Absolutes for aromatherapy, Rose and Jasmine Absolute by Naturallythinking

Absolutes

Used in perfumery and aromatherapy, absolutes are similar to essential oils. They are concentrated, highly-aromatic, oily mixtures extracted from plants. Whereas essential oils can typically be produced through steam distillation, absolutes require the use of solvent extraction techniques or more traditionally, through enfleurage.

First, an organic solvent, such as hexane, is added to the plant material to help extract the hydrophobic compounds. This solution is filtered and concentrated by distillation to produce a waxy mass called concrete. The lower molecular weight, fragrant compounds are extracted from the concrete into ethanol. When the ethanol evaporates, an oil—the absolute—is left behind.

This method leads to the high quality extraction of oils without altering the plants natural scent or compound and because it takes very little heat compared to steam distillation it does not alter the characteristics or scent of the oil and is thus preferable for high end oils such as Rose and Jasmine.

Our Newsletter

You Recently Viewed...