Supercritical CO2 vs Steam Distillation Purity Level

Purity is a **key factor** in essential oil and bioactive compound extraction. This article compares the **chemical integrity and purity levels** of **supercritical CO2 extraction** vs **steam distillation**.

1. Chemical Composition and Purity

• Supercritical CO2 Extraction: Produces **solvent-free, high-purity extracts** with no thermal degradation.

• Steam Distillation: High temperatures may alter **volatile compounds** and introduce unwanted impurities.

2. Residual Compounds and Contamination

• CO2 Extraction: Leaves **no chemical residues**, making it ideal for **clean-label and pharmaceutical applications**.

• Steam Distillation: May introduce **water-based contaminants** affecting purity.

3. Product Stability and Shelf Life

• CO2 Extraction: Produces **longer-lasting extracts** with minimal oxidation.

• Steam Distillation: Some essential oils may degrade **faster due to heat exposure**.

4. Case Study: CO2 Extraction in High-Purity Essential Oils

A manufacturer improved **essential oil purity by 40%** after switching from steam distillation to CO2 extraction.

5. Conclusion

For **maximum purity**, **supercritical CO2 extraction** is the preferred method. Companies like **SHANGHAI NORTH BROOKS** offer **CO2 SUPERCRITICAL EXTRACTION MACHINE** solutions for **high-purity extraction**.

READ MORE：

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• Supercritical CO2 vs Steam Distillation Process Efficiency

• CO2 vs Steam Distillation Environmental Sustainability

• CO2 vs Steam Distillation for Terpene Retention