Aromatherapy Carrier Oils and Dilution 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which carrier oil has the highest oleic acid content and is known for its exceptional skin penetration and moisturizing properties?
- Jojoba oil
- Rosehip seed oil
- Olive oil (Correct answer)
- Grapeseed oil
Correct answer: Olive oil
Olive oil has a very high oleic acid content (55–83%) which contributes to its deep moisturizing and skin-softening properties.
Question 2: Jojoba 'oil' is technically classified as which type of substance?
- A fatty acid ester
- A liquid wax (Correct answer)
- A vegetable fat
- A silicone-based lubricant
Correct answer: A liquid wax
Jojoba is technically a liquid wax ester, not an oil, making it extremely shelf-stable and resistant to rancidity.
Question 3: Which carrier oil is cold-pressed from grape seeds and is known for its light texture and high linoleic acid content?
- Avocado oil
- Grapeseed oil (Correct answer)
- Castor oil
- Coconut oil
Correct answer: Grapeseed oil
Grapeseed oil is light, non-greasy, rich in linoleic acid, and is a popular choice for massage and blending due to its neutral scent.
Question 4: What is the primary concern when using a carrier oil with a short shelf life, such as rosehip seed oil?
- Increased photosensitivity risk
- Rancidity, which can irritate skin and degrade essential oil quality (Correct answer)
- Excessive skin absorption
- Loss of color in the blend
Correct answer: Rancidity, which can irritate skin and degrade essential oil quality
Carrier oils high in polyunsaturated fatty acids like rosehip oxidize quickly, leading to rancidity that can irritate skin.
Question 5: Which carrier oil, derived from a nut, is particularly recommended for dry, mature, and sensitive skin types due to its emollient properties?
- Fractionated coconut oil
- Sweet almond oil (Correct answer)
- Castor oil
- Hemp seed oil
Correct answer: Sweet almond oil
Sweet almond oil is rich in oleic and linoleic acids, making it highly emollient and gentle enough for sensitive and mature skin.
Question 6: Fractionated coconut oil differs from regular coconut oil primarily because it:
- Has a stronger coconut scent
- Remains liquid at room temperature and has an extended shelf life (Correct answer)
- Contains more vitamins
- Is darker in color
Correct answer: Remains liquid at room temperature and has an extended shelf life
Fractionation removes long-chain fatty acids from coconut oil, leaving medium-chain triglycerides that stay liquid and resist rancidity.
Aromatherapy Carrier Oils and Dilution 1
Which carrier oil has the highest oleic acid content and is known for its exceptional skin penetration and moisturizing properties?