The Efamol Extraction Process

GLA is an unstable substance, highly sensitive to oxidation by exposure to the air, so the way in which evening primrose oil is processed can significantly affect its stability and biological activity. Efamol has developed its own gentle extraction technique, called hexane extraction, which preserves the oil in a similar condition to that found in the seed, ensuring that it's both pure and of premium quality. The oil does not need further chemical purification or refining, greatly reducing the likelihood of oxidisation and degradation.

Many other evening primrose oils are extracted by a process called 'cold-pressing', in which seeds are squeezed at very high pressure. However, this is only really suitable for seeds containing 40 or 50% oil and has an extremely detrimental effect when applied to seeds like Evening Primrose, that contain only 20 - 25% oil:

• While the seeds themselves aren't heated prior to pressing, the process raises the temperature of the oil extracted to over 150°C, which is very damaging.
• The oil emerging from the press is 'dirty' and readily deteriorates when in contact with air.
• The oil must be refined prior to use, which strips it of valuable minor components and further increases the risk of oxidation.

Whereas our unique extraction process preserves more than integrity of the oil. Efamol Pure Evening Primrose Oil contains 4 times as many anti-oxidants like vitamin E, phospholipids and sterols than pressed and refined alternatives.