What are carrier oils, and how do they benefit my skin?

Carrier oils are nutrient-rich plant oils used to dilute essential oils and active ingredients. They’re the foundation of any good formulation — not only making essential oils safe to use on the skin but also adding their own hydrating and soothing properties. Popular ones include avocado, sweet almond, and grapeseed oil.

Essential oils are the pure, concentrated aromatic extracts from plants — from flowers and leaves to roots and peels. They are powerful and must always be diluted in a carrier oil before applying to the skin. A few drops go a long way, whether for relaxation, skincare, or home use.

Active ingredients are the “doers” in your formulation — they’re added for their specific effects. These might include niacinamide for brightening, hyaluronic acid for hydration. We stock a wide range of both natural and lab-stable actives to meet your skincare goals.

Some ingredients, like aloe vera gel, shea butter, Carrier oils can be used as-is. However, others (like essential oils) are very concentrated and must be diluted first. Always read the usage guidelines and do a patch test when trying something new.

Natural ingredients are sensitive to heat, light, and air. We recommend storing them in a dark cupboard or fridge (for oils prone to oxidising), in tightly sealed containers. Avoid moisture contamination and always use clean utensils.

Unrefined butters are as close to nature as you can get — full of aroma, colour, and natural compounds. Refined butters are processed for a neutral scent and smoother texture, ideal when formulating with fragrance. Both are beneficial — the choice depends on your preference and purpose.

Waxes like beeswax (Vegan) or emulsifying wax help thicken products, lock in moisture, and stabilise emulsions. They form a breathable layer on the skin, making them excellent for balms, salves, and cream

Absolutely! That’s the beauty of formulating your own skincare. You can blend oils, butters, clays, actives, and essential oils to create something truly your own. Just make sure you understand safe usage percentages and how different ingredients interact. Visit our blogs for some interesting information and some recipes.

Botanical extracts are concentrated plant infusions that deliver targeted skin benefits, like calming inflammation or protecting against environmental stress. They’re great for enhancing the performance of natural skincare products and are often used alongside essential oils or actives.

Essential oils are steam-distilled or cold-pressed pure plant extracts. Absolutes are extracted using solvents, often from delicate flowers like jasmine or rose. Absolutes have a stronger scent and are commonly used in perfumery, but should be used externally and always diluted.

Are essential oils safe to use?

Yes, essential oils are safe when used correctly and with proper dilution. They are highly concentrated plant extracts, which means a little goes a long way. For topical use, always dilute essential oils with a carrier oil to prevent skin irritation. Some oils may not be suitable during pregnancy, for children, or for individuals with certain health conditions.

Essential oils work through scent and absorption. When inhaled, they affect the brain’s limbic system (linked to emotions and memory). When applied topically (diluted), they’re absorbed through the skin to support wellness.

Essential oils are extracted from plants using methods that capture their aromatic and therapeutic compounds. The most common method is steam distillation, where steam gently draws the oils out of plant material like flowers, leaves, bark, or roots. Other methods include cold pressing (used mainly for citrus peels) and solvent extraction (for delicate botanicals like jasmine).

Each method is chosen to preserve the purity, potency, and natural aroma of the plant — resulting in the high-quality oils you find at Holistic Emporium

We do not recommend ingesting essential oils. They are highly concentrated and can be harmful if used internally without proper guidance. Essential oils are best used aromatically or topically (always diluted with a carrier oil). For internal use, consult a qualified healthcare professional trained in clinical aromatherapy.

We do not recommend ingesting essential oils. They are highly concentrated and can be harmful if used internally without proper guidance. Essential oils are best used aromatically or topically (always diluted with a carrier oil). For internal use, consult a qualified healthcare professional trained in clinical aromatherapy.

Some essential oils can be used around dogs with caution, but not all are safe. Oils like tea tree, peppermint, clove, citrus, and eucalyptus may be harmful to pets, especially when used undiluted or in enclosed spaces. For pet-safe use, we recommend consulting a holistic veterinarian or qualified animal aromatherapist. When in doubt, it’s best to avoid using essential oils directly on or near pets.

Essential oils are steam-distilled or cold-pressed pure plant extracts. Absolutes are extracted using solvents, often from delicate flowers like jasmine or rose. Absolutes have a stronger scent and are commonly used in perfumery, but should be used externally and always diluted.

Some ingredients are not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Always check the safety info listed on the product page and consult your healthcare provider before use.

It depends on your goal! Lavender is calming, tea tree is clarifying, geranium is balancing, and frankincense is great for mature skin. Each essential oil offers unique properties — you’ll find guides and recipes on our site to help you get started.

Dive into articles that unpack the properties, benefits, and uses of the natural ingredients we stock

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