At Actifs Précieux , we believe the time has come to move on, for regulatory, ecological, sensory, and scientific reasons.
What is Hexane Extraction?
Hexane is an organic solvent from the aliphatic hydrocarbon family, derived from the distillation of crude oil. It is used to extract aromatic compounds from delicate flowers such as rose, jasmine, and tuberose. The process typically involves:
Soaking the petals in hexane to produce a semi-solid material called a “concrete.” Purifying this concrete with ethanol to obtain a “rose absolute” used in fine fragrance.
While cost-effective and historically widespread, this process now presents several major limitations.
What the Regulations Say
1. EU Cosmetic Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009
This regulation mandates that all substances in cosmetic products must be safe for human health. Hexane is not permitted as an ingredient, but may be used as a processing solvent only if residual levels are strictly controlled.
2. Residual Solvents Guideline
Hexane is classified as a Class 2 solvent: a substance with known toxicity, to be strictly limited. The maximum allowable residue in an extract is 290 ppm (0.029%). Extracts exceeding this level are non-compliant with international standards (EU, USA, Japan).
3. Organic Labels – COSMOS, Ecocert, NATRUE
These standards strictly prohibit any extraction using petrochemical solvents, including hexane. Even if the solvent is evaporated, its use in the process makes the extract non-certifiable as organic. 🔗 COSMOS Standard – Version 4.0
4. EU Regulation on Food Flavourings – EC No 1334/2008
To be declared “natural,” a flavour must be extracted using physical, enzymatic, or microbial methods — not with toxic solvents. Hexane is excluded in most cases. A rose absolute extracted with hexane cannot be used as a natural flavouring in Europe.
Why Hexane Also Fails Technically
➤ Toxic Residue Risk
Even after evaporation, trace amounts of hexane may remain in the absolute, especially if the process is not rigorously controlled. Hexane is:
Neurotoxic Classified as potentially toxic to reproduction (H361f – ECHA) Volatile and flammable, requiring ATEX-certified industrial facilities.
➤ Sensory Degradation
While hexane is efficient, it extracts indiscriminately: capturing desirable molecules, but also waxes, pigments, and unwanted compounds. Fragile aromatic molecules may be damaged or altered, resulting in a loss of the true scent profile of the flower.
The Alternative: DeepCapt Supercritical CO₂ Extraction
At Actifs Précieux , we use a clean, high-precision technology: supercritical carbon dioxide extraction (CO₂ SC).
This method involves:
Bringing CO₂ to a supercritical state (between liquid and gas) under controlled pressure and temperature. Using this fluid to gently extract aromatic and active molecules, without toxic solvents, and without destructive heat.
Key Advantages:
Zero residue: CO₂ fully evaporates at the end of the process Low temperatures (30–45°C): fragile compounds are preserved Full spectrum: the extract retains the plant’s original molecular signature Approved for use in organic, pharmaceutical, and food-grade products
What Do We Mean by “Vibrational Extract”?
At Actifs Précieux , “vibrational” — it refers to an extract that is alive, faithful, and undistorted, made using a process that respects the molecular and energetic integrity of the plant.
It involves three scientific dimensions:
Molecular fidelity: key aromatic and active compounds are preserved in their natural form. Intact bioactivity: antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, or neuroactive properties remain fully functional. Energetic coherence: studies in biophotonics and sensitive crystallization show that gentle methods preserve a vibrational structure close to that of the living plant.
A “vibrational extract” is therefore complete, coherent, and informed, capable of resonating with the human body, both sensorially and biologically.
Conclusion
Extracting a rose with a fossil-based solvent is a contradiction.
What we gain in yield, we lose in soul.
At Actifs Précieux , we believe innovation must serve life. Botanical extraction should not be an industrial act of aggression : but a molecular sculpture, a gentle and respectful conversation with nature.
We have chosen a purer science, without compromise , So that the rose remains… a rose.
Diane Heals
