CAPSULE 1
STACKS
Section 2: Room3 ~ Health & Beauty
Station 2
Dried Comfrey ~ OIL INFUSION TERMS
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.
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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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P
Petroleum Body Oil
A mineral-oil-based product derived from petroleum, used as an occlusive moisturizer to seal in hydration.
Plant-Based Oil
Any oil derived from a plant's seeds, nuts, fruits, or flowers; used widely as carriers or bases for herbal infusions.
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R
Refined Oil
Oil that has been processed to remove color, scent, and impurities; stable for heating but has fewer nutrients compared to unrefined oils.
Rich Oil
Thicker, heavier oils rich in fatty acids; provide deep moisture and are best for dry or mature skin.
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S
Shimmering Oil
Body oil with added mica or light-reflecting particles to create a glowing or luminous effect on the skin.
Smooth Taste Oil
A mild, smooth oil often used in cooking but also suitable for infusion—usually less aromatic and very neutral.
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U
Unrefined Oil
Oil minimally processed and closest to its natural state, retaining color, aroma, antioxidants, and nutrients—ideal for skincare infusions.
