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Cold pressed vs refined carrier oils: what's the difference?
Many carrier oils are available in two grades: cold pressed and refined. Both start from the same seed, nut or fruit, but the way the oil is processed changes how it looks, smells and behaves in a formulation.
Here we explain the difference between the two and how to choose the right grade for your product.
The short answer
- Choose cold pressed when the oil’s natural colour, aroma and character are part of the product.
- Choose refined when you need a light, neutral and consistent base that won’t compete with your fragrance or colour.
| Cold pressed | Refined | |
|---|---|---|
| How it’s made | Mechanically pressed without added heat, then filtered | Further processed after extraction (degumming, neutralising, bleaching, deodorising) |
| Colour | Natural colour of the plant | Light, pale |
| Aroma | Characteristic scent | Little or no scent |
| Consistency | Can vary slightly batch to batch | Very consistent |
| Typical uses | Facial oils, hero-ingredient products, minimally processed ranges | Lotions, creams, light-coloured products, larger production runs |
What does cold pressed mean?
Cold pressed oils are extracted mechanically by pressing the seed or fruit, without added heat, and then filtered. Because they are processed less, they keep more of their natural character.
- Natural colour, for example the green of cold pressed avocado oil or the golden colour of cold pressed jojoba
- Characteristic aroma of the plant
- More of the naturally occurring minor components
- Can vary slightly from batch to batch, as with any natural crop
What does refined mean?
Refined oils go through further processing after extraction, which can include degumming, neutralising, bleaching and deodorising. The result is a lighter, more neutral and more consistent oil.
- Light colour and little or no scent
- More consistent from batch to batch
- Often more stable, with a longer shelf life
- Will not compete with the colour or fragrance of your finished product
Which should you choose?
Choose cold pressed for
- Facial oils and serums
- “Unrefined” or minimally processed product ranges
- Products where you name the oil as a hero ingredient
Choose refined for
- Lotions and creams with a delicate fragrance
- White or light-coloured products
- Larger production runs where consistency matters
- Soap and candle work where colour and scent must be predictable
Examples from our range
- Avocado Oil, Cold Pressed (green, characteristic aroma) and Avocado Oil, Refined (light, neutral)
- Jojoba Seed Oil Golden, Cold Pressed and Jojoba Seed Oil, Refined
- Sunflower Oil (Hi Oleic), Refined: a stable, neutral base
Storage tips for both grades
- Store in full, tightly closed containers in a cool, dark place.
- Minimise headspace and air exposure once opened.
- Check the specification for the recommended shelf life of each oil.
Find the Right Oil with The Ingredients Store®
We supply a wide range of cold pressed and refined oils in sizes from 100ml through to drums and pallets, with specifications and Safety Data Sheets available for our oils.
Contact our team if you would like the documents or help choosing a grade.
👉 Explore our full Carrier Oils collection
Formulators are responsible for carrying out appropriate safety, stability and compatibility testing, and for reviewing applicable regulatory requirements for each finished product.