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Supercritical Fluid Extraction (SFE) is the process of separating one component (the extractant) from another (the matrix) using supercritical fluids as the extracting solvent. Extraction is usually from a solid matrix, but can also be from liquids. Supercritical fluids have been used as solvents for a wide variety of applications such as essential oil extraction and metal cation extraction.

Practically, more than 90% of all analytical supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) is performed with carbon dioxide (CO2) for several practice reasons. Apart from having relatively low critical pressure (74 bars) and temperature (32Co), CO2 is relatively non-toxic, nonflammable, noncorrosive, safe.

In terms of application, Essential oils derived from the supercritical CO2 extraction of herbs are similar to the oils produced through distillation in that they can be used in aromatherapy and natural perfumery.

Pros of Co2 Essential Oils :

• Co2 distillation of Essential Oils usually happens at a lower temperature than in the case of Steam Distillation, so many of the active constituents don’t die, and they remain at the same temperature. The supercritical extraction process operates at temperatures between 95 to 100 degrees F whereas steam distillation operates at temperatures between 140 to 212 degrees F.
• The CO2 extraction process might produce higher quality oils that have not been altered by the application of high heat, unlike the steam distillation process. In CO2 extraction, none of the constituents of the oil are damaged by heat.
• CO2 extracts are usually thicker than their essential oil counterparts and often give off more of the aroma of the natural herb, spice, or plant than a distilled essential oil.
• Co2 extracts are said to be more useful for purposes when more of the constituents of the raw material is needed in the extract and like in the flavor industry etc.

Cons of Co2 Essential Oils:

• The equipment, set up and operational cost of Co2 Essential Oils is costlier than normal essential oil.
• Co2 Essential oils are expensive than the steam distilled essential oils due to the process of distillation due to expensive machinery costs.
• The process of extraction of Co2 Essential Oils is complex than steam distilled oils and technical skills required to distill Co2 Essential Oils in higher than required for normal Essential Oils distillation.
• Co2 Essential Oils are usually processed at a greater speed than the normal essential oils.