends
Many aromatherapy enthusiasts make their own infused oils at home, combining their favorite carrier oil with dried botanicals from the garden or spice cupboard.
Explore how to make infused oils.
How Carrier & Infused Oils Are Used in DIY Projects
Both plain carrier oils and infused oils form the base of numerous aromatherapy DIY projects. Here’s where you’ll use them most often:
Roll-Ons & Personal Blends
Small roll-on bottles filled with carrier oil and a few drops of essential oil make wonderful portable aromatherapy.
Use plain carrier oils like fractionated coconut or jojoba for a neutral base, or try infused oils for added botanical character.
Perfect for: Pulse point perfumes, calming blends, focus support, and everyday aromatherapy rituals
Body Oils & Massage Blends
Carrier oils are the heart of body oil recipes. Blend them with your favorite essential oils to create custom massage oils, after-shower body oils, or layering treatments.
Infused oils shine here. Rose or lavender-infused oil makes a beautiful base for a relaxing massage blend.
Perfect for: Self-massage, after-bath moisturizing, dry skin care, and pampering rituals
Scrubs & Bath Recipes
Sugar scrubs, salt scrubs, and bath oils all rely on carrier oils to bind ingredients together and moisturize skin. Plain oils work beautifully, while infused oils add visual appeal and botanical depth.
Perfect for: Exfoliating scrubs, bath melts, shower steamers, and spa-style home treatments
Salves and Balms
When you combine carrier oils or infused oils with beeswax or plant-based waxes, you create semi-solid salves and balms. These are wonderful for lip care, cuticle treatments, and protective hand balms.
Infused oils are especially popular in traditional salve-making, bringing time-honored botanical traditions into your modern DIY practice.
Perfect for: Lip balms, hand salves, solid perfumes, and beeswax-based body care
Get inspired: Browse hundreds of DIY aromatherapy recipes in our Bath, Body & Home collection.
Choosing Between Plain and Infused Oils
Not sure whether to reach for a plain carrier oil or an infused oil for your next project? Here’s a simple decision guide:
Choose Plain Carrier Oils When:
- You want full control over scent – Plain oils let your essential oil blends be the star
- You’re blending essential oils – A neutral base ensures your aromatherapy blend shines through
- You need a light, fast-absorbing texture – Oils like grapeseed and fractionated coconut are wonderfully light
- You’re making roll-on perfumes – Plain oils keep the focus on your carefully crafted essential oil blend
- You prefer minimalist DIY – Simple, straightforward, and endlessly versatile
Choose Infused Oils When:
- You want botanical character – Infused oils bring the essence of dried herbs and flowers into your blend
- You’re making traditional-style DIYs – Calendula salves, arnica massage oils, and rose body oils have a timeless appeal
- You prefer pre-infused bases – Infused oils do some of the work for you, adding depth without extra steps
- You’re creating gift-worthy products – The rich colors and botanical story make infused oil products feel extra special
- You enjoy the ritual of infusion – Making your own infused oils is a meditative, rewarding process
The best part? You can mix plain and infused carrier oils together in the same recipe. Try blending calendula-infused oil with plain jojoba for a body oil that’s both botanically rich and silky-smooth.
Storage & Shelf Life Basics
Both plain carrier oils and infused oils are natural products that need proper care to stay fresh and effective. Understanding shelf life and storage helps you get the most from your oils.
Shelf Life Differences
Plain carrier oils: Shelf life varies by oil type. Light oils like grapeseed last 6-12 months, while stable oils like jojoba can last 2+ years. Always store them in cool, dark places away from heat and light.
Infused oils: Because they contain plant material (even after straining), infused oils typically have a shorter shelf life than their plain carrier oil counterparts. Expect 6-12 months for most home-infused oils, depending on the base oil used and how thoroughly the botanical material was strained.
Signs of Spoilage
Both types of oils can go rancid over time. Watch for these warning signs:
- Strong or unpleasant odor
- Cloudy appearance or sediment
- Color changes (especially darkening)
- Separation or unusual texture
When an oil smells different from when you first opened it, it’s time to replace it.
Why Freshness Matters
Using fresh oils ensures your DIY products smell wonderful and perform as expected. Rancid oils ruin the scent of your blends and can compromise the quality of your finished recipes.
Storage tips for both oil types:
- Keep in dark glass bottles (amber or cobalt blue)
- Store in a cool, dark cupboard
- Keep lids tightly sealed
- Label with purchase or infusion date
- Buy in quantities you’ll use within 6-12 months
Infused oils especially benefit from refrigerator storage if you live in a warm climate or won’t use them quickly.
Carrier Oils And Infused Oils FAQs
Are infused oils the same as essential oils?
No, they are completely different. Infused oils are carrier oils infused with botanicals. They are mild, gentle, base oils. Essential oils are concentrated extracts obtained through distillation or cold-pressing plant parts.
Can I add essential oils to infused oils?
Yes. Infused oils can still be used as a base for essential oil dilution. Many aromatherapy enthusiasts love layering the botanical character of an infused oil with the aromatic power of essential oils.
Can I use infused oils for diluting essential oils?
Yes. You can use infused oils the same way you would use carrier oils for diluting essential oils.
How long do infused oils last?
Home-infused oils typically last 6-12 months when stored properly in a cool, dark place. Infused oils tend to have a shorter shelf life than plain carrier oils because of the botanical infusion process.
Can I mix infused and plain carrier oils?
Yes! Blending infused oils with plain carrier oils is a wonderful way to customize texture, extend shelf life, and balance botanical character with neutral versatility. For instance, you might blend rich calendula infused oil with light grapeseed oil to create a body oil that’s both nourishing and fast-absorbing.
Do I need to refrigerate carrier oils or infused oils?
Most carrier oils and infused oils can be stored in a cool, dark cupboard without refrigeration. However, refrigerating infused oils can help if you live in a very warm climate or want to extend shelf life.
Can I use infused oils in roll-on bottles?
Yes, infused oils work beautifully in roll-ons, especially if you want botanical depth alongside your essential oil blend.
Explore Carrier Oil Guides & Recipes
Ready to dive deeper? Browse our complete collection of carrier oil profiles, infused oil tutorials, and DIY aromatherapy recipes:
Individual Carrier Oil Guides
Learn about the texture, absorption rate, shelf life, and best uses for each carrier oil
Infused Oil Recipes
Step-by-step tutorials for making your own botanical-infused oils at home
Beginner DIY Posts: Simple, approachable aromatherapy projects – perfect for getting started
Advanced Bath & Body Recipes: Creative blends and formulations for experienced DIY enthusiasts
Whether you’re just beginning your aromatherapy journey or you’re a seasoned DIY creator, carrier oils and infused oils are the foundation of beautiful, personalized home blending. Explore, experiment, and enjoy the process of creating aromatic products uniquely your own.
Continue Your Aromatherapy Journey
Now that you understand carrier oils, you’re ready to explore more DIY aromatherapy projects and techniques:
Aromatherapy Basics – Start with the fundamentals of essential oils and aromatic living
Essential Oil Uses – Discover creative ways to incorporate essential oils into daily life
DIY Bath, Body & Home – Get inspired with recipes for homemade aromatherapy products
Diffusers & Blends – Learn about diffusion methods and create your own signature scents
Carrier oils are the foundation of beautiful, personalized aromatherapy blending. With this guide in hand, you’re ready to create your own aromatic lifestyle products with confidence.
