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Olive Oil

	Olives on Branch

Olive Oil's heavy viscosity, oily texture and aroma makes it less preferred than other oils for skin care and aromatherapy applications. If not carefully used or used in a small dilution with another carrier, it may overpower a blend.

When purchasing Olive Oil, be sure that you are purchasing a cold pressed, virgin oil.

Carrier Oils for Aromatherapy & Massage by Len Price mentions that Olive Oil can cause sensitivity or allergic reactions in some individuals. This text also mentions that Olive Oil contains approximately 10% saturated fat, 60% oleic acid (an omega-9 fatty acid), 11% linoleic acid (an omega-6 essential fatty acid), and less than 1% alpha linolenic acid (an omega-3 essential fatty acid). [Len Price with Ian Smith and Shirley Price, Carrier Oils for Aromatherapy & Massage (United Kingdom: Riverhead, 1999), 102.]

	Olives on Branch

Botanical Name: Olea europaea

Aroma: Same As for Virgin Olive Cooking Oil (Smells Somewhat Like Olives). 

Viscosity: Thick.

Absorption/Feel: Oily.

Color: Light to Medium Green.

Shelf Life: 1-2 Years

Important Note: The information provided on AromaWeb is for educational purposes only. This data is not considered complete and is not guaranteed to be accurate.

General Safety Information: Use caution when trying any new ingredient, including carrier oils on the skin or in the hair. Those with nut allergies should consult their medical practitioner before coming into contact with nut oils, butters or other nut products. Do not take any oils internally without consultation from a qualified aromatherapy practitioner. Safety information can be found by visiting the Safety Information page. For very in-depth information on oil safety issues, read Essential Oil Safety by Robert Tisserand. 

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	Find detailed carrier oil information and profiles within these books...   Liquid Sunshine: Vegetable Oils for Aromatherapy by Jan Kusmirek   Carrier Oils for Aromatherapy & Massage by Len Price with Ian Smith & Shirley Price