Carrot CO₂ extract: Golden treasure of summer cosmetics

Back 03. 06. 2026

Carrot is one of the raw materials that most of us associate more with nutrition than with cosmetics. In the form of a CO₂ extract, however, it represents a highly concentrated ingredient rich in carotenoids and antioxidants, which find wide application in skin care. Thanks to its intense colour, protective properties and ability to support a naturally radiant look of the skin, it is particularly suitable for summer formulations, lip balms or nourishing body oils. In this article, Erika Samolejová shows how carrot CO₂ extract can be used in practice and brings two simple recipes that highlight its advantages.

Content of the article

What carrot CO₂ extract is

Carrot CO₂ extract is one of those raw materials that appear inconspicuous, yet from a formulator’s point of view are very interesting. Unlike classic macerates or water extracts, it is a highly concentrated extract obtained by supercritical extraction with carbon dioxide. This method makes it possible to obtain bioactive substances without the use of classic organic solvents while preserving more sensitive components that easily degrade at higher temperatures or by oxidation.

In short: Supercritical CO₂ extraction works gently — without solvent residues and without thermal damage. The result is a pure, concentrated extract that preserves the natural profile of the active substances from carrot.

What carrot extract is rich in

Carrot CO₂ extract is naturally rich mainly in three groups of substances which together determine its cosmetic character:

Carotenoids

Including beta-carotene. They give the extract a pronounced orange-golden colour and carry its protective and toning potential.

Antioxidants

They support the protection of the skin against oxidative stress — interesting for the care of dry and tired skin.

Lipophilic phytonutrients

They are soluble in oils and butters, so the extract naturally integrates into anhydrous and oil-based formulations.

In cosmetics it is interesting mainly because it supports the protection of the skin against oxidative stress, nourishes it and improves the appearance of dry and tired skin. It is a raw material that is very suitable for protective, regenerative and nourishing products based on oils and butters.

Colour and formulating character

From a formulating point of view, the extract is interesting thanks to its pronounced colour, which is a consequence of a high content of carotenoids. It has an intense orange-golden colouring which adds an interesting visual character to products. At higher concentrations it can gently tone the skin, which can be used very well if we want to achieve the effect of a natural “radiance". This is exactly why it is ideal, for example, in lip balms, where it provides a soft warm tone and at the same time protects and nourishes the thin and sensitive skin of the lips.

At higher concentrations the extract gently tones the skin — instead of an artificial shine it brings a warm, naturally radiant look.

Recipe: nourishing lip balm

The first recipe shows the extract in its most natural environment — in an anhydrous balm, where it gives a warm tone and protects the delicate skin of the lips. The basic recipe is calculated at 100 %.

Share Ingredient
25 % Castor oil
19.5 % Jojoba oil
16 % Shea butter
27 % Beeswax
10 % CO₂ extract carrot in jojoba oil
2 % Vitamin E
up to 0.5 % powdered mica, e.g. gold (optional)
Phase A — preparation of the oil phase
Mix the oils, shea butter and beeswax and heat in a water bath until the wax is completely melted.
Phase B — addition of active substances
When the oil mixture reaches a temperature below 40 °C, add the carrot extract and vitamin E. If we decide to add mica, we do so at this step and then fill the balm into lip balm containers. The balm sets quickly enough and mica should not settle at the bottom of the container.

The carrot extract from handymade.sk is dissolved in jojoba oil, so it combines very well with other oils and butters. A tip for its use in body cosmetics for the summer period is a body oil with a shimmering effect, which is excellently suited as a complement to skin care after sunbathing.

