CO2 Extracts: A New Word in Modern Aromatherapy By Anna Azbel and Daria Kutasina
- Aromatika Magazine
- Oct 14
- 2 min read
Pg. 70-73 - 3-minute read
CO₂ extraction takes advantage of carbon dioxide’s unique properties under high pressure, where it acts like a liquid solvent to draw out a wide range of active, fat-soluble plant compounds. When the pressure is released, the CO₂ returns to gas form and leaves no residue, ensuring a pure final product. The process allows precise control of the extract’s composition by adjusting pressure and temperature—lower pressures capture volatile components like essential oils, while higher pressures extract heavier compounds such as waxes, fatty acids, and vitamins. This flexibility makes CO₂ extracts ideal for therapeutic, cosmetic, and perfumery uses.
Produced in Bulgaria, CO₂ extracts vary in color and consistency depending on the extraction conditions. Because they are lipophilic, they mix easily with vegetable oils and alcohols, making them convenient for different applications. Extracts obtained at lower pressure preserve delicate compounds often lost in steam distillation, such as hypericin in St. John’s Wort and matricin in German chamomile, which have strong antidepressant and anti-inflammatory properties. These qualities give CO₂ extracts an advantage over traditional essential oils, retaining more of the plant’s full therapeutic potential.
CO₂ extracts also contain beneficial compounds not found in essential oils, including waxes, triterpenes, phytosterols, and fatty acids with protective and antioxidant effects. For example, Damask Rose CO₂ extract supports skin repair and reduces inflammation, while Rosemary CO₂ extract is rich in carnosolic acid, making it a potent antioxidant. Similarly, Ginger CO₂ extract stands out for its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anti-nausea effects, as well as its high levels of vanilloids, which protect against oxidative stress and age-related diseases.
In olfactory therapy, CO₂ extracts influence mood and emotional balance through their natural, “living” aromas. Studies on women aged 35–50 found that Calendula CO₂ extract improved calmness, reduced burnout, and helped restore emotional balance, while Lilac CO₂ extract helped participants release stress, declutter their environments, and achieve inner harmony. Overall, CO₂ extracts are an innovative, versatile, and safe advancement in aromatherapy, offering superior therapeutic benefits across medicine, cosmetics, perfumery, and emotional wellness.
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