CO2 Extracts For Skincare : Complete Guide

January 24, 2025

CO2 extracts have become a powerful name taking over the skincare industry.
But do you know what Co2 extracts are and why are popular brands adding them to skincare and personal care products? What makes using CO2 extracts for skincare a sustainable and cost-effective choice?

To answer all these doubts we have compiled a step-by-step guide to CO2 extracts and their benefits and uses for skin care products, soaps, cosmetics and other personal care product manufacturing.

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What Are Co2 Extracts?

CO2 extracts or supercritical CO2 extract essential oils are obtained from natural plant parts by passing carbon dioxide through the botanical components of plants like flowers, seeds, bark, and leaves. They are extracted by treating CO2 with other plant compounds under high pressure to bring out the purest aromatic essence.

There are two principal types of CO2 extract based on the method of extraction – select and complete.

Select Co2 extracts	Complete Co2 extracts
Select extracts are lightweight and have a thin texture due to low molecular mass.	Complete Co2 extracts have a thick formulation and rich texture due to their high molecular mass.
They are ideal to use in skincare products, aromatherapy, and perfumery, and are often known as CO2 extracted essential oils.	Due to their dense nature, they are a perfect fit for soap and candle making, hair wax, and other skin nourishments.

Benefits of CO2 extracts for skincare

From face serums to shower gels, there is a huge list of CO2 extract benefits for the skin like:

Unmatched Concentration in CO2 Extracts For Skincare: Extracted delicately from plants, pure CO2 extracts are high in vitamins, and antioxidants along with an unparalleled potency and concentration of bioactive compounds. Adding them to your skin care products and remedies will introduce these actives to your formulas, making them more effective.
Diverse Range Of Active Portfolio: Co2 extracts are much more efficient and absolute than stem-distilled or cold-pressed botanical extracts. This is because it captures a wider range of plant active compounds than other.
Using CO2 Extracts for Skincare Enable Better Solubility: Co2 extracts enhance the absorption of skincare products deep into the skin layers which helps in achieving effective and quick results. They are also easier to dissolve with a wider range of ingredients.
High Adaptability Of CO2 Extracts for Skincare: Due to their versatile nature Co2 extracts can be used in a wide variety of personal care products including facial serums, creams, soaps, shower gels, and other skin care options.
Enhance Product Lifespan with CO2 Extracts for Skincare: They greatly benefit the product formula by increasing the lifecycle and shelf life. They might prevent skincare products and cosmetics from rancidity and oxidation.
Suitable for Eco-conscious Consumers: CO2 extracts enable skincare producers and cosmetic manufacturers to deliver high-quality, reliable eco-friendly products to their consumers.

5 Best CO2 Extracts For Skincare

While there are endless no. of CO2 extracted essential oils available, some of the most popular ones used in skincare are:

Lavender Co2 extract For Skincare: The gentle and relaxing nature of lavender Co2 extract essential oil makes it a pivotal ingredient in soaps, body washes, and night creams. It helps in alleviating inflammation and acne and prevents bacterial infections too.
Frankincense CO2 Extract: Luxurious skin care formulators and bath essentials producers use frankincense Co2 extract for their products due to its intense healing effects on the skin. In addition, its earthy, warm, fragrance adds depth and an expensive feel to the product, elevating the consumer's experience.
Neroli CO2 Extract: The antioxidants present in neroli CO2 extract are an essential addition to face serums, creams, and moisturizers. It is used in branded cosmetic products and skincare as the rich aroma of Neroli defines luxury and exclusivity.
Rosemary CO2 Extract: Rosemary Co2 extracts are best used in sunscreen and skin exfoliators. It is a profound essential in derma-care creams and gels, used for treating adverse skin conditions.
Tea Tree CO2 Extract: This pale-yellow extract is an essential part of every anti-aging serum and cream of professional skincare brands like Clara’s, TruSkin, etc. Tea tree Co2 extract has positive effects on acne, blemishes, and fine lines.

How To Use Co2 Extracts for Skin Care Products?

Co2 extracts are vital ingredients in skincare products available in the market. The absolute aroma and diverse active compounds in co2 extracts provide a better experience than any other plant-based extract.

Some simple ways to use it in your products include:

Soaps and shower gels: Lavender Co2 extracts are an essential ingredient in premium soap formulations and shower gels due to anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
Skin exfoliators and bath scrubs: Certain co2 extracts can help remove dead skin and promote cell development. This in turn improves skin health and complexion by increasing blood circulation.
In serums, creams, and facial oils: Adding them to facial care products can enhance the active compounds and overall performance of your formula. Lemon co2 extract and cinnamon Co2 extract are two popular oils used in professional skin care formulas.
Co2 extracts for acne: Tea tree Co2 extract and Frankincense CO2 Extract are the best-suited skin care remedies for acne and dark spots, as they are non-comedogenic and have a thin texture compared to essential oils. This makes them a listed ingredient in formulas alleviating acne and skin allergies.

Pro tip: Spot treatment by adding two drops of tea tree Co2 extract in sandalwood powder helps with acne and dark spots, and adds hydration to skin. Patch test is a must.