How to Make Essential Oils: Expert Tips and Tricks

Essential oils are the concentrated aromatic compounds found in plants, capturing the very essence of leaves, flowers, bark, roots, and fruit peels in just a few precious drops. But how do we actually go from plant to bottle?

Whether you're curious about small-batch craft or industrial-scale production, understanding how to make essential oils is a journey into the art and science of botanical extraction. Let’s explore the techniques used to draw these oils out of nature—and why each method matters.

What Are Essential Oils?

Essential oils are volatile aromatic compounds found in certain parts of plants. These natural compounds are what give herbs, flowers, and fruits their distinctive fragrance. In nature, they help protect plants from pests and attract pollinators. For us, they’re the source of beautifully fragrant oils used in everything from skincare and perfumery to diffusers and candles.

Because they’re highly concentrated, essential oils must be produced carefully to preserve the integrity of their scent and to ensure they’re safe for use.

How to Make Essential Oils: Overview of Methods

There’s more than one way to extract essential oils from plants. Each method is chosen based on the type of plant, the part of the plant being used, and the intended use of the final oil.

The most common extraction methods include:

• Steam distillation
  

• Cold pressing (expression)
  

• Solvent extraction
  

• CO₂ extraction
  

• Enfleurage (rare but beautiful)
  

• Maceration or infusion (for non-essential but aromatic oils)
  

Let’s break each one down.

Steam Distillation: The Most Common Method

Steam distillation is the most traditional and widely used technique for making essential oils. It’s especially effective for herbs, flowers, and woody plant materials like leaves, bark, and roots.

 How It Works:

1. Plant material is placed in a distillation chamber.
   

2. Steam passes through the plant, vaporizing the aromatic compounds.
   

3. These vapors travel through a condenser, where they cool and return to liquid form.
   

4. The resulting liquid separates into essential oil and hydrosol (floral water).
   

5. The essential oil is collected from the top, as it typically floats on water.
   

 Best For:

• Lavender
  

• Peppermint
  

• Eucalyptus
  

• Rosemary
  

• Tea tree
  

Steam distillation is widely used because it preserves the purity of the plant’s scent while avoiding harsh chemicals.

Cold Pressing: For Citrus Oils

Cold pressing—also known as expression—is used for oils extracted from the peels of citrus fruits.

Unlike steam distillation, cold pressing doesn’t involve heat, which makes it ideal for maintaining the bright, top-note aromas of citrus.

How It Works:

1. The outer peel of the citrus fruit is mechanically pressed or grated.
   

2. The pressure breaks open oil sacs in the rind.
   

3. Oil is collected and separated from any juice or pulp.
   

Best For:

• Orange
  

• Lemon
  

• Lime
  

• Bergamot
  

• Grapefruit
  

Cold-pressed citrus oils are known for their fresh, zesty, and vibrant scent.

Solvent Extraction: For Delicate Aromatics

Some flowers and plant materials are too delicate to be steam-distilled. In these cases, solvent extraction is used to pull out the aromatic compounds without using heat.

How It Works:

1. Plant material is soaked in a food-grade solvent (like hexane).
   

2. This pulls out the fragrant molecules, along with waxes and resins.
   

3. The solvent is evaporated, leaving behind a solid substance called a “concrete”.
   

4. The concrete is then treated with alcohol to remove waxes, leaving a highly aromatic liquid called an “absolute”.
   

Best For:

• Jasmine
  

• Rose
  

• Tuberose
  

• Violet
  

Solvent extraction is commonly used in high-end perfumery and natural fragrances.

CO₂ Extraction: Precision Meets Purity

CO₂ extraction is a modern, highly controlled method that uses pressurized carbon dioxide to extract essential oils. It’s known for producing oils that are very close to the plant’s original scent and chemical makeup.

How It Works:

1. CO₂ gas is pressurized until it becomes “supercritical,” meaning it behaves like both a liquid and a gas.
   

2. In this state, it acts as a solvent to extract oils from the plant.
   

3. Once the pressure is released, the CO₂ evaporates, leaving behind a pure essential oil.
   

Best For:

• Frankincense
  

• Calendula
  

• Ginger
  

• Turmeric
  

• Vanilla

CO₂ extracts are often thicker, richer, and more true-to-life than steam-distilled versions.

Enfleurage: An Artisanal Rarity

Enfleurage is a centuries-old method that’s rarely used today due to its labor-intensive process, but it’s romantic and fascinating.

How It Works:

1. Fresh flower petals are layered onto a sheet of odorless animal fat or vegetable oil.
   

2. The flowers are replaced daily until the fat is saturated with fragrance.
   

3. The fragrant fat is then processed with alcohol to extract the oil.
   

Best For:

• Gardenia
  

• Tuberose
  

• Jasmine

This method creates what’s called a “pomade,” later turned into an absolute. It’s mostly used in boutique perfumery.

Infused Oils (Maceration): Not Essential Oils, But Still Useful

Infused oils aren’t technically essential oils, but they’re a valuable way to extract aromatic and cosmetic properties from herbs and flowers.

How It Works:

1. Dried plant material is soaked in a carrier oil (like jojoba or olive oil).
   

2. The oil is stored in a warm, dark place for several weeks.
   

3. The mixture is strained and bottled for use.
   

Best For:

• Calendula
  

• Chamomile
  

• Arnica
  

• Comfrey

These oils are gentler than essential oils and are often used in skincare for their nourishing cosmetic properties.

Can You Make Essential Oils at Home?

While you can’t replicate commercial extraction techniques like CO₂ or solvent extraction at home, you can experiment with small-scale steam distillation or infusion.

For Steam Distillation:

You’ll need:

• A large pot with a lid
  

• Plant material (like lavender or mint)
  

• A heat-safe bowl and cold water
  

• Ice and a collection jar
  

It takes practice, but it’s possible to create small amounts of essential oil.

For Infusions:

Infused oils are a great beginner project. Combine dried botanicals with a neutral carrier oil, let them steep for 2–4 weeks, and strain. While not essential oils, they’re perfect for skin and body care blends.

Tips for Making or Buying Essential Oils

• Use high-quality, pesticide-free plant material.
  

• Know which method suits your chosen plant.
  

• Avoid ingesting essential oils or applying undiluted oils directly to skin.
  

• Store oils in dark glass bottles away from heat and sunlight.

If you’re not making your own, choosing a trusted supplier, like Wholesale Botanics, ensures your oils are pure, properly extracted, and handled with care.

Master How to Make Essential Oils

Making essential oils is a fascinating blend of chemistry, craft, and nature. Each extraction method, from steam to CO₂, reveals a different side of the plant’s personality. Some are bright and fresh; others are deep and grounding. But all capture the beauty of botanicals in their purest aromatic form.

Whether you’re exploring DIY infusions or just curious about what goes into your favorite bottle of oil, learning how to make essential oils is a beautiful first step in deepening your appreciation for this ancient and aromatic art.