Phytols are macerations in a vegetable oil base of plants whose essential oils are difficult or even impossible to extract.  The plant materials are steeped in a vegetable oil base and are left to brew for 3 to 4 weeks during which time the plants release the lipid soluble constituents they contain.  The preparation is then filtered off.  Sunflower or Olive oils are usually used as the vegetable base since they are the 2 most stable oils with the longest shelf-life.

Materia Aromatica phytols are macerations in sunflower.  It has a light texture, is readily absorbed by the skin and is traditionally a recommended base oil for massage therapies.