Supercritical CO2 vs Steam Distillation for Essential Oils

Essential oils are widely used in **aromatherapy, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals**, requiring an **efficient and high-purity extraction process**. This article compares supercritical CO2 extraction and steam distillation for essential oil production.

1. Efficiency in Essential Oil Extraction

• Supercritical CO2 Extraction: **Higher efficiency** with precise compound targeting and minimal waste.
• Steam Distillation: Requires **longer extraction time** and may result in **lower yields**.

2. Purity and Chemical Integrity

• CO2 Extraction: **Preserves delicate aromatic compounds** without thermal degradation.
• Steam Distillation: High temperatures may **alter essential oil composition**.

3. Industry Applications

• CO2 Extraction: Used for **premium essential oils, high-end cosmetics, and therapeutic products**.
• Steam Distillation: Used for **bulk production, but with potential loss of volatile compounds**.

4. Case Study: CO2 Extraction in Organic Essential Oils

A luxury essential oil brand switched to CO2 extraction, achieving **higher purity and improved fragrance retention**.

5. Conclusion

For **high-purity essential oil extraction**, **supercritical CO2 extraction** is the superior choice. Companies like **SHANGHAI NORTH BROOKS** provide **CO2 SUPERCRITICAL EXTRACTION MACHINE** solutions for **premium essential oil processing**.

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