Cosmetic extractions

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Throughout the centuries, a variety of techniques have been employed to extract active ingredients from botanicals. Solvent-based extraction is one such methodology. After segregating the plant material into its constituent parts (e.g., leaves, stems, fruits, branches, roots, etc.), the part with the desired active(s) is chosen, macerated (or similarly processed) and placed into the solvent. Plant materials that are soluble in the solvent are dissolved, leaving insoluble materials behind. The great interest in developing natural ingredients that deliver a cosmetically active natural ingredient continues to drive research in the personal care industry. New methodologies are being developed. This article will present a general review of extraction technology and how it might be expanded to new applications.