Specific raw materials, acidity, intense flavors, unpleasant odors and intense color are removed from raw oils and butters during refining process. Thus, basic (refined) oils or butter are obtained, which are used in food industry due to neutral taste and odor, and even more in the cosmetics industry. In addition, refined oils and butter are much more durable than cold pressed, and thus spoil or become a rancid later. Some cold pressed oils, such as grape seed oil, are almost impossible to buy as it spoils very quickly and are quite expensive. Most common refind oils are from sunflover, canola, palm, and others.

Despite this, cold pressed oils and butters are becoming more and more popular. Unlike basic, purified oils and butters, they retain a greater proportion of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients, which are partially lost during refining process. Cold-pressed oils are especially appreciated by as edible oils, where oils add their character in different foods. It is due to their specific smell and taste.

Both types of oils or butters, basic and cold-pressed are perfectly fine and beneficial to the skin. Some sources prefer cold-pressed oils and butters due to better performance, others do not. If you do not mind that some cold pressed oils and butters may have unpleasant odor or leave a bit of color on you, than this may be the right choice for you. Cold-pressed oils and butters are also much more expensive due to the nature of the production itself.

If you want classic emollients with a beneficial effect, odorless and colorless, then basic-carrier (refined) oils and butters are definitely the best choice. The cosmetics industry mainly uses only basic, purified oils and butters. The reason for this is also that they are much more durable and become rancid much later than the cold-pressed.