Turmeric CO₂-to extract BIO is a lipophilic plant extract from dried organic turmeric rhizomes (Curcuma longa). Unlike commonly known curcumin extracts, this product is not primarily focused on the content of yellow curcuminoids. Supercritical CO₂ extraction specifically captures mainly the essential oil fraction of turmeric, i.e. the aromatic sesquiterpenes typical of the turmeric rhizome.

The main part of the extract is a mixture of alpha-turmerone, beta-turmerone and ar-turmerone, complemented by other naturally occurring aromatic components such as alpha-phellandrene, zingiberene and sesquiphellandrene. Curcumin is present in this type of CO₂ extract only in trace amounts, therefore its properties differ significantly from classical curcumin extracts.

The result is a yellow-orange liquid oil with a characteristic warm, spicy and earthy turmeric scent. The extract is particularly suitable for oil-based formulations, balms, massage blends, foot care products, perfume compositions and cosmetics that work with natural aromatic components.

Why this extract is interesting

• Turmerone profile: the extract is rich in aromatic turmeric sesquiterpenes, especially alpha-, beta- and ar-turmerone.
• Characteristic turmeric scent: gives formulations a warm, spicy, earthy to oriental note.
• Interesting for foot care: the essential oil fraction of turmeric is suitable for products that work with a hygienic, deodorizing and microbially balanced character of the formulation.
• Concentrated plant extract: approximately 10–20 kg of dried turmeric rhizomes are used to produce 1 kg of extract.
• CO₂ extraction without solvent residues: the extract is obtained with supercritical carbon dioxide, without the use of conventional organic solvents.
• Natural golden hue: the yellow-orange color can pleasantly accentuate oil balms, massage oils or perfume oils.

Suitable use in cosmetics

• balms and creams for feet,
• ointment bases and protective oil blends,
• massage oils with a spicy plant profile,
• facial and body oils at low dosage,
• cream perfumes, perfume oils and natural fragrance compositions,
• shower gels, shampoos and cleansing products with an earthy herbal-spicy note,
• formulations in which a warm golden shade is desired.

Use in formulation

The extract is lipophilic, therefore it does not dissolve in water. It is best incorporated into the oil phase, vegetable oils, esters, waxes, balm bases and emulsions. In emulsions, it is included in the oil phase before emulsification or in the cooler phase according to the recommended temperature stability of the specific formula.

For aqueous products, it is necessary to use a suitable solubilizer. Due to its intense color and aroma, we recommend starting with a lower dosage and verifying the result in a small test batch. The yellow-orange shade can be transferred to the finished product, which is important especially for light, white or transparent formulations.

Safety and storage

The product is intended for external use only and is not suitable for direct application to the skin in undiluted form. It contains naturally occurring aromatic components including methyl eugenol, which belongs among regulated substances in cosmetics. When formulating, it is necessary to take into account the current legislative and IFRA limits for the finished cosmetic product.

Store tightly closed, in a dry, cool and dark place, away from sources of heat and out of reach of children. More detailed information on the quality of a specific batch can be found in the certificate, which we update with each new batch of the product.

Frequently asked questions

Why does this extract not contain much curcumin?

Curcumin is the well-known yellow pigment from turmeric, but this CO₂ extract is focused mainly on the lipophilic essential oil fraction. Supercritical CO₂ extraction for this type of product captures primarily turmerones and other aromatic sesquiterpenes. Curcumin is therefore present only in trace amounts.

What are turmerones?

Turmerones are natural sesquiterpene components of the turmeric rhizome. They form a significant part of the essential oil fraction of turmeric and are responsible for its typical warm, spicy and earthy scent. For the formulator, they are particularly interesting in products that combine an aromatic character with a functional plant profile.

Is this the same as turmeric essential oil?

Not exactly. Turmeric essential oil is usually obtained by steam distillation, whereas this extract is produced by supercritical CO₂ extraction. CO₂ extraction takes place under milder conditions and can also capture less volatile lipophilic components that may not be preserved in the same proportion during conventional distillation.

Is it suitable for aqueous formulations?

Not directly. The extract is oily in character and does not dissolve in water. It can be included in toners, gels, aqueous serums or cleansing products only with a suitable solubilizer. At the same time, it must be taken into account that the extract can affect the color and scent of the finished product.

Can I combine it with a curcumin extract?

Yes, but these are two different raw materials with different composition and behavior in formulation. Curcumin extracts are focused on curcuminoids, whereas this CO₂ extract provides mainly the turmerone aromatic fraction. When combining them, it is necessary to take into account their solubility, color, stability and overall dosage in the formula.

If you want to learn more about CO₂ extracts and their use in cosmetics, read our article CO₂ extracts and their use. Also take a look at other CO₂ extracts offered by Handymade.sk.