I've studied a bit on infusing oils with herbs and such and almost everything I've ever read suggests using cold pressed extra virigin olive oil as my base oil. Olive oil has such a strong scent, though. Would baby oil with vitamin e already in it work as well??

A friend of mine always uses sweet almond oil as a base. The best quality oil is cold pressed and filtered. Almond oil diluted with 10% of Avocado or Wheatgerm (unless the user is allergic to wheat) is also good for people with dry skin, and can help relieve itching, soreness and dryness.

Grapeseed oil is a good second choice carrier, especially for those whose skin seems not to absorb other oils very quickly. It does not leave a greasy feeling to the skin after application. Grape seeds are washed, dried, ground, and pressed with the aid of heat and sometimes refined. Heat is used because the seed has only 13% oil in it.

I have never heard of anyone using baby oil. Base oils should be as pure and natural as possible, and you cannot be sure how the many different baby oils are made - or what additives they contain.

[This message was edited by Karrow on 06-16-02 at 08:11 PM.]

I don't like using olive oil myself, as you say it smells strong and I don't like the consistnecy. I usually use sweet almond oil which works very well, or avocado oil also works well but can be difficult to get hold of. I wouldn't use baby oil myself, as this tends to be oil blended from many (usually cheap and low quality) oils.

Thank you...this is helpful...any idea where I would look for sweet almond oil?

You should be able to purchase sweet almond oil from a Health Food Shop or any good Pharmacy that sells oils. If you have problems with this, it is available
on line.