C1 S2 RM2 STN2 HB TERMS PG1 / C1 S2 RM3 H and B DIRECTORY / DRIED COMFREY section div tab / PLANT CARE AND INFORMATION DIRECTORY

INTRODUCTION TO TERMS

If you're new to making infused oils you will encounter some basic terms while researching or following recipes. While some may be self-explanatory, others could be unfamiliar. To make your infusion journey smoother I’ve put together a list of key terms you’re likely to come across. If you stumble upon any words that aren’t included, feel free to let me know so I can update the list. Having basic term definitions handy, in one place, will help beginners save on research time. All list are works in progress... Each list is updated, refined and may be reformatted, when need be, as I discover new and interesting information on carrier oils.

Station 2: Terms is divided into two parts:

AT A GLANCE & FIND OUT MORE

AT A GLANCE
Short Basic term definitions

FIND OUT MORE
Definition and Google Search Mode

👀 At A Glance

Glossary of Health & Beauty Oil Terms

Anti-Aging Oil – Supports elasticity and reduces visible aging.
Base Body Oil – Primary oil used to build a formula.
Botanical Oils – Oils derived from plants.
Carrier Oil – Neutral oil used to dilute stronger extracts.
Cold Pressed Oil – Nutrient-rich oil extracted without heat.
Comedogenic – Likely to clog pores.
Free Radicals – Molecules that contribute to aging.
Firming Oil – Oil designed to improve skin tone
Comedogenic Rating – Scale indicating pore-clogging risk.
Concoction – Blend created from multiple ingredients.
Decoction – Simmered herbal extract method.
Essential Oils – Concentrated aromatic plant extracts.
Extraction – Process of drawing herbal properties into oil.
Fractionated Oil – Light, liquid, stable form of coconut oil.
Herbal Oil – Oil infused with herbs.
Hydration – Water retention support for the skin.
Infused Oil – Oil enriched by soaking botanicals.
Light Taste Oil – Mild base oil for infusion.
Lightweight Oil – Fast-absorbing, non-greasy oil.
Macerated Oil – Another term for infused oil.
Mineral Oil – Petroleum-derived moisturizing oil.
Non-Comedogenic – Does not clog pores.
Occlusive Agent – A protective barrier on the skin’s surface.
Petroleum Body Oil – Moisturizing oil derived from petroleum.
Plant-Based Oil – Any oil derived from plants.
Refined Oil – Processed oil with fewer nutrients.
Rich Oil – Heavy, moisturizing oil.
Shimmering Oil – Oil with mica for shine.
Smooth Taste Oil – Mild oil suitable for infusion.
Unrefined Oil – Natural, nutrient-rich oil.

📘 Find Out More

Oil List With Definitions and Google Search

A

Anti-Aging Oil

An infused or carrier oil blended with botanicals known to support skin elasticity, reduce the appearance of wrinkles, and protect against environmental damage.

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B

Base Body Oil

The main oil used as the foundation of a body oil blend—often light, stable, and neutral—used to dilute stronger oils or extracts.

Botanical Oils

Oils derived from plants (seeds, nuts, fruits, or herbs) and used for their natural therapeutic properties in skincare formulations.

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C

Carrier Oil

A neutral plant-based oil used to dilute essential oils or herbal extracts so they can be safely applied to the skin.

Cold Pressed Oil

Oil extracted by mechanical pressing without heat, preserving nutrients, antioxidants, and natural aroma—ideal for high-quality infused oils.

Comedogenic

A term describing substances likely to clog pores and contribute to acne or breakouts.

Comedogenic Rating

A scale from 0–5 indicating the likelihood that an oil will clog pores (0 = non-comedogenic, 5 = highly comedogenic).

Concoction

A mixture created by blending multiple oils, herbs, or ingredients together—often customized for a specific skin benefit.

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D

Decoction

A method of extraction where tougher plant materials (roots, barks, seeds) are simmered in water to draw out beneficial compounds, sometimes used before oil infusion.

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E

Essential Oils

Highly concentrated aromatic plant extracts used in small amounts to add fragrance and therapeutic benefits to infused oils.

Extraction

The process of drawing beneficial compounds from herbs or botanicals into an oil using heat, time, or pressure.

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F

Fractionated Oil

A type of oil (commonly coconut) that has had long-chain fatty acids removed, making it liquid, lightweight, and long-lasting—excellent for infused oils.

Free Radicals

Unstable molecules that cause oxidative stress and premature skin aging; oils rich in antioxidants help neutralize them.

Firming Oil

An infused or blended oil designed to improve skin tightness, tone, and elasticity.

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H

Herbal Oil

Any oil infused with herbs to extract their medicinal or cosmetic properties; also called infused or macerated oil.

Hydration

The process of helping the skin retain water; many oils support hydration by reducing moisture loss.

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I

Infused Oil

Oil that has been steeped with herbs, flowers, spices, or botanicals to extract their benefits for skin and hair care.

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L

Light Taste Oil

A mild-flavored oil commonly used in cooking but also suitable for skincare; generally neutral and light, often used as a base for infusions.

Lightweight Oil

An oil that absorbs quickly and feels non-greasy, ideal for facial oils, summer blends, or people with oily/combination skin.

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M

Macerated Oil

Another term for infused oil; herbs are soaked (macerated) in oil long enough to transfer their beneficial properties.

Mineral Oil

A petroleum-derived oil that is odorless and stable; commonly used in skincare for its barrier-forming, moisture-locking properties (not natural/botanical).

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N

Non-Comedogenic

Describes oils that do not clog pores and are safe for acne-prone or sensitive skin.

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O

Occlusive Agent

A substance that forms a protective barrier on the skin’s surface to prevent moisture loss by reducing transepidermal water evaporation. Occlusives help lock in hydration, enhance skin softness, and shield the skin from external irritants. Common examples include beeswax, petrolatum, lanolin, and certain plant oils and butters.

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