Steam Distillation: How Botanical Oils Are Extracted

Steam distillation is one of the oldest and most trusted ways to separate aromatic compounds from plant material. Steam passes through the botanical mass, volatilizes aromatic molecules, then condenses into oil and hydrosol fractions.

Why it matters to buyers

Distillation parameters — temperature, time, plant freshness, and equipment — shape yield and olfactory character. Two “peppermint oils” can smell different if process and origin differ.

Oil + water, two valuable outputs

Essential oil collects as the hydrophobic phase. Floral water (hydrosol) is the aromatic aqueous phase. Brands that understand both can design complementary products from the same botanical story.

Learn more on our steam distillation page, then explore oils and hydrosols that fit your next launch.