Recipe: shimmering body oil

Share Ingredient
32 % LexFeel Natural
32 % Jojoba oil
17 % Aloe vera butter
8.5 % Sugar cane squalane
4.8 % CO₂ extract carrot in jojoba oil
3 % liquid coenzyme Q10
1.7 % Vitamin E
0.5 % alpha bisabolol
0.5 % powdered mica, e.g. gold (optional)
Phase A — preparation of the oil phase
Mix jojoba oil, LexFeel, squalane and aloe vera butter and heat in a water bath until the butter is completely melted.
Phase B — addition of active substances
When the mixture reaches a temperature below 40 °C, add the carrot extract, vitamin E, bisabolol, coenzyme Q10 and mica. Mix thoroughly and fill into containers with a suitable applicator, ideally with a spray. Before use, shake gently so that the mica is evenly dispersed.

This formulation provides a lighter, drier body oil that is absorbed quickly, does not dry out the skin, but gently hydrates, brightens and highlights the tan. We can apply it for example to the shoulders, décolleté, legs or collarbones. The composition is based on a balanced combination of light oils, nourishing lipids and active substances, which together create rather a caring product than just a cosmetic shine. LexFeel and squalane ensure a fast, drier glide without a greasy feel, while jojoba oil and aloe vera butter provide nourishment and softness which behave naturally and comfortably on the skin. Carrot CO₂ extract here complements coenzyme Q10, bisabolol and vitamin E beautifully, golden mica adds a visual effect that naturally emphasises the tan and gives the skin a healthy, radiant look.

Attention to colour: Carotenoids give the extract a rich orange-golden tone. At higher doses it can stain light textiles as well as the skin — therefore test the dosage first in a small amount and apply the finished product in a thin layer.

Where carrot extract is suitable

Carrot CO₂ extract has a strong position in summer cosmetics, especially in products where we want to support a warm tone, natural appearance of the skin and its regeneration. Thanks to this, it is suitable for summer formulations where a balance between a caring effect and a gentle visual enhancement of the skin is sought. In addition to body oils, it has its place in anhydrous balms, masks and face creams targeted at regeneration and protection of the skin.

Frequently asked questions about carrot CO₂ extract

Practical questions from formulating practice — concentration, colour, manufacturing phase, preservation and storage of the finished product.

In what concentration is carrot CO₂ extract used?

In the formulations in this article, it ranges from just under 5 % in the body oil to 10 % in the lip balm. Always adapt the specific dose to the desired colour and tone and follow the supplier’s recommendation in the technical documentation.

Does carrot extract stain the skin or clothing?

At higher concentrations yes — the extract has a rich orange-golden colour from carotenoids. This is what enables the effect of natural brightening, but it can stain light textiles. Test the dosage in a small amount and apply the product in a thin layer.

In which manufacturing phase do I add carrot CO₂ extract?

In the cooling phase, when the mixture drops below 40 °C — together with vitamin E and the other active substances. In this way you do not expose the sensitive bioactive components unnecessarily to a high temperature and their profile is preserved.

Do anhydrous balms and oils with carrot extract need to be preserved?

Both recipes are anhydrous — they do not contain a water phase, so they do not need a classic preservative. It is important to protect them from moisture: when in contact with water there is a microbiological risk. Vitamin E helps slow down the oxidation of oils.

Does carrot extract have a sun protection factor (SPF)?

No. It is suitable for after-sun care and to support the appearance of tanned skin, but it does not provide a protection factor and does not replace a sunscreen product. For protection against the sun always use a dedicated product with a declared SPF.

How to store products with carrot CO₂ extract?

In a cool place, in the dark and away from direct sunlight, well closed. Carotenoids as well as oils are sensitive to light and oxidation — proper storage prolongs the stability of both colour and cosmetic effect.

Summary

Carrot CO₂ extract combines protection, nourishment and a gentle visual effect in a single raw material. Thanks to carotenoids, antioxidants and lipophilic phytonutrients, it naturally integrates into anhydrous and oil-based formulations — from lip balms through shimmering body oils to regenerative face creams. It is a raw material that gives summer cosmetics a warm tone as well as a real caring effect.

Try carrot CO₂ extract

When creating lip balms, nourishing body oils or regenerative creams, carrot CO₂ extract can be exactly the detail that gives the formulation a warm tone and a protective effect.

Carrot in jojoba oil, CO₂ extract