Sofact

C02 extraction, also known as sofact extraction, is one of the processes used in perfumery. This technique consists in extracting the essential oil contained in the product thanks to carbon dioxide in a supercritical state (fourth physical state, between liquid and gas). This innovative process is very environmentally friendly, and allows to reproduce the scent of the raw materials as precisely as possible.

 

Different extraction processes

Here are the different extraction processes for the raw materials used in perfumery: 

 

Raw materials for the perfumer's organ 

There are a total of 1000 natural and 3000 synthetic raw materials available. Therefore, perfumers can choose the ones they want to use according to their taste and they usually choose around 1000 (natural and synthetic). If they are independent, they will be free to choose their raw materials. However, if they work for a large company, they will be limited to the perfume organ (a piece of furniture that allows a professional to store and classify his vials of essential oils).

New materials are discovered and marketed every year, while others disappear, often due to increasingly strict legislation.

Similarly, over time, the techniques of extracting raw materials become more sophisticated and more complex. 

Namely, not all perfumers have access to the noble C02 extraction method or the sofact. 

 

 

What is C02 extraction, or sofact?

CO2 extraction, also known as sofact, is an extraction process carried out under high pressure, without excessive temperature loading, and without coming into contact with oxygen. The CO2 solvent, or carbon dioxide, is then in the supercritical state, i.e. in a form between the liquid and gas, which is generated at a pressure above 73 bars. The temperature is quite low (31° C), which also preserves all the molecules of the treated raw material.

The sofact technology is very innovative, but the process is quite simple. The raw material is placed in cylindrical baskets equipped with filters at both ends. These baskets are then placed in the extractor, where the C02 circulates in liquid form. The essential oil of the raw material is then dissolved in the C02. The pressure is then reduced, allowing the CO2 to recover its gaseous form. The fragrant extract is then collected in the separator, while the CO2 gas continues to flow and becomes liquid again, before being reused.

What is supercritical CO2 gas? 

Carbon dioxide or CO2 exists in 3 forms: solid, liquid and gaseous. The supercritical state of CO2 is actually the fourth state in which the gaseous and liquid states merge due to pressure and heating. 

Other uses of the sofact or extraction by C02  

This method is also used in the food industry to decaffeinate coffee, to de-nicotinate tobacco or to process hops into beer.

 

What are the advantages of CO2, or sofact extraction?

This extraction technique offers many benefits in terms of respect for the environment, the raw material and the quality of the scent obtained.

The raw material is treated with respect

Supercritical CO2 or sofact extraction is the most recent extraction process, and the one that allows to reproduce a scent as close as possible to the real smell of the raw material.

It is a clean and gentle modern technology, used by solvent. The latter heats up very little and leaves no trace of the product. This method is particularly effective for all low-volatile materials, such as spices. 

The special feature of the absolutes created is that they have remarkable olfactory qualities. Indeed, the perfumed products obtained are very faithful to the scent of the raw materials used in perfumery. However, they are also more expensive, as products treated with C02 are considered luxurious.

Environmentally friendly technique

Furthermore, C02 is a solvent recognised as non-hazardous and non-flammable, unlike hexane. It is therefore much safer to use. This gas is also recyclable and non-polluting, and therefore environmentally friendly (it could be described as a "green solvent"). It does not generate any greenhouse gases.

A new way of extracting odorous molecules

Given the growing interest in more natural and environmentally friendly products and due to strict environmental regulations, this innovative extraction technique is developing rapidly. 

State-of-the-art technology in all areas 

The sofact or CO2 extraction technique is an advanced technique used to process raw materials for perfumery, but it is intended to be used more and more for food and medicine.

 

Conclusion

The supercritical C02 extraction, or sofact, is a very ecological technique, that allows the rediscovery of classic perfumery products. To see the effects of this method, here is an interesting experiment to conduct: smell, for example, an absolute rose or a pink berry treated with a classic volatile solvent (hexane or benzene), then compare this scent with these same raw materials, treated with C02. In this way, you will be able to notice how much this technique preserves the original smell of the raw material: it is a real delight! The only drawback is, of course, its cost, which is more expensive.

 

Sylvaine Delacourte fragrances

Discover Sylvaine Delacourte's brand with her Orange Blossom, Musk and Vanilla Collections. You can try them thanks to the Discovery Boxes (5 Eaux de Parfum x 2 ml) and rediscover these raw materials as you have never smelled them before.