EXTRACT
Extracting plant essences is a careful art.
At VILES we work with reputable distillers, producers, cultivators, and alchemists to ensure we touch only the purest, most high quality extractions and essences.
Botanical integrity during the extraction process is key to seeing results and improvements in your skin and overall wellness.
Care is taken to not damage the botanical, but instead express the very essence it was born with - sounds similar one's individual journey through the world. Careful yet with potent potential when properly expressed.
CO2 EXRACTION
How It Works
Carbon dioxide (CO2) is used at high pressure and low temperature to extract essential oils. When CO2 is in a supercritical state (between liquid and gas), it acts as a solvent to pull out essential oils. This produces very high quality oils with a full spectrum of plant constituents.
Uses
Used for more delicate plants or those with complex chemical compositions, such as jasmine, rose, and sandalwood.
COLD PRESS
How It Works
This method is mainly used for citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and limes.
The peel is mechanically pressed to extract the essential oil without the use of heat which preserves the natural aroma and chemical profile of the extraction.
Uses
Mainly for citrus oils such as orange, lemon, and bergamot. Also, for seeds, nuts, and fruits naturally high in oil content such as jojoba.
ENFLURAGE
How It Works
A traditional method where flowers are layered on a fat (usually animal fat or vegetable fat), which absorbs the essential oils over time.
The fat is then separated, and the oils are extracted from it.
This is not a very common practice in the modern age but it does a good job at preserving botanical integrity.
Uses
Historically used for delicate flowers like jasmine, tuberose, and gardenia.
COLD INFUSION
How it Works
Plant material is soaked in a carrier oil (e.g., olive oil) for an extended period, allowing the plant’s active compounds to infuse into the oil.
This process doesn’t involve heat, making it suitable for delicate plants.
Uses
Typically used for making infused oils, like calendula or arnica oil, often for cosmetic or therapeutic purposes.
STEAM DISTILLATION
How It Works
Steam is passed through plant material, causing the essential oils to evaporate.
The steam and oils are then condensed back into liquid form, separating the essential oils from the water.
Uses
This is the most common method for extracting essential oils from flowers, leaves, and stems (e.g., lavender, peppermint, and eucalyptus)
HYDRODISTILLATION
How it works
A form of steam distillation where plant material is fully immersed in water, and the steam is used to extract the oils.
Uses
Similar to steam distillation but used for harder plant materials such as roots, barks, and seeds.
SUPERCRITICAL FLUID EXTRACTION
How It Works
This is similar to CO2 extraction, but other supercritical fluids like ethanol or propane can be used.
The method involves pressurizing a fluid to a supercritical state, where it acts like both a liquid and a gas, extracting the oil.
Uses
Used for high-quality extracts, including in the food and pharmaceutical industries.
SOLVENT EXTRACTION (NOT RECOMMENDED)
How It Works
A solvent (such as hexane or ethanol) is used to dissolve the essential oils from the plant material.
Afterward, the solvent is removed, leaving behind the essential oils or an absolute (a highly concentrated form of the oil).
Residual solvents may remain in the extract, so careful purification is necessary.
The final product is also not as "pure" as essential oils obtained via other methods.
Uses
Often used for flowers like jasmine, rose, and tuberose, where steam distillation may destroy delicate fragrances.