What is the difference between pure essential oils and absolutes?

Pure essential oils and absolutes are both concentrated plant extracts used in aromatherapy, but they differ in the way they are obtained and their chemical composition.

Pure essential oils are obtained by steam distillation or cold pressing of the plant material, such as the leaves, flowers, or bark of the plant. During this process, the oil is separated from the plant material and collected in a separate container. This method yields a highly concentrated oil that is often volatile and can evaporate quickly. Pure essential oils are made up of various volatile compounds that give them their characteristic fragrance and therapeutic properties.

Absolutes, on the other hand, are obtained through a solvent extraction process, which is used to extract the essential oils from delicate flowers and plant materials that cannot withstand the high heat and pressure used in steam distillation. The plant material is soaked in a solvent, such as ethanol, to extract the essential oils, which are then separated from the solvent using a process of evaporation

One advantage of pure essential oils is that they are often more versatile and can be used for a wider range of purposes, including aromatherapy, cleaning, and topical use. They are also generally considered to be safer than absolutes, as they do not contain any residual solvents.