Why “Cold Pressed” Oils??? What’s special with them?

I always give preference for the ingredients, the possible unit processes that can be involved in manufacturing, while choosing the personal care products. Many facts about the manufacturing processes of cosmetics may sound simple. But they’re crucial in predicting the nature and quality of the final product. Today, I would like to share something related to the manufacturing of oils.

Most of us are aware of the importance of choosing cold pressed oils for skincare and haircare. But many people may not know the reason why we insist on “Cold Pressed oils”. 

Our eyes keep striking on the term “Cold Pressed “ oils whenever we search for facial oils or carrier oils for hair. How do they differ from the other oils?

Well, this topic includes the different unit operations that normally used in the Chemical Process industries to extract oil from seeds.

By reading further, you would know why we should focus on “Cold Pressed” oils .

Normally oil is extracted from the seeds by any of these methods.

1.Solvent extraction

2.Expeller extraction 

3.Cold pressed Process 

Let’s take the most common methods carried out in the industries.

In Solvent extraction, to be very simple, the seeds are first ground up into a paste and then washed with a solvent (mostly Hexane - a petroleum distillate). The solvent is used to extract all the oil from the seed. So, the next step is the removal of this solvent from the extracted oil. It includes further processing like heating ( higher temperatures like 100’c )bleaching, deodorizing etc.

At the end of the process, there are chances for the final product (Oil) to contain a very small percentage of hexane (or the solvent ) in it. And also, the oil may get oxidized by the influence of high temperature which can alter the chemical properties of the oil.But, this method is of high efficiency and the yield is up-to 99%. Which makes the process and the product  the Cheapest.

Now, let’s read about cold pressed oils. Cold pressing is carried out at a lower temperature (27’-30’). In this process, the seeds are pressed under high pressure in a hydraulic press or any other presses. There is no chemicals or temperature involved in this process. And the efficiency is usually 60-70% or less. Hence the final product is more expensive.

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This is how Cold Pressed oils are superior and expensive than the solvent extracted oils. It is safe to use cold pressed oils for skincare / haircare. The carrier oils which are not labeled as “Cold Pressed”may be processed under solvent extraction or Expeller extraction.