Hazelnut CO2-se Extract, Organic, 100 ml

CO2-se extract from hazelnuts, organic

CO2-se extract from hazelnuts gives cosmetics a natural hazelnut scent and flavour without synthetic fragrance ingredients. In a formulation it works as a fragrance ingredient and is added to the oil phase of leave-on products, especially lip balms, body oils, butters and creams. The oily character of the extract also suits the care of dry and mature skin.

It is obtained from ground dried hazelnuts from organic farming by extraction with supercritical carbon dioxide. This process uses no organic solvents, so practically no solvent residues remain in the extract. The result is an oil extract of food grade quality, which is also used as a flavouring in foods. The raw material is certified organic and suitable for vegans.

Key benefits

• Natural hazelnut scent and flavour – the aroma comes directly from the nuts, not from a perfume composition, so it suits lip balms and body butters that are meant to smell like they came from the pantry.
• Food grade quality – the extract meets the requirements for a food flavouring, which you will appreciate in lip balms and other products that may get into the mouth.
• No solvent residues – carbon dioxide extraction leaves no organic solvents in the product. According to the manufacturer, the extract is free of microbial contamination and of heavy metals above the limits.
• No allergenic proteins – hazelnuts are among the food allergens, but the manufacturer states that the extract contains none of the proteins that trigger allergic reactions, because they do not dissolve in carbon dioxide.
• Certifications – organic certification, halal, kosher and vegan status, not tested on animals.

What it offers your skin

Besides scent, in a leave-on product it acts as a lipid ingredient that supports nourishment and hydration of the skin. Antioxidant action, support of regeneration and improved elasticity are also reported for it, which matches its use in the care of dry, mature and sensitive skin. The result always depends on the whole recipe and on the share of the extract in it. At a usage rate typical for a fragrance ingredient, its share is small and the main caring effect is provided by the carrier oils.

Use in formulations

The extract is oil-soluble and insoluble in water. Mix it directly into vegetable oils, butters and waxes; in emulsions it belongs in the oil phase. It cannot be incorporated into purely water-based products such as toners or hydrosol sprays without a solubiliser.

The recommended processing temperature is up to 40 °C. In anhydrous products, add the extract only to the heated and partly cooled mixture of oils and waxes, just before pouring into containers. In hot-process emulsions, do not add it to the heated oil phase before emulsification. Mix it in only after the emulsion is made, during the cooling phase, once its temperature drops below 40 °C. In cold-process emulsions, mix it into the oil part in the usual way.

The hazelnut aroma in the extract is concentrated, so it is worth starting with a low amount and trying the recipe first in a small sample. The extract has a yellow colour, and at a higher share it may slightly tint light balms and butters.

Suitable for products such as

• Lip balms and lip butters – the nutty flavour, the food grade quality of the raw material and its classification in IFRA category 1 make the extract a natural choice here.
• Body butters and solid body bars – an anhydrous base to which the extract is added at the end of melting.
• Body and massage oils – mix it into the carrier oil blend without heating.
• Body and hand creams and lotions – into the oil phase or into the emulsion below 40 °C, depending on the production method.
• Oil-based hair serums and masks for the ends – as a fragrance ingredient in an anhydrous oil base.

CO2-se extract and pressed hazelnut oil

Both raw materials come from the same nuts, but they are used differently. Pressed hazelnut oil is a carrier oil; it forms the base of the recipe and is used at levels of tens of percent. CO2-se extract is made by extracting ground nuts with carbon dioxide, carries a concentrated aroma and in a formulation serves as a fragrance and flavour ingredient used within IFRA limits. If the product is only meant to smell of hazelnuts, the extract is enough. If hazelnut oil is to make up the body of the recipe, use pressed oil, or combine both raw materials.

Good to know

• The substance is not classified as hazardous under the CLP regulation, so a safety data sheet is not required for it. The usual rules for cosmetic raw materials apply when working with it.
• The extract contains no proteins or carbohydrates; in composition it is practically a pure fat with aromatic substances.
• For sensitive skin, we recommend testing the finished product on a small area, as with any fragrance ingredient.
• If the raw material is part of a lip balm, it is helpful for the customer if the description of the finished product states that it contains hazelnut extract.

Frequently asked questions