Essential Oils & Floral Absolutes

Essential oils, or essence oils, are volatile oils extracted from botanical material that carry the fragrant signature of that material. Essential oils are commonly extracted using steam distillation, expression and water distillation. However, some plants do not produce an essential oil or cannot withstand the heat of steam distillation. Instead, these delicate materials produce what is called an Absolute Oil.

Absolute oils are fragrant compounds extracted from aromatic material, usually delicate florals such as rose, gardenia, lily, jasmine or boronia. Absolute oils are extracted with the use of hexane and/or a chemical solvent. The extraction process produces a concrete, a waxy-semi solid substance that is later treated with ethyl alcohol to extract the absolute oil. The essence of delicate flowers is also obtained through the process known as enfleurage and in modern day - CO2 Extraction.

Used in spiritual practices and natural perfumery, essential oils react differently to each person. Both skin type and the location of where a perfume is applied play an important role in the use of essential oils in natural perfume. Skin may react negatively to essential oils. Undiluted essential oils should never be worn directly on the skin and are not recommended for internal use. Children, infants and the elderly are more susceptible to skin reaction.

All of our essential oils and floral absolutes are derived from 100% pure & natural botanical sources.