What is Supercritical CO2 Fluid Extraction (SFE) ?
To produce extractions of oils there are various methods such as; steam distillation (creates essential oils), solvent extraction (most widely used in the world), cold press, and now, SFE.
HOW ARE SFE OILS THE PUREST IN THE WORLD?
In SFE, unlike any other extraction method out there - no oxygen is present and heat can be kept to a very low 31.1 degrees Celsius (lower than cold pressing), meaning heat and oxidation-sensitive components in the oils are not destroyed, so a longer shelf life (X4) without preservatives is possible, with more phytosterols, antioxidants & carotenoids present (anti-ageing and skin replenishing benefits). For example, Turmeric essential oil does not contain curcumin (anti-inflammatory/antioxidant), where as CO2 extraction does (reference 1)
It also eliminates any & all heavy metals or pesticides present in plants (even organic pesticides used on organic plants) which creates the purest, highest quality, safest, and greenest extractions known.
MORE GREEN
- It is a cleaner & greener method of extraction: it does not contribute to greenhouse gas emissions or ozone layer depletion potential like other solvents can
- There are no handling or disposal issues like other solvents, that can pose a number of environmental concerns such as atmospheric & land toxicity
MORE SUSTAINABLE
- The CO2 used is sustainably sourced, and can be recycled for purposes of extraction - indefinitely, unlike solvents
CLEAN & NATURAL
- Less disruption to the natural structure due to oxidation or heat, results in higher concentrations of "actives", antioxidants, anti-inflammatory agents, that then create better anti-aging benefits and results
- These SFE extractions have bioactive lipid components that are now being used for a wide array of health benefits (not just topical applications)
- A lower temperature while extracting is possible, which results in a much more natural/unadulterated composition (and sometimes scent) to the original plant/fruit/seed/nut
References:
1. Tisserand, Robert and Rodney Young. Essential Oil Safety, 2nd ed., 2014, p. 458
2. https://www.beilstein-journals.org/bjoc/articles/10/196