Just like essential oils, absolutes are highly concentrated, oily mixtures extracted from plants. Unlike essential oils, which are produced via steam distillation process, absolutes are extracted with the help of a complex process, requiring a chemical solvent, which is later removed during the final stages of production. For instance, an organic solvent such as hexane is added to the plant material to help extract the hydrophobic compounds. Moreover, absolutes are always more concentrated than essential oils.
In case of absolutes, the efficiency and the low temperature of the extraction process prevents the probable damage to the fragrant compound. However, the solvent extraction method is at times considered an inferior method of extraction as there are chances of the solvent being left out in the final product. This is termed as impurity and is undesirable, when absolute oils are used for aromatherapy and perfumes. In aromatherapy, it can cause allergies and affect the immune system adversely while in perfumery, the impurity may cause off notes in the final fragrances.
Nevertheless, absolutes are widely used for aromatherapy and perfumery applications. This is because there are certain botanicals, which are too fragile and their aroma cannot be distilled by the steam extraction method. Thus, the solvent extraction is the best method for dealing with such plants. Some of the plants which lie in this category are jasmine, mimosa and tuberose. It should be noted that absolutes should never be taken internally by anyone as the solvent impurity may harm your system.
In case of absolutes, the efficiency and the low temperature of the extraction process prevents the probable damage to the fragrant compound. However, the solvent extraction method is at times considered an inferior method of extraction as there are chances of the solvent being left out in the final product. This is termed as impurity and is undesirable, when absolute oils are used for aromatherapy and perfumes. In aromatherapy, it can cause allergies and affect the immune system adversely while in perfumery, the impurity may cause off notes in the final fragrances.
Nevertheless, absolutes are widely used for aromatherapy and perfumery applications. This is because there are certain botanicals, which are too fragile and their aroma cannot be distilled by the steam extraction method. Thus, the solvent extraction is the best method for dealing with such plants. Some of the plants which lie in this category are jasmine, mimosa and tuberose. It should be noted that absolutes should never be taken internally by anyone as the solvent impurity may harm your system.
