CO2 Extracts

CO₂ extracts — plant concentrates from supercritical extraction

CO₂ extracts are obtained by supercritical carbon dioxide extraction — at low temperatures and without organic solvents, so they keep both their purity and the plant's natural spectrum of compounds. The category holds 85 products, from arnica and calendula through sea buckthorn to frankincense and Ceylon cinnamon, a large part of them in organic quality and in packs from 5 ml or 5 g.

CO₂-se (selective) versus CO₂-to (total)

Selective extracts (CO₂-se) contain mainly volatile aromatic components and behave much like essential oils — in fragranced formulations they can take their place, with no solvent residues. Total extracts (CO₂-to) are the plant's full extract including waxes, resins and fats: they have richer sensory properties and an intense colour, and come into their own in caring, nourishing products. Extracts in a carrier oil are a speciality of their own, such as carrot in jojoba oil or GlucodOX — guggul in MCT oil.

Use in formulations

CO₂ extracts find a place in creams, serums, ointment bases, body butters, balms and hair cosmetics. Thanks to the high concentration of active compounds, a dosage of 0.1–1% is enough — a small amount delivers a pronounced sensory effect and scent. Some items have a standardised content of active components, such as arnica flower with 4% sesquiterpene lactones or the rosemary CO₂-se-plus extract ct cineole.

• Replacing an essential oil: CO₂-se extracts — organic frankincense, mint, cocoa or organic Ceylon cinnamon bark — for fragranced formulations without solvent residues.
• Nourishing butters and balms: CO₂-to seed extracts — raspberry seed, evening primrose, chia or organic black cumin.
• Colour and the full extract: sea buckthorn (berry and pulp), calendula, chamomile or turmeric — total extracts with an intense natural colour.
• First formulation tests: the smallest packs of 5–10 ml or 5–10 g; at a dosage of 0.1–1% they last for plenty of test batches.

Stability and storage

CO₂ extracts are water-free, so they need no added preservatives. Extraction without access to oxygen also delivers them in an unoxidised state — in storage, though, they must be protected from oxidation: keep them tightly closed, away from light and sources of heat, and use up extracts rich in unsaturated fatty acids (raspberry, evening primrose, chia) first.

Every product comes with an SDS (MSDS), a COA certificate, an IFRA statement and an allergen list for safe and legally compliant use. Volatile plant fragrances can also be found among the essential oils, and the branch's full range on the colourants and fragrances page. For help choosing an extract for a specific formulation, write to [email protected].