CO2 Extraction Method
When it comes to the types of scientifically-proven as well as commercial extraction methods, CO2 extraction is considered to be the best among all. In order to derive the components of the plants or herbs, this extraction method relies on supercritical carbon dioxide. CO2 (Carbon Dioxide) is a gas that usually remains in the same gaseous state under the normal temperature unless it is pressurized to a greater extent. When CO2 is pressurized under the ambient temperature, it converts into a supercritical fluid which is used to dissolve the natural elements present in the botanical materials such as herbs and plants. The whole liquid which is obtained during the initial state is brought back to the normal temperature so it may return to its gaseous state which results in leaving the purest form of an aromatic CO2 extract of that particular herb or plant.
Top 5 Advantages of CO2 Grade Essential Oils
There are innumerable advantages of using CO2 grade essential oils whereby they have gained huge popularity.
Some of them are listed below:
100% Pure & Natural: For the purpose of obtaining the purest form of CO2 grade essential oils, the extraction process is carried out at a lower temperature by using carbon dioxide which is not only nontoxic but odorless too.
Free from Leftover Residues: There is no serious concern about leftover residues in CO2 grade essential oils since only supercritical carbon dioxide is utilized for their extraction process under the ambient temperature.
Therapeutic Properties: The extraction process of CO2 possesses the great ability to obtain the maximum level of therapeutic components from the botanical materials like plants and herbs.
Pleasurable Natural Aroma: CO2 grade essential oils are widely cherished for their natural fragrance which resembles the original plant material as they are extracted without solvent & heat.
Free From Adulteration: CO2 extraction method is the perfect choice for the preparation of 100% natural essential oils as they are not extracted from any petroleum derivatives-based products like hexane or butane.
Differences between: Cold-pressed method, CO2 extraction method, Hydro-distillation method and Solvent extraction method.
Cold Pressed method | CO2 Extraction method | Hydro-Distillation method | Solvent extraction method |
---|---|---|---|
Utilized for the extraction of Carrier and Base Oils. | Utilized for the extraction of premium-quality Essential Oils. | Utilized for the extraction of Attars. | Utilized for the extraction of Absolutes. |
Usually, oily nuts and fruits are taken for the extraction of Carrier & Base Oils. | The aromatic parts of the plants like Leaves, Flowers, Stems, etc. are used for the extraction of Essential Oils. | Floral parts, petals and leaves are taken from the plants & herbs for the extraction of Attars. | Any desired part of the plant can be utilized for the extraction of Absolutes. |
Without any involvement of carrier, only compression of botanical material works to obtain Carrier & Base Oil. | CO2 is used as a carrier to obtain the oil from the parts of the plant. | Water is used as a carrier for the purpose of extracting the oil content from the fragrant parts of plants. | Hexane, ethanol, methanol or petroleum ether is used for the extraction of oil content from botanical materials. |
Mechanical pressure and usual temperature are used to obtain Carrier or Base Oils. | For the extraction of Essential Oils, the only high pressure is required. CO2 extraction process occurs at moderate temperature. | In order to obtain the final product, high heat is used to evaporate the water content from the mixture. | Only mild heat is used to enhance the evaporation rate of the solvent. Also, cooling may be required at last. |