Skin can change significantly during and after cancer treatment. Many people experience increased dryness, sensitivity, and a feeling that the skin barrier has become more fragile.
This article explores CO2 botanical extracts and how they are used in skincare for sensitive, dry and treatment-affected skin.
What are CO2 extracts?
CO2 extracts are highly concentrated botanical extracts created using pressurised carbon dioxide to gently draw out beneficial compounds from plant material.
This method avoids the use of harsh solvents and high heat, helping to preserve the natural composition of delicate botanicals such as calendula flowers, sea buckthorn, chamomile and rosehip seeds.
The result is a pure, concentrated plant extract used in skincare designed for sensitive and reactive skin.
How are CO2 extracts made?
CO2 extraction uses carbon dioxide under pressure to separate beneficial compounds from plant material.
Under specific conditions, CO2 becomes a “supercritical” fluid, meaning it behaves like both a liquid and a gas. In this state, it can gently extract plant compounds without damaging their structure.
The plant material is placed in a sealed chamber, and pressurised CO2 is passed through it. Once extraction is complete, the CO2 is removed, leaving behind a concentrated botanical extract.
This process is considered a gentle and efficient way of preserving plant compounds without exposure to harsh solvents or high temperatures.
Why CO2 extracts are used in sensitive skin skincare
CO2 extracts are valued in skincare because they are:
Highly concentrated
They contain a rich profile of plant compounds in small amounts, making them effective at low concentrations.
Gentle in formulation
They are created without harsh solvents or high heat, making them suitable for sensitive and easily irritated skin.
Naturally rich in plant compounds
They retain the natural composition of the plant, including fatty acids, lipids and botanical actives.
These qualities make them particularly suitable for skin that feels dry, fragile or sensitive during and after cancer treatment.
Key CO2 botanical extracts used in skincare
At Brave Crab, we select CO2 extracts known for their gentle and skin-compatible properties.
Sea Buckthorn CO2 Extract
Sea buckthorn is a nutrient-rich botanical oil traditionally used in skincare for dry and sensitive skin.
It is naturally rich in essential fatty acids and plant compounds that help support the skin barrier and maintain comfort in dry or fragile-feeling skin.
Calendula CO2 Extract
Calendula is a well-known botanical used in skincare for its gentle, soothing properties.
It is commonly used in formulations designed for sensitive or reactive skin, particularly where the skin feels easily irritated or delicate.
Chamomile CO2 Extract
Chamomile is used in skincare for its calming properties.
In CO2 extract form, it is often included in formulations designed to support skin that feels dry, tight or sensitive.
Rosehip CO2 Extract
Rosehip is a botanical oil rich in essential fatty acids and naturally occurring plant compounds.
It is widely used in skincare to support skin softness, hydration and overall skin quality in dry or stressed-feeling skin.
How CO2 extracts are used in Brave Crab formulations
At Brave Crab, we use carefully selected CO2 extracts in balm formulations designed for sensitive, dry and treatment-affected skin.
Our formulations are created to:
- support skin comfort
- help maintain the skin’s natural barrier
- provide gentle nourishment for delicate skin
- feel soft and comforting on application
Each ingredient is chosen for its compatibility with skin that feels more reactive or fragile than usual.
A gentle introduction to CO2 extracts
This article offers a brief introduction to CO2 botanical extracts and their use in skincare for sensitive and treatment-affected skin.
At Brave Crab, we believe it is important to understand what goes into the products you use on your skin, especially when your skin feels more delicate or reactive than usual.
CO2 extracts are one of the ways we select and include botanical ingredients that are gentle, effective, and carefully suited to sensitive skin needs.
This sits within a wider approach to skincare focused on comfort, skin compatibility, and ingredient transparency.
REFERENCES
[1] Koskovac, M., Cupara, S., Kipic, M., Barjaktarevic, A., Milovanovic, O., Kojicic, K., & Markovic, M. (2017). Sea buckthorn oil—A valuable source for cosmeceuticals. Cosmetics, 4(4), 40.
https://www.mdpi.com/2079-9284/4/4/40?uid=65253c6d69
[2] Cruceriu, D., Balacescu, O., & Rakosy, E. (2018). Calendula officinalis: potential roles in cancer treatment and palliative care. Integrative cancer therapies, 17(4), 1068-1078.
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/1534735418803766
[3] Ferreira, E. B., Vasques, C. I., Jesus, C. A. C., & Reis, P. E. D. (2015). Topical effects of Chamomilla Recutita in skin damage: A literature review. Pharmacologyonline, 3(2015-), 123-130.
[4] Abedi, A., Dianati, M., & Gilasi, H. (2020). Effect of Chamomile Extract on Prevention of Peristomal Skin Complications. Medical-Surgical Nursing Journal, 9(4).
https://brieflands.com/articles/msnj-111795
[5] Lei, Z., Cao, Z., Yang, Z., Ao, M., Jin, W., & Yu, L. (2019). Rosehip oil promotes excisional wound healing by accelerating the phenotypic transition of macrophages. Planta Medica, 85(07), 563-569.
https://www.thieme-connect.com/products/ejournals/abstract/10.1055/a-0725-8456