Collection: CO2 Extracts

CO₂ extracts are plant extracts obtained through supercritical carbon dioxide (CO₂) extraction. This method uses CO₂ under controlled temperature and pressure to extract beneficial compounds from botanicals. Unlike steam distillation, which is used for essential oils, CO₂ extraction works at lower temperatures, preserving more of the delicate, heat-sensitive plant constituents. This means you get a broader spectrum of beneficial compounds, including antioxidants, lipophilic (fat-loving) compounds, and even some waxes and resins that don’t make it into traditional essential oils.

How Are They Different from Essential Oils?

Extraction Method: Essential oils are distilled using water or steam, while CO₂ extracts use pressurised carbon dioxide, which acts as a solvent that gently pulls out plant compounds.

Fuller Botanical Profile: CO₂ extracts often contain a wider range of plant components, including heavier molecules that don’t survive steam distillation. This means they can be closer in composition to the raw plant itself.

Stronger Aroma and Potency: Due to their richer composition, CO₂ extracts tend to have a deeper, more well-rounded scent and stronger therapeutic properties.

No Heat Damage: The lower temperatures used in CO₂ extraction help preserve fragile components, making the extract more bioavailable and effective.

Why Are CO₂ Extracts Ideal for Skincare?

Because CO₂ extracts capture a broader spectrum of plant compounds, they are incredibly beneficial in skincare formulations. Here’s why they’re a great addition to your routine:

• High Potency: With more active constituents intact, these extracts can deliver more concentrated benefits compared to essential oils or infused oils.
• Greater Skin Compatibility: CO₂ extracts often include soothing and anti-inflammatory compounds like phytosterols and lipids, making them gentler on the skin than some essential oils.
• Richer Aromatics: The full-bodied scent of CO₂ extracts gives products a more luxurious and true-to-plant aroma.
• Enhanced Stability: They tend to be more shelf-stable than some essential oils, reducing oxidation and extending their potency over time.

Popular CO₂ Extracts in Botanical Skincare

• Calendula CO₂ – Packed with healing and anti-inflammatory compounds, great for sensitive and irritated skin.
• Arnica CO₂ – Ideal for muscle relief, bruising, and inflammation.
• Rosehip CO₂ – Rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids for skin rejuvenation.
• Chamomile CO₂ – Exceptionally soothing for sensitive or inflamed skin.
• Frankincense CO₂ – Known for its regenerative and anti-aging properties.

How to Use CO₂ Extracts Safely

Like essential oils, CO₂ extracts are highly concentrated, so they should be used with care. Most need to be diluted in a carrier oil before applying to the skin. A safe starting dilution is around 0.5–2% in a carrier oil for topical use.

Are CO₂ Extracts Right for You?

If you love natural skincare and want potent, plant-based ingredients that deliver real results, CO₂ extracts are worth exploring. They offer a more complete and powerful way to harness botanical benefits without the downsides of traditional extraction methods.

At Zurma Botanical Oil Studio, we’re passionate about offering the highest-quality CO₂ extracts to enhance your skincare formulations and wellness rituals. Whether you're looking for something soothing, revitalising, or deeply nourishing, CO₂ extracts are a natural choice that stands out.