Different extraction methods

Herbs have complex constituents and have been used traditionally for hundreds of years in many different areas - for medicinal purposes taken internally, topically for a variety of ailments and in beauty products to nourish and beautify the skin. Extraction methods to obtain these constituents have been relatively unchanged over time apart from more commercial equipment and solvents being utilised. Click on this link for Different extraction methods

The skincare industry has had renewed interest in extracting these valuable constituents for cosmetic use. For the artisan skincare maker this has been an exciting development with the ability to make some of these extracts in an artisan skincare lab. For myself I have long been infusing herbs in oils to extract properties from herbs. Over the last year I have been exploring other methods of doing this. I would have to say oil extraction with the time honoured way of putting herbs in a jar and pouring over plant oil is still my most favourite method. However - it is so dang time consuming! Especially when you want to produce quality products in a limited amount of time. I would definitely call myself the “impatient formulator”!

Today I am focussing on the use of high proof undenatured ethanol to obtain an extract. Not rubbing alcohol or vodka! The herb I am using this time is lemon myrtle - a gorgeous Australian native with a distinct aroma. After infusing this for a couple of weeks and recharging or topping up the herbs a couple of times I am going to turn this into a gorgeous extract which can be used at low percentages in skincare products. I’ll post up the results as they happen.

Lemon Myrtle tincture in ethanol - Day 1. Keep an eye out for the finished result!