Most Frequently Asked Question

Essential oils, often referred to as “essences,” differ from regular oils in that they are volatile, meaning they evaporate when exposed to air, and they offer therapeutic benefits. These oils are extracted from the plant’s core to capture its pure essence. Steam distillation is a common method for obtaining volatile compounds from various plant parts such as leaves, stems, roots, bark, flowers, or seeds. Additionally, cold pressing is used to extract aromatic oils from the peels of citrus fruits. Both the essence and therapeutic properties of these oils make them valuable in the perfume industry and for health applications.

Carrier oils, often referred to as base oils, are essential oils derived from the fatty parts of plants such as seeds, nuts, and kernels. These oils are primarily used to dilute essential oils before applying them to the skin in aromatherapy, massage, and other skin care practices. Unlike essential oils, which are highly concentrated and volatile, carrier oils are mild and help in the safe and effective use of essential oils. In this article, we will explore the different types of carrier oils, their benefits, and their uses.

An Absolute Oil is a highly concentrated, aromatic oil extracted from plants through a specific process, typically solvent extraction or enfleurage. This method is used for delicate flowers or plant materials that cannot endure the high heat of steam distillation, which is the more common method for producing essential oils. Absolutes are known for their intense fragrances and are often used in perfumery and aromatherapy.

Absolute oils are more expensive and potent than essential oils due to the complex extraction process and the high quantity of plant material needed to produce a small amount of oil. They are valued for their true-to-nature scent and are used in high-quality perfumes, cosmetics, and therapeutic applications.

CO2 extracts, also known as supercritical CO2 extracts, are a type of essential oil or plant extract obtained using supercritical carbon dioxide as the solvent. This extraction method is popular in the production of essential oils, fragrances, flavours, and other botanical extracts due to its effectiveness and purity.

Instead of using hexane, CO2 gas is employed under pressure at ambient temperatures. Normally, CO2 is a gas, but under high pressure, it becomes dense like a liquid, entering a “supercritical” state, neither gas nor liquid. In this supercritical phase, CO2 acts as a “solvent” to extract aromatic oils from plants. The beauty of CO2 extraction lies in the fact that once the oil is extracted, the CO2 reverts to its gaseous state and evaporates completely. This method retains more valuable constituents compared to steam distillation because it involves very low heat. Typically, CO2 Extracts have aromas closer to the natural plant, especially for oils with spicy notes. However, while CO2 extraction has its advantages, certain oils, like Patchouli, achieve a richer, more full-bodied profile through steam distillation.

Hydrosols, also known as floral waters, herbal distillates, or hydrolats, are aqueous solutions produced during the steam distillation of plants for essential oil extraction. When plant material is distilled, the steam carries both the essential oils and water-soluble components of the plant into a condenser, where they cool and separate. The essential oil floats on top and is removed, leaving the hydrosol, which contains the water-soluble constituents of the plant.

Hydrosols are often used in aromatherapy, skincare, and as natural flavorings. They are gentler than essential oils, making them suitable for direct application to the skin and for use in products intended for sensitive individuals, including children and pets. Common hydrosols include rose water, lavender water, and chamomile water, each offering unique therapeutic properties and aromas.

Our advanced extraction process, which operates without added heat, produces bio-available essences that faithfully preserve the complex aromas of the original plant material.

organic extracts to be free from any chemical or synthetic substances. By employing cutting-edge techniques reminiscent of the age-old enfleurage method, we have succeeded in obtaining high-quality organic plant extracts. The production process utilizes only certified substances, such as fixed oils (derived from animal or vegetable fats) and alcohol, to produce premium fragrance extracts that maintain the plant’s original properties. Renowned for their enduring scents, Rose, Jasmine, Carnation, and Tuberose continue to emit fragrance even after harvesting. We are proud to be among the few in North America to offer these organic extracts.

Resinoids are frequently utilized as additives in perfumes, enhancing numerous cosmetic products and fragrances. These resinoids are plant exudates that are resinous in nature, producing a sticky, thick, and viscous substance known as resin. Resin is often compared to sap found in trees like pine. However, different tree species yield distinctively scented resins, especially when they harden. As resin undergoes polymerization and solidifies, it transforms into amber, which exhibits a stunning golden hue and emits a warm, rich, and sensual fragrance. Another widely used resinous substance in fragrance formulation is balsam, known for its earthy aroma.

In the field of perfumery, resins play a crucial role in crafting complex scents. They offer naturally sweet and spicy notes, which is why they are prevalent in many renowned perfumes available on the market today.

When used properly, essential oils are generally safe. However, they are highly concentrated and should be used with care. Always dilute essential oils before applying them to the skin, and do a patch test to check for any allergic reactions. Some oils may not be safe for children, pregnant women, or pets.

Yes, essential oils can expire. Most essential oils have a shelf life of about 3 years, though this can vary. Citrus oils tend to have a shorter shelf life, while oils like patchouli and sandalwood can last longer.

Storing essential oils properly is crucial to maintain their potency and extend their shelf life.  Essential oils should be stored in dark-colored glass bottles (such as amber or cobalt blue) to protect them from light, which can degrade the oil. Keep essential oils in a cool, dark place. Avoid exposing them to heat, as it can cause the oils to deteriorate. Sunlight can cause essential oils to oxidize and lose their effectiveness. Store them away from windows and other sources of direct sunlight. Store essential oils out of reach of children and pets to prevent accidental ingestion or skin contact. Essential oils can break down plastic over time, leading to contamination. Always use glass bottles for long-term storage.

Essential oils are safe for topical use when diluted with a carrier oil. Direct application of undiluted essential oils can irritate the skin. A 5% dilution is generally advised for most essential oils. Be aware that some essential oils can increase skin sensitivity to sunlight. It’s important to perform a patch test before using a new essential oil on your skin.

First, take a clean cloth, dip it in vegetable oil, and gently wipe your eyes. This method is effective for all types of oils. The irritation level can vary depending on the specific oil, so don’t delay and seek medical attention promptly.

First, decide the desired dilution percentage for the Essential Oil, Absolute, or Extract. For example, for a strong-scented material, you might choose a 10% dilution, which means combining one part of the scented material with nine parts of a stable Carrier Oil. You can use any measuring unit, such as drops, millilitres, or ounces. For instance, mix one drop of Tobacco Absolute with nine drops of jojoba oil.

Next, determine the total amount of diluted material you need. For example, to make one ounce (30 millilitres) of a 10% dilution, combine 3 millilitres of the scented material with 27 millilitres of carrier oil in a one-ounce bottle.

If you’re working with a thick Essential Oil, Absolute, or Extract, it helps to preheat the carrier oil to a similar temperature as the heated scented material. If the Essential Oil, Absolute, or Extract doesn’t fully mix with the carrier oil, allow some time for the mixture to incorporate, shaking the bottle occasionally to speed up the process.