Botanical CO2 extracts & cold-pressed oils

Here are the different types of extraction methods to obtain plant fats / vegetal lipids

MECHANICAL EXPRESSION

Also known as cold-press method, this is a mechanical method in obtaining oils which temperature is kept below 35 °C. The cold pressing process typically removes the least amount from the oil from the seed, making it the least efficient and the most expensive process available.


There is another mechanical expression method called expeller pressing which temperature exceeds 49 °C. Expeller pressing is not so ideal because this temperature is high enough to cause many heat sensitive phytocompounds to deteriorate rapidly. Expeller pressing is used for many conventional oils to achieve high production volumes and productivity.

SOLVENT EXTRACTION

This method uses solvent such as hexane or petroleum distillate to release oils from raw materials. Solvent expelling gets 97-99% of the oil out of the seeds. It is the most efficient way and it is the cheapest option on the market. Unfortunately, the end product of these oils do retain tiny traces of hexane. While this is by no means toxic, this method is sometimes avoided because they are processed using a synthetic solvent.

CO2 EXTRACTION

Expensive high-technology equipment is used to extract the botanical oils. It employs carbon dioxide (CO2), high pressure, and low temperature. This method is able to extract near complete compounds out of any botanicals using liquid carbon dioxide. Oils produced in this method are excellent odour quality (because of 0 oxidation and heat degration during this process) and are entirely free of unwanted solvent residues and matter impurities.

The colour, scent and texture of a CO2 extract is a lot deeper and is the closest representative to the original plant itself. CO2 extracted oils are often used in the food and medical science industry, and also found in dietary supplement products. Among the different forms of oil extraction, the best quality oil is nonetheless extracted via CO2 extraction, after which followed by cold-pressed oils, then expeller pressed oils and lastly solvent extraction; which is the least ideal because of its refining processes that leave the final product with 0 nutrition. And the highest-grade oils are produced from plants that are grown wild (with sustainable cultivation practice) and away from polluted sources or are cultivated by natural farming methods without the use of pesticides, herbicides, or any other unnatural substances.


Synthetic oils and oils that are extracted by chemical or petroleum solvents should be avoided. These man-made chemicals that replicate the natural oils do not contain the beneficial properties of true botanical oils/extracts. As a matter of fact, due to their toxic residues, many of these synthetic compounds can be very irritating and harmful to the nervous system and entire body.

What are cold-pressed carrier oils?

Seeds, nuts, fruits, and vegetables are pressed without using heat to preserve the components in the oil. Many of these oils are used as a carrier oil to dilute essential oils so that the blend can be applied safely on the skin.
Properties of cold-pressed oils
✓ Usually coloured, unlike refined oils ✓ Have a slight aroma ✓ Heat, light & oxygen sensitive
✓ Used as a carrier oil ✓ Emollient, moisturising ✓ Usually short shelf-life

What are CO2 extracted carrier oils?

Not all phyto-compounds from seeds, nuts, fruits, and vegetables are able to be extracted via cold-pressing, but are wonderfully preserved during the process of CO2 extraction. 

The pressure used during the process determines the type of constituents which are extracted from the plant, however carrier oils are usually extracted via "Total' CO2 extraction. This process contains more of the plant’s original components, including waxes, fatty oils, and colour pigments.
Properties of CO2 extracted carrier oils
✓ Usually bright or deep colours ✓ Have a significant aroma ✓ Heat, light & oxygen sensitive
✓ Used as a healing base oil ✓ Emollient, moisturising & healing ✓ Longer shelf-life
✓ Extremely sterile & stable ✓ No residual solvents ✓ Free from food allergens
✓ Eco-friendly process ✓ Food grade ✓ Extracted constituents identical to plant


Examples of differences between cold-pressed VS CO2 extracted vegetal oils:


Rosehip seed: the main compounds are various kinds of fatty acids (similar to cold-pressed rosehip oil). However, CO2 method extracts more waxes and phytonutrients, hence resulting in a deeper reddish colour. The difference in quality is evident after immediate application too.

 

Black cumin seed: In cold-pressed black cumin seed oil, the carrier oil usually contains around 1% of essential oil (pretty rare for carrier oils), and around 1% of Thymoquinone (famous compound used  in cancer treatment studies); however black cumin seed CO2 has up to 6.5% of EO and 3.8% of Thymoquinone. 


Popular Questions

  • Is it safe to use CO2 extracted carrier oils on my face?

    You can use CO2 extracted carrier oils on your face neat, because they are lipids extracted from seed kernels, nuts and fruits. 


    Some CO2 extracts such as frankincense or myrrh CO2, their constituents consist of mainly volatile ethereal oil, hence you are able to use them as how you would use an ethereal oil (diluted before topical use on skin). However, if it is Ginger CO2, then the pungent compounds are way too harsh for the face, but it can be diluted further in a carrier oil to be used as a good warming body massage oil.

  • Can CO2 extracts be used as supplements?

    Most CO2 extracted carrier oils are used as edible oils or supplements. However, Vizü has not acquired the license for consumption use, hence taking them internally is at your own risk. 


    Just take note that not all vegetal oils are edible, such as jojoba which is a wax.

Our CO2 extracted carrier oils
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