Introducing the Seed Theory Extraction Lab

Welcome to the new Seed Theory Extraction Lab! For the last several months we’ve been working behind the scenes to make our active plant ingredients even more potent and effective. We’ve cut out the middle man so that we can work directly with the farms that actually grow the botanicals that we use in all of our products to keep your skin beautiful and healthy. Come with me on a little science journey, and I think you’ll see why this is such an exciting time for me and why it all matters.

It all starts with plant extracts. An extract is a solution of chemical compounds that have been removed from plant tissue. An essential oil is an extract that is made with steam. An infused olive oil with rosemary is an extract. Your morning cup of coffee is an extract. In each case, certain compounds within the plant tissues are being extracted and turned into a usable form (I doubt anyone would choose eating a handful of coffee grounds over a morning cup of joe). 

To maximize the benefits and efficacy of our plant extracts, we have developed a 2-stage extraction method. The first stage is a vegetable glycerin extraction. I grind the plant material and add it to the glycerin solution where it will cold-extract for 30 days with daily mixing. For the second stage, I again grind the plant material and extract it with a 95% alcohol solution over 48 hours. Next, I slowly evaporate off the alcohol with a specialized piece of equipment called a stir plate, which warms the extract to 40ºC and constantly stirs the solution. This ensures that all of the alcohol evaporates without damaging the beneficial compounds. Finally, I resuspend the extracted compounds into a solution of water, glycerin, and phytic acid.

To make the final extract, I combine the glycerin and alcohol extracts together and filter them to remove any particulates. The end result is a high-potency extract that is completely alcohol free and can be stored without any need for preservatives. All in, it takes about 35-40 days to craft each extract–so, why go to all that trouble?

Well, as a formulator, it’s incredibly important to me to have as much control of my ingredients as possible. By working directly with farmers, I can source ingredients as locally as possible; I can ensure that all of my plant material is grown ethically and in an environmentally conscious way; and, I can ensure that the potency of the extracts is consistent and is as effective as possible in treating a variety of skin concerns without any harsh ingredients or residual chemicals.

It can be a lot work, but it’s all worth it to unlock the full potential of plants as active, effective skincare!