Safflower Oil

Above: General illustration of oils - not necessarily representative of this type of massage oil. The appearance of massage carrier oils varies in terms of colour, consistency, texture, and so on.

This photo is not necessarily of safflower oil. The appearance of massage carrier oils varies in terms of colour, consistency, texture, and so on.

Safflower Oil is one of many popular carrier oils used in massage, aromatherapy, and other body-work treatments.

Safflower oil (from Carthamus tinctorius L.) is a fluid, unsaturated oil, extracted by cold expression of the seeds, whose composition is similar to that of sunflower oil.

It has very little (bland) odour, and may be used as a massage carrier oil - including in cases of eczema and rough skin. However, a disadvantage of safflower oil is that it does not keep for long and may become unstable if not kept sufficiently cool.

See also the general page about carrier oils for massage and bodywork therapies and information about massage and aromatherapy.

Note: There are many different carrier oils used for massage and other bodywork therapies. This section includes many popular oils but it is not a complete list.

Note: There are many different carrier oils used for massage and other bodywork therapies. This section includes many popular oils but it is not a complete list.