🌿 What is Supercritical CO₂ Extraction?

The Clean Science Behind Premium Botanical Oils

When it comes to sourcing the purest, most potent botanical extracts for your formulations, not all extraction methods are created equal. That’s where supercritical CO₂ extraction comes in — a clean, solvent-free method that’s become the gold standard for preserving plant integrity and bioactive compounds.

What is Supercritical CO₂ Extraction?

Supercritical CO₂ extraction uses carbon dioxide (CO₂) under high pressure and controlled temperatures to extract the beneficial compounds from plants. In this supercritical state, CO₂ has properties of both a gas and a liquid, allowing it to penetrate plant matter like a gas, while dissolving oils and actives like a liquid.

The result? A clean, highly effective extract with no solvent residue — perfect for modern skincare, haircare, and wellness formulations.

Why Formulators Love It

✅ Solvent-Free Purity
CO₂ leaves behind no toxic residue, making it ideal for clean, natural, and green beauty products.

✅ Gentle on Heat-Sensitive Actives
Low-temperature processing preserves antioxidants, essential oils, and other delicate compounds.

✅ Full-Spectrum Extraction
Supercritical CO₂ allows for selective or complete extractions, meaning you can retain a wide profile of plant actives.

✅ Superior Shelf Life & Potency
The resulting extracts are stable, aromatic, and rich in color and nutrients, ready to elevate your formulations.

Good for You, Good for the Earth 🌍

Supercritical CO₂ extraction is eco-friendly. CO₂ is a naturally occurring, non-toxic gas that can be captured, reused, and recycled during extraction. There are no harmful solvents or chemical waste, making this process as gentle on the earth as it is on your formulas.

Ingredient Spotlight: Bakuchiol CO₂ Extract

Our Bakuchiol Extract (Supercritical CO₂) is a perfect example of this method’s potential. Derived from the Psoralea corylifolia plant, it offers a plant-based alternative to retinol, rich in antioxidants, without the irritation. CO₂ extraction helps preserve its skin-loving qualities for stability, potency, and performance in your formulations.

⚠️ Formulation Tip: Always Dilute CO₂ Extracts

Because supercritical CO₂ extracts are highly concentrated, they must be diluted in your final formulation. Check recommended usage rates and formulation guidelines before use.

Want to Formulate with CO₂ Extracts?

Explore our growing collection of supercritical CO₂-extracted ingredients at Bulk Naturals. Whether you're making facial oils, balms, serums, or functional body care, our extracts help you build cleaner, smarter formulations — without compromise.