Herbal oils are everywhere in wellness and skin care. You’ll find them in massage blends, face serums, hair treatments and stress-relief rollers. These natural products have plant-based nutrients and aromatic compounds that support hydration and relaxation.
However, not all oils have the same quality. Whether using lavender for calm or rosehip for glowing skin, the extraction method shapes how pure, potent and beneficial that oil is. If you want to maximize your herbal products, it’s worth looking into who makes them and how.
Why Extraction Method Matters
There are various ways to pull oil from plants, like pressing, heating, distilling or using solvents. This process determines its final quality. Factors like temperature, pressure and the use of solvents can preserve or break down delicate compounds that give the oil its benefits.
Some methods preserve the full spectrum of nutrients. In contrast, others may strip out crucial components or leave unwanted residues. The techniques also vary depending on which part of the plant you use — flowers, roots, seeds or leaves — which respond differently to heat and pressure. Depending on how you extract, the same plant can produce completely different scents and textures. So, even if two bottles contain lavender oil, the one with the better extraction method will deliver superior results.
Types of Extraction Methods
Here’s a quick overview of the most common extraction approaches to choose the best fit for your wellness goals.
Steam Distillation
Steam distillation uses heated water vapor to gently pull essential oils from plant material like flowers, leaves or stems. It’s a go-to method for popular oils such as peppermint and eucalyptus because it preserves strong aromas while producing a clean final product.
The refined distillation process also removes impurities that might affect their smell, color or shelf life. While it’s highly effective, some compounds can break down under heat, which may slightly reduce their potency. Still, it remains one of the most trusted aromatherapy and natural wellness techniques.
Solvent Extraction
Solvent extraction uses chemicals like hexane to take oil from plant material, which makes it a powerful method for getting high yields, especially from delicate flowers that don’t release extracts easily. Beyond skin care or wellness products, this process also has industrial applications. For example, soybean oil — accounting for 90% of all biodiesel today — undergoes this process to produce fuel.
While effective, solvent extraction can leave trace residues, making the oil less natural and potentially irritating for sensitive users. If purity matters to you, look for labels that say “solvent-free” or opt for those that have undergone extra purification after extraction.
Infused Oils
Infused oils are an excellent starting point if you love natural remedies or want to try your hand at making DIY skin care products. Soak dried herbs — like calendula or St. John’s wort — in a carrier oil such as olive or jojoba and let time do the work.
Over a few weeks, the oil gently absorbs the herb’s beneficial properties without heat or chemicals. This method is ideal for people who prefer gentle, skin-friendly formulas or enjoy easy DIY projects. While infused oils are less potent than distilled ones, they’re safe, simple and perfect for beginners exploring herbal wellness.
CO2 Extraction
Supercritical CO2 extraction uses gas and liquid forms of carbon dioxide as a clean, natural solvent. This method removes the most active compounds from herbs without leaving chemical residues behind or exposing them to damaging heat.
Because of its fast separation speed and high productivity, it has a reputation as the industry gold standard. You’ll usually find CO2-extracted oils in high-end wellness and skin care products, where purity and potency matter. Remember, this method tends to be more expensive due to the advanced technology it requires.
Cold Press
Cold-pressed oils are a favorite in natural skin care. This method uses mechanical pressure and keeps the temperature below 120 degrees Fahrenheit, so you get purity without the damage heat can cause. That means you get the full benefits, such as the natural scent, skin-loving antioxidants and essential fatty acids.
Oils like rosehip, jojoba and argan are often cold-pressed because they have nutrients your skin will thank you for. While they may not last as long on the shelf, their therapeutic value makes them worth it if you’re looking for high-quality, natural ingredients.
How to Choose the Right Herbal Oil
With many herbal products on the market, selecting one can feel overwhelming. Here’s how you can get the best results.
- Check the label: Look for terms like “cold-pressed” or “solvent-free” to ensure high quality and purity.
- Match the oil to your goal: Use calming oils like lavender for stress relief or nourishing oils like rosehip for skin care.
- Pay attention to packaging and shelf life: Choose dark glass bottles and store oils away from heat and light to keep them fresh and effective.
Why You Should Assess Your Oil’s Extraction Method
Extraction methods are crucial to the effectiveness and safety of herbal oils. Whether using them for skin care, relaxation or wellness, always take a moment to check the label and understand the method used. Choosing the right extraction process ensures you get the full benefits of your favorite herbs.