The Chemistry Of Fixed Oils

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Published: 11 January 2017 | Written by Super User | Print | Email | Hits: 6253

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The Chemistry Of Fixed Oils
The fact that there is a chemical difference between fixed oils and essential oils was mentioned in the previous section. The difference results in contrasting general characteristics.

Characteristics	Fixed Oil	Essential Oil
Volatility	low	high
Viscosity	high	low
Aroma	weak	strong
Soluble	no	yes
Emollient	yes	no
extraction	solvent, expressed	Distilled, expressed
Edible	yes	in small quantity (supervised)

It can sometimes be difficult to discriminate between a 100% genuine essential oil and an essential oil dissolved in a carrier oil. A simple test (not definitive) is to put one drop on to the back of your hand, whereupon one of the following will happen:

If a pure essential oil (distilled or expressed) it will disappear into the skin quite quickly.
If it is an absolute or a resin it may feel very slightly oily or sticky (and will also be coloured). NB Genuine sandalwood essential oil, being viscous, can also feel slightly oily.
If the essential oil is incorporated in a carrier oil it will lubricate the back of your hand.
Reference: Carrier Oils For Aromatherapy & Massage: Len Price with Ian Smith & Shirley Price

Carrier Oils For Aromatherapy