Expeller Pressed vs Cold Pressed Oils - Decoding The Differences

Extracting oils from different seeds, nuts and other plant parts has been a staple practice. Many techniques and processes have emerged as womankind progressed. Each extraction method holds its unique properties. While some offer more yield, others offer a higher bioactive percentage. Two such variants are expeller pressed oils and cold pressed oils. Both types of oils have gained immense popularity and offer their own set of advantages and disadvantages.

Many people also use these two names interchangeably but it is important to note that expeller pressed oils are different from cold pressed oils. Today, we breakdown the difference between expeller vs cold pressed oils and help throw light on understanding which is better for you. 

What Is Expeller Pressed Oil?

Expeller pressed oils are extracted from nuts and seeds of different plants using a screw like mechanism called the expeller. Imagine a large screw that is completely moving. Manufacturers add raw material in middle of the screw. When it starts rotating, it automatically crushes the raw material and releases oils. It does not require any solvents and can be refined later or left unrefined. 

What Is Cold Pressed Oil?

As the name suggests, cold pressed oil is a type of carrier oil that is extracted without the use of heat. Instead, it used the force of the machine to press the oil out of nuts and seeds. The manufacturers place the dried raw material under a large pressing machine which is then lowered. The press crushes the raw material and releases oil. Similar to expeller pressed oil, it does not have any solvents involved. This keeps the process more natural and completely chemical free. 

Difference Between Cold Pressed vs Expeller Pressed

Now that you have understood what the two types of oils are, let’s look at the differences between cold pressed and expeller pressed oils. Cold pressed oils are more luxurious and nutrient rich compared to expeller pressed oils. This is because cold pressing, as a process, doesn’t release much heat. What does this mean for the product? A much higher active percentage and more dense nutrient profile.

One might argue that expeller pressed oils are also mechanically extracted, then why are their nutrient profiles less dense? This is because when the expeller screw rotates, it generates mechanical heat. This heat burns some of the active compounds of the raw material. Let’s look at it with respect to some oil examples like jojoba and coconut. 

Understanding Expeller Pressed vs Cold Pressed Jojoba Oil

Cold pressed jojoba oil has higher vitamin E and more diverse fatty acid profile than expeller pressed jojoba oil. This makes cold pressed jojoba oil more expensive and concentrated. Formulators should also understand that the difference in terms of aroma and appearance as it plays a crucial role in your product.

Cold pressed jojoba oil has a more nutty and distinctive aroma whereas expeller pressed jojoba oil has a more neutral aroma. These properties make cold pressed jojoba oil to be fit for making natural skin care products like face oil, serums, moisturizers, hair oils etc. Expeller pressed jojoba oil is better to mix with essential oils for soap making. You can also mix it with essential oils for massages. 

Expeller vs Cold Pressed Coconut Oil - What Is The Difference? 

Cold pressed coconut oil is white, unbleached and free from any heat involvement. It is a pure coconut fat in its most potent form. Cold pressing requires good quantity of fat presence, hence, manufacturers use fresh coconut meat to make cold pressed coconut oil. It smells more like coconut and has a strong texture.

Expeller pressed coconut oil on the other hand is more commercial in nature and has a neutral scent. Since expeller pressing can produce higher yield, manufacturers mostly use dried coconut for making expeller pressed coconut oil. 

Shelf Life and Storage Stability

Given their higher nutrient profile, cold pressed oils are more delicate and often expire much before expeller pressed oils. This creates a challenge for formulators looking to take benefit of wholesale and bulk deals on cold pressed carrier oils.

This also means you need to take into account their shorter shelf life while creating essential oil blends. If you mix expensive essential oils with a longer shelf life with cold pressed carrier oils, these carrier oils will reduce the shelf life of the overall essential oil blend. 

How To Choose Between Expeller Vs Cold Pressed Oil?

Both expeller and cold pressed oils come with their advantages and disadvantages. The selection of oil depends on your application and budget. Before selecting one, take a moment to understand the desired results you need.

If you are looking for a carrier oil to just dilute essential oils, use for soap making or support other oils in formula, we recommend going for expeller pressed oils as they are cheaper and have a more neutral scent. However, if you are planning to use the carrier oils as an active ingredient in your formula, we recommend choosing cold pressed oils. 

What Are The Best Cold Pressed Oils to Use?

While all carrier oils are good and useful in their own ways, some of the most popular cold pressed oils include:

• Jojoba oil
• Rosehip seed oil
• Camellia seed oil
• Bergamot oil
• Argan oil
• Cranberry seed Oil
• Black seed oil
• Blueberry seed oil 
• Castor oil

Each of these oils can be used to make effective and natural skincare products like serums, moisturizers, massage oils, face oils, head massage oils or can be added to face masks or hair masks. For example, you can mix lavender essential oil with some jojoba oil or coconut oil to make a soothing yet antibacterial massage oil. 

Concluding Thoughts

Expeller pressed oils are made using a screw like mechanism which releases the oils by crushing and moving the raw material between the screw. Cold pressed oils, on the other hand, are made by pressing the raw material. Expeller pressed oils result in more oil and hence are also lesser expensive compared to cold pressed oils. This also means that cold pressed oils are more nutrient dense and excellent for using in skincare products. Understanding your desired output with carrier oils can help select the right fit for you. 

When buying cold pressed oils for your business, make sure to select a supplier that offers freshly pressed oils with a certificate of analysis. Aromachology oils specializes in high grade cold pressed oils for making cosmetics, skincare or diluting essential oils. Choose from a wide range of wholesale essential oils, CO2 extracts, oleoresins and more from our B2B e-store.