Which of the following is an example of a base oil?

• A. Almond oil
• B. Olive oil
• C. Coconut oil
• D. Jojoba oil

Answer: (A)

Base oils, or carrier oils, dilute essential oils for safe topical use and provide slip and nourishment. Almond oil is a classic base oil because it is light, absorbs readily, and is well tolerated by most skin types, making it a versatile carrier for massage and body blends. Compared with olive oil, it feels lighter and less likely to clog pores; coconut oil tends to be solid at room temperature and can feel occlusive or waxy for some applications; jojoba oil has a different texture—being a wax ester that mimics sebum—so it isn’t the same everyday carrier as almond. For these reasons, almond oil exemplifies a base oil in typical aromatherapy practice.