Carrier oils such as: Almond, Apricot Kernel, Hazelnut, Macadamia nut are the base oils of nut, plant or vegetable origins which are cold pressed. Carrier oils are fatty in texture; they do not readily evaporate like essential oils and have a low scent. Carrier oils are used to dilute essential oils for safe application on the skin. Almond oil is the professional oil of choice for massage. Combinations of other carrier oils are beneficial for conditioning particular skin types. Jojoba oil is commonly used to dilute expensive or potentially hazardous essential oils for use in Aromatherapy. Jojoba oil is technically a wax and therefore doesn't oxidise. When essential oils are blended with Jojoba oil the level of dilution should always be stated on the label. As an example: Rose absolute is often blended with Jojoba oil due to expense. Reputable Company's shall also offer the essential oil 100% concentrate for sale.
Essential oils should never routinely be diluted with any carrier oil and sold as pure essential oils (other than as discussed above). This unfortunately is practiced in some companies and countries - and then the product is still sold as 100% pure essential oil. Peanut and Grapeseed oils in particular are used in order to cheapen the end product. If you notice a poor shelf life of your essential oils, or they are going rancid - this may indicate dilution. Quality essential oils should not have an oily texture to touch like olive oil.
Peanut oil is cheap cooking oil and should never be used in Aromatherapy.
Mineral oil is also never used in quality Aromatherapy as it is a petroleum
derived product. Mineral oil is molecularly large and therefore inhibits essential
oils from being administered effectively via massage.