Extraction Method
Carrier oils are typically derived using either hot or cold pressing.
In hot pressing, heat is applied to soften the plant tissue, before pressing it to collect the oil underneath. Chemicals are often added to aid in the extraction. Hot pressing is used to increase the yield produced, especially from seeds like Sesame, which hold very little oil. After heat treatment, the resulting oil is relatively dark, and the acid value is high, which means refining is needed to make the oil edible.
On the other hand, cold pressing involves extracting the oil at room temperature. The process can still generate heat because of friction, but the ambient conditions are adjusted to keep heat to a minimum. The collected oil is cool, and its acid value is low, so there is no need of refining. Oil is separated from other plant materials by precipitation or refining. Because no heat is introduced, cold-pressed oil retains natural properties such as taste, flavor, and physiologically active substances.
Although trends are changing, the majority of vegetable oils in grocery stores are not cold-pressed. For the most nourishing and freshest oils, therefore, shop with retailers that specialize in the sale of natural skin-care ingredients.
Storage
For long term preservation, carrier oils should be kept in tinted glass bottles with tight-fitting tops, and stored in cool and dark locations.
When you purchase a carrier oil, the supplier or manufacturer may have packaged it in a plastic bottle to save packaging and shipping costs, and because many customers use the oils a few days or weeks after purchase. This doesn’t mean the oil is inferior, but you should always check the expiry date to ensure you’re buying fresh oil.
Most vegetable oils can be stored in the refrigerator to prolong their lifespan. Oils stored in the fridge may solidify or turn misty and will need time to return to their original state before use.
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