What do you call a product that is used to dilute an essential oil?

A product used to dilute an essential oil is referred to as a carrier. Carrier oils serve several purposes, primarily to dilute the concentrated essential oils so they can be safely applied to the skin. This is crucial because essential oils are highly potent and can cause irritation or adverse reactions if used undiluted.

Carrier oils are typically derived from nuts, seeds, or fruits and have their own beneficial properties that can enhance the effects of the essential oils. For instance, a common carrier oil like jojoba oil is often used not only for its moisturizing properties but also because it has a similar composition to the natural oils in the skin, making it an effective medium for diluting essential oils.

In the context of the other choices, a base oil could refer to a type of carrier oil, but it can also imply oils that may not specifically dilute essential oils. An extract usually refers to a concentrated form of a plant’s active ingredients and is not used for dilution. An active ingredient refers to the component in a cosmetic or therapeutic product that is responsible for its effect or benefits, rather than something that is intended to be mixed with essential oils for application.