Lavender Extraction: Infusion vs. Distillation Unveiled

At LETIME, we’re passionate about caring for you, caring for nature, and using plant science to nurture healthy skin and hair. Our ADI, an automatic herbal infuser and distiller, simplifies extracting lavender’s potent phyto compounds through infusion and distillation. What are differences between infusion and distillation?

These methods differ in their scientific principles, extracted molecules, and applications. Using lavender as an example, let’s explore how each process works and their benefits, crafted with LETIME’s sustainable precision.

Lavender Infusion: Solvent-Based Extraction

Infusion extracts lavender’s bioactive compounds by steeping its flowers or leaves in a solvent, such as oil or water, leveraging solubility to transfer molecules. This process is ideal for capturing stable, non-volatile components.

• Methods:

  • Cold Infusion: Lavender flowers soak in oils like jojoba at room temperature for 4–6 weeks, preserving heat-sensitive molecules via passive diffusion.

  • Hot Infusion: Lavender is steeped in warmed oil for 2–12 hours, accelerating extraction by enhancing molecular mobility.

• Phyto Compounds: Yields lipophilic compounds, including fatty acids, carotenoids, and traces of flavonoids (e.g., luteolin). These molecules offer emollient and antioxidant properties.

• Extraction Benefits: Infusion retains lavender’s nourishing lipids, ideal for skin and hair repair. Cold infusion minimizes oxidation, while hot infusion boosts yield. The process is low-energy, aligning with LETIME’s eco-friendly ethos.

• Uses:

  • Skin: Lavender-infused oil reduces transepidermal water loss, soothing dry or irritated skin in serums or balms.

  • Hair: Scalp massages with infused oil strengthen follicles and enhance shine.

The ADI’s infusion mode maintains optimal temperatures for warm infusion, ensuring efficient, sustainable lavender oil production at home.

Lavender Distillation: Thermal Vapor Extraction

Distillation uses steam to volatilize lavender’s aromatic compounds, condensing them into hydrosols and essential oils. This thermal process isolates volatile molecules, distinct from infusion’s stable compounds.

• Methods:

  • Steam Distillation: Steam (100°C) passes through lavender flowers, capturing vapors that condense into hydrosols and essential oils.

  • Hydrodistillation: Lavender is boiled in water, used for denser plant parts but less common for flowers.

• Phyto Compounds: Extracts volatile terpenes (e.g., linalool, linalyl acetate) and phenols with antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and calming properties.

• Extraction Benefits: Distillation isolates lavender’s aromatic essence, producing lightweight hydrosols unattainable through infusion. The ADI’s distillation mode optimizes steam flow for pure, eco-friendly hydrosols.

• Uses:

  • Skin: Lavender hydrosol balances pH and reduces inflammation, ideal as a toner for oily or acne-prone skin.

  • Hair: Hydrosol mists hydrate scalps and tame frizz, offering residue-free moisture.

Infusion vs. Distillation: Lavender’s Dual Potential

Infusion captures lavender’s lipid-rich compounds for deep nourishment, while distillation yields volatile aromatics for lightweight care. The ADI empowers you to master both, blending science and sustainability.

ADI: automatic herbal infuser and distiller