CO2 vs Steam Distillation for Lavender Oil Extraction

Lavender oil is widely used in **aromatherapy, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals**, requiring a **high-purity extraction process**. This article compares **supercritical CO2 extraction** and **steam distillation** for **lavender oil production**.

1. Extraction Efficiency and Yield

• Supercritical CO2 Extraction: **Higher oil yield** with better preservation of bioactive compounds.
• Steam Distillation: Requires **more plant material** to obtain the same amount of oil.

2. Fragrance and Terpene Retention

• CO2 Extraction: Maintains a **full-spectrum aroma**, preserving delicate lavender terpenes.
• Steam Distillation: High temperatures can **alter or degrade volatile compounds**.

3. Purity and Chemical-Free Processing

• CO2 Extraction: Leaves **no solvent residues**, making it ideal for **organic and natural product markets**.
• Steam Distillation: Some compounds may break down due to **heat exposure**.

4. Case Study: CO2 Extraction in High-Quality Lavender Oil

A French lavender oil brand improved **fragrance retention by 40%** after switching to CO2 extraction.

5. Conclusion

For **premium lavender oil extraction**, **supercritical CO2 extraction** offers **higher purity and efficiency**. Companies like **SHANGHAI NORTH BROOKS** provide **CO2 SUPERCRITICAL EXTRACTION MACHINE** solutions for **high-quality essential oil production**.

READ MORE：

• CO2 vs Steam Distillation for Food-Grade Extracts
• Supercritical CO2 vs Steam Distillation Temperature Control
• CO2 vs Steam Distillation for Fragrance Industry
• CO2 vs Steam Distillation for Heat-Sensitive Compounds
• Supercritical CO2 vs Steam Distillation for Peppermint Oil
• Supercritical CO2 vs Steam Distillation Process Efficiency
• CO2 vs Steam Distillation Environmental Sustainability
• CO2 vs Steam Distillation for Terpene Retention
• Supercritical CO2 vs Steam Distillation Purity Level