Step 1: Sourcing the Raw Material
Raw plant material (seeds, nuts, or kernels) is harvested.

Examples:

• Almond oil → almonds

• Jojoba oil → jojoba seeds

• Coconut oil → coconut kernel (copra)

• Avocado oil → avocado flesh

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Step 2: Extraction Methods
There are several ways carrier oils can be extracted, but the main ones are:

A. Cold Pressing (Preferred for Quality)

• Seeds/nuts are mechanically pressed at low temperatures (under ~49°C).

• Preserves nutrients, antioxidants, and fatty acids.

• Common for oils like olive, jojoba, almond, avocado.

B. Expeller Pressing

• Similar to cold pressing but uses more pressure and sometimes higher temperatures.

• Slightly less nutrient retention but still considered natural.

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C. Solvent Extraction

• Uses food-grade solvents (like hexane) to draw oil from plant material.

• More efficient for high-volume production but may leave solvent residues.

• Often used for industrial oils; less common for high-quality skin care.

D. Infusion

• Plant matter is soaked in a base oil to extract its compounds.

• Example: Calendula-infused olive oil.

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Step 3: Filtration & Purification

• Oils are filtered to remove solid particles.

• Some may be refined (bleached, deodorized) for a neutral scent and lighter color — but refining can strip nutrients.