CO2 Extracts

Here, CO2 (carbon dioxide) is used to extract the aromatics from plant materials instead of hydrocarbons or steam. Under high pressure, CO2 is compressed until it has the density of a liquid and becomes “supercritical” carbon dioxide – neither a gas nor a liquid. In this state, it is able act as a gentle and pure solvent. The beauty of this method of extraction is that the CO2 quickly and completely evaporates, leaving no residue and the process does not require heat. The resulting oil has an aroma closer to the natural plant than a steam distilled essential oil.

Select CO2 Extraction uses a lower pressure and the resulting oil is closer to the essential oil as only the lighter aromatic components are extracted.

Total CO2 Extraction uses a higher pressure which dissolves more of the constituents of the plant. The result can be thicker or waxier and more closely resembles the whole plant rather than just the essential oil fraction of the plant.