Choose Essential Oils & CO2 Extracts Over Fragrances

Fragrances are at once wildly popular and deeply controversial. Celebrities, including Ariana Grande, have launched hundred-million-dollar perfume lines, driving an industry worth an estimated $9 Billion in the United States. At the same time, scientists warn that “fragrance molecules” and volatile organic compounds may trigger serious health issues, including acute and chronic conditions. 

People use “scents as aromatherapy to feel better and to induce change in our mood and thought pattern,” Dr. Alan R. Hirsch, a neurologist specializing in the treatment of smell and taste loss, told the Tampa Bay Times. Yet not all scents are created equal.

Essential oils and supercritical CO2 extracts offer a safe alternative to traditional fragrances, empowering consumers to experience scents that are closer to nature. 

We Never Use Synthetic Fragrances. Here’s Why:

First, what are fragrances, and what risks do they pose? Fragrances are synthetic or natural compounds used to create scents. They are made from a blend of chemical ingredients, some derived from natural sources like flowers or spices, and others synthetically produced to mimic or enhance certain smells. 

Public health experts like Dr. Seema Patel write that “consumerism trends have led to the excess usage of these chemicals.” Today, there are more than 3,500 fragrance chemicals used throughout products like perfumes, soaps, and cleaning supplies. 

These synthetic fragrances and fragranced products can contain endocrine disruptors, contributing to the disruption of homeostasis — the body’s natural balance. Outside of serious health implications, fragrances can irritate the skin and sinuses, and can be perceived as overpowering and artificial.

Why We Love Using Certified Organic Essential Oils in Our Products

Essential oils, on the other hand, are extracts isolated from aromatic plants. They have been used for thousands of years, with recorded use dating to ancient India, Persia, and Egypt. 

Most essential oils are distilled. Plant matter, such as lavender, is placed in a still, and steam is used to extract the aromatic oils through a condenser. The oil separates from distilled water, and is captured. This process is simple, and requires no artificial additives. Some oils, such as citrus oils, may be created through expression, or directly squeezing oil from the peel of the fruit. Today, essential oils are widely used in cosmetics, foods, and diffusers.

Why We Feel Supercritical CO2 Extraction is Superior to Other Extraction Methods

Supercritical CO2 extraction takes a different, more modern approach to isolating natural aromatic extracts. Many producers consider CO2 extracts to be a game-changer, more pure even than essential oils. As a result, these extracts are becoming increasingly popular. 

Like distillation, CO2 extraction is a clean and safe method for extracting plant botanicals. Instead of water, it uses carbon dioxide as a solvent. Supercritical CO2 is highly pressurized and temperature controlled, behaving as both a fluid and a gas. Once the supercritical fluid with plant extract has been collected, pressure is released from the system, leaving behind only natural botanicals. This extraction process is also much faster than traditional distillation, allowing for commercial production of natural extracts at increased scale.

We Only Use Essential Oils and CO2 Extracts, Never Fragrances

Both essential oils and CO2 extracts present a clean, more natural alternative to the layered, synthetic notes of traditional fragrances. By harnessing the pure essence of natural botanicals, these extracts provide a safer, cleaner, and more authentic sensory experience.

As consumers become increasingly aware of the risks associated with synthetic fragrances, the demand for natural alternatives continues to grow. By choosing products crafted with essential oils and CO2 extracts, shoppers can enjoy captivating aromas without compromising their well-being or the environment. For those especially sensitive to scents, completely scent-free products are increasingly available, including from The Healing Rose.

At The Healing Rose, we use only natural extracts in our products, enhancing the effects and benefits of certified organic cannabinoids with powerful, clean botanical essences. Explore our certified organic topicals, tinctures and more in our shop.