Glossary
Cold pressed means an oil has been mechanically expressed from plant material, most often citrus peel, rather than steam distilled.
What Cold Pressed Means
For citrus oils, cold pressing usually means the peel is mechanically pressed so the aromatic oil from tiny peel glands can be collected. This method helps preserve the bright, fresh character associated with many citrus peel oils.
Why It Matters
Cold-pressed citrus oils can smell especially fresh and lively, but extraction method can also affect safety. Some cold-pressed citrus oils may contain compounds linked with phototoxicity, while distilled or FCF versions may have different safety considerations.
Example in Essential Oil Use
Lemon, sweet orange, grapefruit, mandarin, lime, and bergamot oils are often cold pressed from the peel. Cold-pressed bergamot and expressed lime are important examples to check for phototoxicity guidance before topical use.