Microwave-assisted extraction for cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and fragrances
Microwave-assisted extraction for cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and fragrances
As consumers increasingly demand natural, clean-label cosmetics and wellness-driven fragrances, manufacturers are researching new greener solutions, including solvent-free extraction processes that preserve the full biological integrity of plant-based active ingredients.
High-efficiency extraction solutions
Microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) combined with ultrasonic technology, delivers superior yields, reduced processing times and novel compounds without organic solvents. This integrated dual-technology approach offers an energy-efficient solution for cosmetics, pharmaceutical compounds and fragrance ingredients.
Key advantages of microwave extraction
Novel bioactive compounds
Microwaves combined with ultrasounds offer novel bioactive compounds that are not accessible through conventional extraction methods
Solvent-free extraction
Extractions can be achieved without solvents to address the growing needs of the cosmetics and fragrance sectors, along with consumer demand for safer and more natural solutions
Higher yield
Microwaves and ultrasounds ensure maximum extraction efficiency, delivering high yields of target compounds compared to conventional methods
Faster extraction
Microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) can be performed in minutes compared to conventional methods that take hours
High repeatability
Consistent and reliable results across batches, ensuring process stability and compliance with pharmaceutical and cosmetic quality standards.
Flexibility
Microwave-assisted extraction can be used with a wide range of raw materials and process configurations, from flowers and roots to seeds and residual biomass
Sustainable extraction
Microwave-assisted extraction is fully electric, enabling solvent-free processes where applicable, reducing energy consumption and eliminating harmful emissions
Lower installation and energy costs
Microwaves and ultrasounds requires electricity and a water closed-loop circuit. No steam, no gas, no complex infrastructure!
High-value natural and bioactive extracts
From peppermint to green tea, passing through aloe vera, rosemary, lavender and chamomile, microwave-assisted extraction—whether combined with ultrasound or not—enhances your processes and stands as a key technology for developing the formulas of the future.
Flowers extraction
Microwave-assisted extraction is fast with a low-temperature processing (below 80°C). The aromatic and bioactive profile are preserved.
- Preservation of aromatic molecules and fragrance compounds
- Protection of thermosensitive actives
- Reduced solvent consumption
- High-quality extracts for perfumery & herbal use
Vanilla bean extraction
Using microwave-assisted extraction, vanillin and other key compounds can be efficiently recovered, enabling faster processes with less solvent and high-quality extracts.
- High vanillin yield with preserved aromatic complexity
- Extraction in minutes
- Reduced ethanol consumption for greener,cleaner extracts
- Prenium quality extracts for flavouring, cosmetics and perfurmery
Citrus fruits extraction
From lemon, orange, bergamot, and grapefruit, SAIREM extraction technology efficiently recovers key bioactive compounds, reducing processing time and solvent consumption
- High recovery of flabonoids, terpenes and essential oils
- Preservation of heat-sensitive vitamin C and antioxidant compounds
- Selective extraction of limonene, linalool and bergapten
Botanical extraction
From green tea and mint to rosemary, eucalyptus and moringa, microwave-assisted extraction (alone or combined with ultrasound) reduces solvent use and processing time
- Higher yield of polyphenols, flavonoids, bioactive compounds
- Compatible with water or oil-based extraction media
- Preservation of heat-sensitive active compounds such as antioxidants and essential oils
- Premium extracts for cosmetics, nutraceuticals, and fine fragrances
INNOXTRACT RANGE
Discover Sairem’s microwave and ultrasound assisted extractors
InnoXtract extraction systems reduce the processing time, offer high-yield extraction of bioactive compounds from plants, citrus fruits, botanical materials and beyond.
Our extraction systems InnoXtract are basedon Microwave-Assisted Extraction (MAE), with or without ultrasound. They reduce processing time significantly while preserving the quality and integrity of sensitive extracts.
Our range includes continuous tunnel systems and batch reactors. Our solutions adapt to your production scale — from R&D to full industrial output.
Everything you need to know about MAE technology and its applications in cosmetics, fragrance and pharmaceuticals
The microwave energy heats the solvent and plant matrix simultaneously, causing rapid cell rupture and accelerated release of aromatic compounds into the extraction medium.
When properly controlled, microwave-assisted extraction does not degrade sensitive compounds. On the contrary, the speed of the process, combined with precise temperature control, limits thermal exposure and preserves the organoleptic and physicochemical properties of sensitive aroma molecules. The jacketed reactor of the NutriXtract Batch further ensures precise temperature management, protecting heat-sensitive extracts throughout the process.
With microwave-assisted extraction, you get a richer, more complete aromatic extract in 30 seconds instead of hours — unlocking compounds like thymol and carvacrol that maceration simply cannot reach — while using less solvent, cutting production time dramatically, and keeping full control over the flavour profile you want to deliver.
The combination of microwave and ultrasound delivers superior extraction performance that neither technology can achieve alone. Microwave energy breaks down cell walls while ultrasound cavitation mechanically amplifies the release of active molecules. The result is higher extraction yields, a broader spectrum of bioactive compounds and better preservation of heat-sensitive molecules — all achieved in a shorter processing time and with reduced solvent consumption.
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