Nature always seems to get it right, especially when it comes to beautiful flowers that grace landscapes all across the world. Their sweet scents capture the mind, body and spirit, and when we extract their fragrances for essential oils, a steam distilling process is used to obtain these unique, aromatic liquid compounds.
Absolute oils take the fragrance journey another step further to the ultimate in concentrated levels. Some delicate flowers require another method for extracting their precious, fragrant oils. Instead of steam distillation, solvent extraction is used.
A solvent can be a chemical or alcohol. During solvent extraction, a solvent is combined with plant material in a sterilised environment. The process leaves no residue behind and creates a highly concentrated absolute oil.
Those who enjoy using absolute oils say they deliver a powerful aromatherapy experience. The oils are often diluted in a massage carrier oil and applied to the skin or diffused in an oil burner.
If you have ever smelled jasmine in perfume, it's hard to forget its exotic, seductive floral-wooded essence. In fact, jasmine is found in 83 per cent of women's fragrances.
Jasmine absolute oil is made via a solvent extraction and is also found in a large variety of soaps, creams, skincare lotions and more. You can make your own skincare and beauty products using absolute oil. For example, jasmine absolute oil can be blended with other oils that include bergamot, frankincense carteri, ginger root CO2 and Australian sandalwood.
Jasmine absolute oil can be added to body creams and lotions at a 1-2 per cent dilution. A popular concoction for bubble baths involves adding one drop of jasmine absolute oil with one drop each of sweet orange and Indian sandalwood. Try it at home for an incredibly aromatic and relaxing bath experience.
For anti-aging skincare, many people apply a diluted version of jasmine absolute oil to their face and neck. Remember to always dilute jasmine absolute oil in a carrier oil like almond oil, jojoba oil or lavender oil before applying it on your skin.
A complex, sweet floral scent would best describe the fragrance emitted by rose absolute oil. It's also common to pick up subtle scents of citrus, honey, musk, and spice in the oil. It is a gorgeous fragrance and also popular in the perfume and aromatic industries like jasmine. When used in aromatherapy, it is believed to create a sense of harmony and relieve tension.
Rose absolute oil is also made from solvent extraction and is often added as an emollient in skincare products. Like jasmine absolute oil, rose absolute oil is highly concentrated and should be used with a carrier oil for the best absorption and effects. For instance, dilute one drop of rose absolute oil with argan oil, and gently massage on your face for an elegant skincare treatment.
Some people find that rose absolute oil makes for an excellent skin refresher. Just add a few drops of rose absolute oil in an atomiser with water. Shake it well, and spritz onto the face (avoid getting in eyes) and body for an invigorating pick-me-up.
Nature has given the world many beautiful gifts, and absolute oils are just one of them. You can safely use these oils in your daily beauty and skincare regimens.
Discover an incredible line-up of absolute and carrier oils available at N-essentials.com.au.
