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.
Absolutes are usually more concentrated than essential oils. Also, the efficiency and low temperature of the extraction process helps prevent damage to the fragrant compounds. With a good understanding of the solvent they are using, extractors can produce absolutes with aromas closer to the original plant product than is possible with essential oils produced through distillation. Examples of this are rose otto (steam distilled rose oil), as opposed to rose absolute, and neroli (steam distilled oil from the blossom of the bitter orange tree), as opposed to orange blossom absolute. Also, some botanicals are too delicate to be steam distilled and can only yield their aroma through other methods, such as solvent extraction or lipid absorption. Examples of these are jasmine, tuberose, and mimosa.
This production method leaves trace amounts of solvents in the absolutes. Therefore, absolutes are considered undesirable for aromatherapy[citation needed]. However, absolutes are used extensively in perfumery because the aromatic compounds in absolutes have not undergone processes involving high temperatures. This makes them often smell fresher. Although the solvent traces could produce off-notes in the final product, this is usually not a problem if the absolute is of a decent quality.
Natural Essential Oils & Skin Care
UK MANUFACTURED, TESTED AND CERTIFIED
We supply 100% pure aromatherapy products in small pack and trade quantities. We stock over 200 different natural oils identified by botanical species and origin together with a full range of carrier oils, absolutes, and natural cosmetic bases.
Plantain offers full development of your own range of natural cosmetics, aromatherapy or pure essential oils to meet your requirements.
We offer OEM brand development of essential oils and cosmetics, developed to European regulations and manufactured in the UK to the highest quality. Our products conform to strict ingredient policies and we do not use any animal bi-products. No Parabens, or SLS. No artificial colours or chemicals.
We offer the option to develop and purchase naturally effective cosmetic and aromatherapy ranges with marketing support to promote and implement your personal range. We offer small pack and bulk quantities in Cosmetics and Essential oils together with a personal service and great product choice. Full testing facilities are available to meet EU regulations and full technical data available on our natural essential oils.
Our range of Absolutes include Carnation, Honeysuckle, Immortelle, Jasmine, Linden Blossom, Marigold, Mimosa, Neroli Flower, Rose
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