Solvent Extraction

In this method, solvents like hexane and ethanol are used to isolate essential oils from delicate plant material such as fragile flowers like jasmine, hyacinth, and tuberose. It is best suited for plant materials that yield low amounts of essential oil, that are largely resinous, or that are unable to withstand the pressure and distress of steam or water distillation. Maceration, Enfleurage, and Hypercritical CO2 (carbon dioxide) are among the different methods that comprise solvent extraction.